A toothache is a sudden, intense pain that can prevent you from sleeping, eating or concentrating. This pain can be caused by a cavity, a fractured tooth, an infection or the eruption of a wisdom tooth. While a visit to the dentist is essential to treat the cause, there are also home-made solutions to alleviate the pain while you wait for your appointment. Here, our Montreal dentists explain how to effectively relieve a toothache with 5 simple tips.
Toothache can be caused by a number of factors. Cavities, defective fillings, broken teeth… All these incidents are common and can happen at any time of day.
But do you know what to do if you suddenly feel a toothache coming on? While the first thing to do is to make an appointment with a professional, you also need to manage the pain while you’re waiting for your visit to the dentist’s office.
In this article, our dentists give you a few tips to help relieve a sore tooth.
What are the most common causes of toothache?
- Pulpal pain due to deep decay
Broken tooth exposing dental pulp
Infection or abscess (pus, bitter taste, swollen gums)
Wisdom tooth in the wrong position or partially erupted
Toothache is often caused by inflammation of the dental pulp (pulpitis), triggered by deep decay, fracture or infection. Associated signs include throbbing pain, localized swelling, sensitivity to hot and cold, bad breath or fever. It’s crucial to consult a dentist as soon as these symptoms appear, to avoid complications.
For fast relief from toothache, make an appointment with your dentist!
While a toothache can be related to a variety of causes such as a fracture or tooth cavity, a toothache is not to be taken lightly.
In fact, this pain could be the result of a more serious dental health problem that requires advanced care, such as gingivitis or a tooth abscess. Symptoms that could indicate such problems include fever, red and swollen gums, blood or pus and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
This is why it is important to make an emergency appointment with your dentist quickly if you start to experience a toothache or any of the symptoms described above. Your oral health care professional will be able to accurately diagnose and treat your pain at its source.
5 tips for quickly soothing a toothache at home
While you’re waiting for your dental appointment, there are a number of simple solutions to temporarily reduce the pain. These methods are not a substitute for professional treatment, but they can provide appreciable relief, especially at night or outside office hours.
1. Apply cold to the painful area
Cold is a natural anti-inflammatory that can ease tooth pain. By applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the cheek at the site of the sore tooth, you slow down local blood circulation, reduce inflammation and soothe the pain.
- Apply for 15-20 minutes, several times a day if necessary.
- Never apply ice directly to the skin.
- This simple gesture is particularly useful in cases of swelling or pulsating pain.
2. Take pain relief medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are effective in relieving inflammation-related toothache. If you can’t take NSAIDs, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also offer temporary relief.
- Always follow the dosage instructions on the package or asked for by your pharmacist.
- Never exceed the maximum recommended daily dose.
If in doubt, or if you are undergoing any other medical treatment, seek the advice of your healthcare professional.
3. Use clove essential oil
Renowned for its analgesic and antiseptic properties, clove essential oil contains eugenol, a natural compound used in dentistry to soothe pain.
- Lightly soak a cotton ball with a drop of essential oil.
- Apply it gently to the sore tooth or gum for a few minutes.
- Avoid swallowing the oil, and do not use it long-term without medical advice.
This ancient method is particularly useful for localized pain caused by cavities.
4. Soothe pain with peppermint
Peppermint has cooling, anesthetic and antibacterial effects. It can soothe temporary dental pain while providing a cooling sensation.
Two application methods:
- Topical: mix 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil with a dab of toothpaste, then apply to the painful area.
- Infusion: prepare a herbal tea of dried peppermint leaves and leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes. Drink lukewarm, without sugar, for a soothing effect.
It doesn’t cure the cause of the pain, but helps you cope with it better.
5. Salt-water mouthwash
Rinsing with warm salt water cleanses the mouth, reduces bacteria and soothes gum irritation.
- Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.
- Rinse for 30 seconds, then spit out.
- Repeat 2-3 times a day, especially after meals.
This simple, inexpensive and side-effect-free procedure is recommended even after a dental appointment, to promote healing.
For any dental emergency in Montreal, contact Clinique Dentaire 1935
If you start to feel a toothache, you should make an emergency appointment with a dentist so that the problem can be dealt with quickly. To reduce your pain while you wait to see your dental specialist, you can always resort to home remedies or anti-inflammatory drugs!
Do you live in the Montreal area and need to see a dentist urgently? At Clinique Dentaire 1935, our office reserves daily time slots to deal with emergency toothaches. Contact us today to book your appointment.