Three Simple Guidelines for Managing and Relieving Tooth Pain

If you are experiencing tooth pain, you should consult an emergency dentist for immediate treatment. In most cases, toothaches are caused by the decay of the dental structure. In other cases, the problem arises due to gum infection, tooth fractures, dental abscess and damaged fillings. Regardless of the cause, the pain cannot be resolved without treatment of the underlying damage. Therefore, you cannot afford to ignore the importance of medical attention. However, there are extenuating circumstances which can force you to delay your trip to the clinic. If this is your situation, you should consider using the below-outlined guidelines to manage the pain before visiting your dentist. 

Use OTC Analgesics

Toothaches, like other types of pain, can be temporarily suppressed using analgesics. If you are experiencing a lot of discomfort due to your damaged tooth, you should think about buying some over-the-counter painkillers. These drugs can help you deal with the aching, allowing you to perform your regular activities. Oral analgesics work quite well, and they have minimal side effects when used for a short period. If you do purchase these drugs, you should not apply them to the affected tooth. This improper use could cause damage to your sensitive oral tissues. If you would like a topical drug, you should look for appropriate pain-relieving gels for application on the tooth. 

Apply a Cold Compress

Tooth pain is often accompanied by the inflammation of the damaged tissues. The swelling of the infected or injured tissues will make the aching more prominent, and you might even feel throbbing on the specific site. In some cases, the inflammation might spread to the cheeks and face. As a result, your appearance will be affected. If you are experiencing this problem, you should think about applying a cold compress to your cheek. The cold will help in bringing down the swelling and even numb the pain. If you are planning on using a frozen pack, you should remember to wrap a towel around it before use to avoid injuring your face.

Brush and Floss

Finally, you should brush your teeth and floss gently to reduce tooth pain. This process is beneficial because the aching is often intensified by the presence of food particles around the injured tooth. Cleaning out the debris will minimise your discomfort. If your tooth hurts when you apply pressure, you can use a salt water rinse to clean out your mouth. You should also remember to avoid hot, cold and hard foods before your dental treatment.