General Dentist Tips for Tooth Pain

A general dentist can help you to get past any toothache. Toothaches tend to occur as the worst possible times and they are usually an indicator there is something wrong with that specific tooth.

Toothaches are often the result of a tooth being damaged by decay or trauma. It can also be a symptom of an infection.

A general dentist shares tips for toothache management

Regardless of how minor a toothache is, it will not go away until the underlying cause has been addressed. That means a dentist needs to conduct an examination of any affected teeth so the cause can be determined. Once the dentist understands the cause of the toothache, they can then perform treatments that will bring the patient relief.

Here are some simple things patients can do to manage their toothache prior to seeing a dentist:

1. Over-the-counter painkillers

Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can provide some relief from toothaches. Patients should swallow these medications as recommended by their manufacturers and resist the urge to overconsume as this can lead to side effects. Patients can alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen every three hours or so to manage their pain. However, if the tooth pain exceeds past a few days then a visit to a general dentist is in order. 

2. Saltwater rinse

A person can also manage the pain caused by a toothache by rinsing out their mouth with a saltwater solution. This can help to loosen food particles and debris that might be stuck in the tooth, and it can reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Garlic paste

Garlic contains compounds that inhibit the growth of oral bacteria. It can provide relief for those dealing with toothaches when mashed into a paste and applied directly to the affected tooth.

4. Peppermint/clove oil

Peppermint and clove oil both contain compounds that work as natural anesthetics. They provide a numbing effect and serve as one of the most effective home remedies for toothaches. These oils are very strong so patients should avoid getting them on soft tissues since they can damage them. There are many toothache products sold in drug stores that contain at least one of these oils.

5. See a dentist

All the other things listed above simply provide temporary relief to anyone suffering from a toothache. The only way to permanently put a toothache behind you is by having its root cause treated by a dentist. For example, a toothache that is being caused by an infection will not go away until a dentist performs a root canal or an extraction. Any other forms of treatment are just temporary solutions.

A dentist has the training and skills needed to properly diagnose the patient and recommend an appropriate cause of action.

Put your toothache behind you

Dealing with a toothache that will not go away? Call or visit our Bellevue clinic and take the first step towards putting the pain behind you.

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