Fortunately, times are changing, and so are the methods with which your toothache can be treated.
The treatment for a toothache may involve a somewhat invasive dental procedure such as a dental filling, root canal endodontic, dental bridge, dental crown, teeth whitening. But treatment today can be comfortable, and in fact, often helps you avoid tooth extraction. In addition, today's cosmetic dentistry options, like dental veneers and dental implants, offer alternatives to traditional treatment, and provide a greater esthetic and functional benefit.Call a dentist. While this may not be possible immediately if your toothache strikes on a Sunday or at two a.m., you need to make an appointment to be seen as soon as possible.
In order to make the most of the toothache remedies out there, you first should understand where tooth pain comes from. Some tooth pain is caused by a dental problem and can be felt in the tooth, or sometimes in the jaws and surrounding area. This is generally caused by a decaying, cracked or fractured tooth, a cavity, an exposed root or possibly gum disease. Sometimes this pain is aggravated by very hot or very cold substances and it can usually be solved by visiting the dentist and having the appropriate treatment administered, such as an extraction or filling.
However, tooth pain may not be caused by a dental problem at all, and in fact may be a product of something completely unrelated. Pain in the teeth or surrounding area may be caused by certain heart diseases or conditions, like angina or cardiac arrest. Problems with the ears can cause pain in the tooth area as well as sinus problems. There are also some toothaches caused by nerve problems like neuralgia. However, if you are having chronic tooth pain, and you know that it is not a symptom of a more serious problem, then there are some products out there that work well and are toothache remedies that actually work.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you do not have any medical issues and it is safe for you to do so, take aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen as soon as possible. All three are effective, so you can use whichever one you have on hand. Ibuprofen relieves swelling and inflammation in addition to relieving pain, so take that if you've got it. Follow dosage instructions on the package.
Brush at regular intervals. By being habitual with your brushing, you are less likely to skip a session at the sink. When you forget to brush, the plaque and food in your mouth have time to wear away at the tooth enamel. Tooth decay causes intense pain. No more going straight to bed because you're too tired to brush.
Avoid extreme temperatures. Exposing your teeth to excessively hot or cold food and drink can irritate your mouth and cause toothache. This is especially prominent when the outer layer of the tooth has been worn away by lack of brushing and flossing.
Apply an oral pain reliever, such as topical anesthetics, directly on and around the area where you feel the toothache for temporary relief. Pain is usually numbed for a few hours. It may need to be reapplied, according to directions, if it wears off while eating or drinking.
