A toothache may sound like a minor ailment, but it’s no fun when it happens to you. Once you have experienced a toothache, you will do almost anything not to have it return. Fortunately, preventive care is easy to perform. The first thing Dr. Vanama of Discovery Dental recommends is to brush your teeth at least twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Flossing your teeth at least once a day can also help, as can consuming a healthy diet and reducing or eliminating sugary foods.
What to Do When a Toothache Strikes
Once a toothache has started, you can try several different home remedies to relieve it. Three of the most common and effective ones include:
- Salt Water: Place a teaspoon of salt into one cup of boiling water and then stir it vigorously. Next, swish the salt water in your mouth for approximately 30 seconds. This process removes some of the fluids that causes swelling in addition to cleaning the area around the tooth.
- Peppermint Tea: Boil one cup of hot water and then place a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in it. After allowing the leaves to steep for 20 minutes, swish the hot tea in your mouth and then spit it out. You may not be aware of this, but peppermint has strong numbing powers.
- Apply Pressure: With the thumb of your dominant hand, press the area on the backside of your opposite hand where the base of your index finger and thumb meet. This pressure releases endorphins, which can quickly relieve pain.
Unfortunately, your preventive efforts and home remedies won’t always work. When you’re dealing with a painful toothache that you can’t get under control, it’s time to find an emergency dentist. Dr. Vanama or another staff member at Discovery Dental is available 24 hours a day to offer immediate help. We understand that no one plans severe tooth pain and sometimes you just can’t wait for relief.
