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- Emergency Dental Care
- July 29, 2020
- by lotus
If a throbbing jaw, a sore head, and disturbed sleep are all too familiar to you, you’re probably in need of some emergency toothache relief. And we know the problem: it tends to strike in the middle of the night, when you’re not-quite-awake and not quite sure how serious it is. So, we’ve put some dental emergency toothache tips together just for you – to help you make it through the night, or at least until your dentist opens up for an emergency appointment.
Understanding Tooth Pain And Why It Hurts
Remember that tooth pain is symptomatic of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Pain brings it to your attention.
Don’t underestimate the power of a saline solution
A little salt solution can go a long way in relieving pain and keeping your mouth clean. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swirl it gently around in your mouth, taking care not to swallow it. Salt water has antibacterial properties and may help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Over the counter pain relief
If you do opt for pain medication be sure to swallow it and don’t apply it to the area that hurts.
Use cold for toothache relief
A cold compress can bring about some temporary pain relief, particularly if it is accompanied by swelling. Again, do not place the compress directly onto your gum; rather hold it against the outside of your cheek for pain relief. You can use a few blocks of ice wrapped in a clean kitchen cloth or a pack of frozen peas.
Elevate yourself
If the toothache is stopping you from getting a good night’s sleep, you may want to try elevating your head, to prevent the blood from pooling up in your head, compounding the pain.
Some people find that clove oil or raw garlic applied directly to the site that hurts can bring about some pain relief. Clove oil contains an active ingredient called Eugenol, which has analgaesic properties, and which means it may help to relieve inflammation. The Allicin in garlic is known to kill off bacteria.
Did you know that hydrogen peroxide has historically been used as an antibacterial mouthwash by dentists for many years? And a 2006 study discovered that rinsing with hydrogen peroxide helped to decrease symptoms of periodontitis and reduced plaque build up.
If you’re going to use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash you must remember to dilute it with equal parts water, and not to swallow it.
What’s Causing Your Dental Emergency?
Tooth decay is probably the most common cause of tooth pain, and if left untreated it can progress to the development of cavities. When cavities develop, bacteria penetrate the enamel of your teeth, and may expose the nerves, which in turn can cause pain.
Other causes of toothache may include:
- Losing a filling or restoration
- The eruption of wisdom or permanent tooth
- Trauma to the mouth
- Bruxism or teeth grinding
- Dental abscess or cyst
- Gum disease
When Should You Visit Your Dentist?
Any pain in your mouth is a symptom of a problem that needs to be inspected by your dentist as soon as possible. As mentioned above, tooth pain is usually symptomatic of dental decay, which can progress to a cavity quite quickly.
Of course, the extent of pain does not tell you the extent of your problem – only your dentist can do that. It is quite possible to have toothache caused by an abscess, which is a lot more serious than dental decay. Any remedies you take at home should be considered temporary, and should only be used for interim relief as you seek medical or dental assistance. Any delays in seeking treatment could have serious negative consequences for your future dental health. At Lotus Smiles Dental, saving the tooth is always our priority, but there may be a specific time frame to react within for this to be possible.
How Do You Know If You Have A Dental Emergency?
There is never any harm in finding out so if you are in doubt you should rather err on the side of caution and call immediately. Any situation that is unbearable or unmanageable should be referred to your dentist immediately. If your dental practitioner is not available, you should make your way to your nearest clinic or hospital for assistance.
Do you need help with emergency toothache relief? It’s always best to consult a professional. Please contact us for a convenient appointment: (03) 8737 9359.