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How to stop toothache pain fast?

Calgary, AB
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By TruSmile Dental

A toothache can transform a delightful day into a nightmare. That persistent throb can make it difficult to focus, disrupt your sleep, and leave you reaching for the nearest bottle of pain relievers. While a throbbing tooth is certainly a cause for concern, there are steps you can take to manage the discomfort and get some much-needed relief until you see a dentist.

First Things First: Identify the Culprit

Not all toothaches are created equal. The type of pain you’re experiencing can offer clues about the underlying cause:

  • Sharp, shooting pain: This could indicate an exposed tooth nerve or a cracked tooth.
  • Dull, throbbing pain: This could be caused by a cavity, infected gums, or an abscess.
  • Constant pain: This is a sign of a more serious issue and requires immediate attention from a dentist.

Soothing the Savage Beast: Home Remedies for Relief

While a dentist visit is the ultimate solution for a toothache, here are some home remedies you can try to manage the discomfort until you get professional help:

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help dull the pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, near the affected tooth. The cold helps numb the area and reduce swelling.
  • Warm salt water rinse: Mix a teaspoon of table salt in a warm glass of water. Swish thoroughly for 30 seconds and spit. The warm salt water helps reduce inflammation and dislodge any food particles stuck around the tooth.
  • Clove oil: Clove oil has natural numbing properties. Dab a cotton swab with a diluted clove oil solution (mix one part clove oil with four parts vegetable oil) and apply it directly to the affected tooth. Be careful, clove oil can be strong, so use a very small amount.

Brushing and Flossing? Yes, Even With a Toothache

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, even when you have a toothache. Gently brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and floss around the affected tooth to remove any food particles or debris that could worsen the pain.

Dietary SOS: What to Eat (and Avoid) When Your Tooth Throbs

Certain foods can irritate your toothache. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Do eat: Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and soups. These are gentle on your teeth and easy to chew.
  • Avoid: Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods like nuts, chips, candy, and raw vegetables. These can put additional pressure on your already sensitive tooth.

Don’t Wait Until the Pain Becomes Unbearable: See a Dentist ASAP

While home remedies can offer temporary relief, seeing a dentist is crucial to address the underlying cause of your toothache and prevent future problems. Here’s why a prompt visit is important:

  • Early diagnosis and treatment: Early intervention can prevent the problem from worsening and potentially becoming more expensive to treat.
  • Identifying the cause: A dentist can diagnose the exact cause of your toothache and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. This could involve a filling, root canal, or extraction, depending on the severity of the issue.
  • Preventing complications: Left untreated, a toothache can lead to serious complications like tooth loss, jawbone infection, and even sepsis.

If you’re experiencing a severe toothache or your pain isn’t improving with home remedies, consider seeking immediate dental care. Calgary has several walk-in dental clinics that can provide prompt treatment for your throbbing tooth. You can also find emergency dentists in Calgary who are available after hours and on weekends for urgent dental needs.

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