Toothache is undoubtedly the most common reason for a dental visit. It can happen at any time, any place, and to patients of all ages. But If you have a severe toothache that shows no signs of slowing down, a visit to an emergency dental clinic is the best answer.
An emergency dentist can quickly get you out of pain and deal with the problem. However, when appointment times dictate that you can’t see the dentist immediately, you’ll want to know how to alleviate toothache while you wait. The good news is that we can help with our easy, at-home toothache relief guide below.
5 Tips on How to Get Rid of Toothache
The following at-home remedies will help with toothache relief. Keep in mind, however, that these are temporary solutions that alleviate discomfort but only until you visit an emergency dentist.
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Take pain relievers
Medications can provide immediate toothache relief and can also help reduce swelling. Readily available pain relievers that are effective for toothaches include ibuprofen or aspirin.
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Apply a cold compress
Use an ice pack or cold compress. A cold compress can be used for targeted toothache relief when pressed against swelling gums around the affected tooth. Apply for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to ease discomfort.
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Do a salt water rinse
Most saltwater solutions recommend ½ a tablespoon of salt mixed with 8 oz of warm water. Then, gargle the solution two to three times a day. This incredibly effective disinfectant can reduce inflammation and lessen pain and discomfort.
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Swish the mouth with anti-bacterial mouthwash
One answer to the question, ‘how to get rid of toothache?’ is to use a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. Because most toothache is caused by a bacterial build-up, an anti-bacterial mouthwash is designed to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. Gently swish it around the oral cavity to provide gradual toothache relief.
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Try natural toothache remedies
If all else fails, or you prefer natural medicines, there are plenty of natural pain relievers such as clove oil, garlic pastes, vanilla extract, and peppermint tea bags. These have proven antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties for pain relief. Simply apply a small amount to a cotton ball and press it to the discomfort area.
Emergency Dentist for Toothache
Of course, good oral hygiene combined with regular visits should be sufficient to keep problem teeth and the possibility of toothache at bay. But, if you are plagued with tooth problems right now and want to know how to get rid of toothache, call our emergency dentist. They will tell you whether it’s a true dental emergency or to book an appointment at your earliest convenience. Either way, emergency toothache relief may involve:
- The removal of any decay and restore the tooth with a filling or crown
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extraction
- Antibiotics therapy
Be aware that some toothaches may also manifest systemic symptoms such as fever and facial swelling. So it’s best not to ignore toothache and, instead, always to seek professional dental advice.
Are you looking for a reliable emergency dentist?
Whether your toothache is caused by an accident, severe decay or infection, our emergency dental care at Bondi Beach Dental is second to none. We utilise the latest techniques combined with gentle dentistry to provide you with speedy toothache relief.
If you have a toothache, call (02) 9365 6197 today for an emergency dental consultation. Our experienced team will work to get you out of pain and treat the problem fast.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
PubMed Central – Pain management for dentists: the role of ibuprofen
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3414241/
Colgate – 4 Homemade Toothache Remedies
https://www.colgate.com/en-ph/oral-health/cavities/four-homemade-toothache-remedies-1116
WebMD – Toothache Home Remedies
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/home-remedies-toothache#:~:text=Until%20you%20can%20get%20to,food%20that%20may%20be%20stuck.
Cleveland Clinic – Toothache
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache
Healthline – 11 Home and Natural Remedies for Toothache Pain
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache