Severe tooth pain often indicates a dental emergency and requires immediate treatment from an emergency dentist. Tooth pain can be caused by several ailments, including deep decay, dental injuries, tooth abscess, or an impacted wisdom tooth. Intense tooth pain can prevent you from eating, working, or sleeping, significantly reducing your quality of life.
If you experience persistent throbbing tooth pain or sharp pain that radiates along your jaw to your ear, contact an emergency dentist at Bright-On Bay Dental. We provide emergency dental services and can help you address the cause of your toothache.
At-Home Toothache Pain Relief
While there are many ways to find toothache pain relief, some home remedies may provide temporary numbness or reduce pain. However, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is vital as toothaches can indicate a dental emergency.
Home remedies should only be used temporarily and should not replace professional dental care.
Over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter medications are a widely available and effective treatment for most toothache pain relief. The most common type of over-the-counter medication used to treat tooth pain is an analgesic, commonly called a pain reliever.
These medications work by blocking pain signals from the tooth to the brain. Common analgesics include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
Salt water rinse
Salt water has long been used as a home remedy for tooth pain. The natural properties of salt help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that can cause infection. Salt water can help to draw out excess fluid and reduce swelling.
To use a saline rinse, mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Swish the mixture around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
Numbing gel
Another common at-home toothache treatment is numbing gel. Numbing gels are applied directly to the gums and temporarily numb the nerves in the area.
These gels typically contain a local anaesthetic, such as lidocaine, which numbs the affected area. This can provide relief from tooth pain for a short period.
Tea bags
While it may seem like an old wives’ tale, using a cold, dampened tea bag can help to relieve tooth pain.
The tannins in tea have astringent properties that can help to reduce inflammation and numb pain receptors. Plus, the cold of the damp tea bag can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Emergency Treatment for Toothache Pain Relief
While home remedies and over-the-counter medications may temporarily relieve toothache symptoms, you should see an emergency dentist for treatment immediately if you are experiencing severe or persistent tooth pain.
Severe tooth pain is a sign of several dental emergencies, so immediate treatment can help ensure a positive outcome.
If you are suffering from severe tooth pain, there are several options your dentist may recommend to treat the cause of the toothache itself.
Dental crown
If you are suffering from severe tooth pain, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to be used as an emergency treatment for toothache pain relief.
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the entire surface of a tooth. It can be used to protect a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury or to relieve tooth pain that is caused by advanced gum disease.
While a dental crown is not always necessary for treating tooth pain, it can be an effective option for those who cannot find relief from other methods.
Root canal therapy
In many cases, toothaches are caused by an infection of the tooth pulp. If left untreated, this infection can spread to other parts of the body and lead to more serious health problems.
Root canal therapy is a treatment to remove the infected tooth pulp and relieve the associated pain. While root canal therapy is often associated with discomfort, it is typically much less painful than suffering from an untreated tooth infection.
Tooth extraction
In severe cases, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction to alleviate your toothache and address the cause of the pain.
Tooth extraction involves removing the tooth from the socket in the bone. In most cases, tooth extraction is a successful treatment for tooth pain and can provide relief within a few days.
Toothache Relief at Bright-On Bay Dental
The emergency dentist at Bright-On Bay Dental provides treatment for dental emergencies, alleviating your toothache by addressing the pain. If you need treatment, you can rest assured that Bright-On Dental will do all we can to ensure the least possible discomfort accompanies your procedure.
If you are experiencing a toothache or dental emergency, call Bright-On Bay Dental at (02) 9538 7028 to schedule a consultation today!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Postoperative Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of 2% Saline Rinses and a Herbal-Mouthwash After Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy for the Management of Periodontal Inflammation in Young Adults with Chlorhexidine Allergy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35088565/
Tannins and Human Health: A Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9759559/
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