Is tooth pain negatively affecting your quality of life? These are some simple home remedies to manage your pain until you can make it to the dentist.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
- Water & Salt Rinse
- Cold Compress
The pain from most toothaches can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, such as extra-strength acetaminophen. No prescription is needed. Don’t take prescription medication intended for a family member or friend.
With any type of medication, make sure you follow its instructions exactly in terms of how much to take and how often. For example, ibuprofen should be taken with food to prevent an upset stomach. However, do not take ibuprofen if you are pregnant. And never put aspirin right onto a tooth that hurts or on your gums because it’s highly acidic and can do damage to your mouth.
Saltwater rinses can really do wonders for easing tooth pain. Get a cup (8 ounces) of warm water and add about a half teaspoon of table salt to it. Mix it together and then use that mixture to gargle. Don’t swallow it because it will taste gross and may upset your stomach! You also shouldn’t use water that’s too hot or else it could burn your mouth and/or tongue.
A cold compress can be an ice pack you have specifically for medical uses, a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped up in a thin towel, or a ziplock baggie of crushed ice. Apply your cold compress to the cheek near where the tooth pain is in increments of 15-20 minutes (with a 15-20 minute rest) to help reduce pain and any swelling.
Emergency Dentist in Grafton, MA
Please contact us today if you’re currently experiencing tooth pain. Grafton Dental Care offers emergency dental care in Grafton, MA. Our team can figure out what’s causing your pain and can come up with a personalized treatment plan to get you back to a pain-free smile.
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