A severe toothache can be difficult to bear, often times preventing you from participating in your daily activities or keeping you up through the night. The severity of a toothache can range from chronic and mild to sharp and excruciating. It’s common for the pain to be aggravated by chewing, or sensitive to foods and beverages which are hot and cold.
Relieving Toothaches
When tooth pain comes your way, you’ll want to know what steps you can take to alleviate the pain until you can see your dentist. The following tips from Dental Dimensions may provide temporary relief, but it’s always best to contact our San Jose office for any dental problems, including a toothache. Numbing the pain is never a good substitute for professional dental care.
Here are a few simple remedies to cope with the pain until you can see your dentist.
- Schedule an appointment with our San Jose office. Putting off treatment for tooth pain can lead to more serious dental problems.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications to reduce the pain and swelling, but never place the medication directly on the affected tooth. Always consult with your dentist or physician first.
- Apply a cold compress to the side of your cheek.
- Floss to remove particles that may be lodged between your teeth causing the pain.
- Elevate your head to reduce the pressure on the affected tooth.
- Rinse with a mixture of salt and water to remove any food particles or debris that may be irritating your tooth.
- Avoid foods that intensify the pain, such as foods with extreme temperature or foods that are hard to chew.
- Take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, and visit your dentist for routine check ups. This is the best way to avoid dental pain and keep your teeth healthy.
While it’s possible to manage tooth pain, you should seek professional care from our San Jose office whenever you experience dental pain or unusual symptoms. In most instances, a toothache is caused by a dental problem, such as a cavity, a fractured tooth, or an infection. A thorough oral examination from Dental Dimensions can help determine the cause. Based on the problem, we can administer the appropriate treatment to ease your pain.