There’s never a good time to have a toothache. If you have a toothache that won’t subside, call our emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Depending on your situation, a small cavity or abscess tooth could be the source of your dental pain. While you wait for , try out our toothache home remedies. We hope they relieve some of the tooth pain.
Floss Your Teeth
While it may sound weird, flossing can sometimes relieve a mild toothache. The reason being that sometimes small pieces of food get caught between teeth. If you dislodge a piece of food that’s been stuck for awhile, your gums may bleed a little. This is normal. Call our emergency dentist if your toothache persists or worsens.
Swish with Warm, Salty Water
Swish with warm, salty water to loosen any small pieces of food caught between your teeth. Salt water rinse can also help disinfect and heal wounds in your mouth. To make a salt water rinse, mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a glass of warm water. You’ll then want to swish the mixture around in your mouth and spit it out when you’re done. Don’t swallow it.
Apply a Cold Compress
Holding a cold compress up to your cheek can help you numb a toothache. The coldness of the compact makes the blood vessels underneath constrict. With less blood circulation, you’ll experience less dental pain.
If you don’t have a cold compress, a frozen bag of peas or corn works in a pinch. If you’re using frozen vegetables, wrap a kitchen towel around the bag to protect your skin. You should also never apply a cold compress for more than 15 to 20 minutes.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
It’s best that you don’t take over-the-counter pain relievers for an extended period of time. Yet, they can help you for a few days until you’re able to see our emergency dentist. If you’re unsure what medications to use, call our office. We’ll be more than happy to help you choose the right options.
Apply Peppermint Tea Bags
Apply a wet, used peppermint tea bag right next to the tooth that hurts. (The tea bag should only be a little warm, not hot.) Over the course of 20 minutes, the peppermint will help numb and soothe your tooth.
Call our Emergency Dentist
A toothache is your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. If your tooth pain persists, call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Our emergency dentist is here to help. That way, you’re able to receive emergency dental care when you need it.
The sooner you call our emergency dentist, the sooner you’ll be able to find toothache relief. While our home remedies are helpful, they don’t address the underlying cause of your pain. During your appointment, our emergency dentist will examine your teeth and gums. He may also take x-rays to diagnose the source of your tooth pain.
Dr. Ryan Lebster is a emergency dentist in Holland, MI. To request an appointment, call RediDental Emergency Dental Care at (616) 796-3200.
