Quick Tips to Alleviate Tooth Pain
Tooth pain tends to sneak up on you.
A little twinge here, a sharp pain there — whatever the discomfort, one thing’s for certain: the moment it happens, you want relief — fast.
So, you book yourself in for a dental check-up, which, depending on how long you’ve waited to see the dentist, can leave you with frequent pain throughout the day.
And that’s not great for your day-to-day functioning.
At-home remedies for tooth pain
Though your dentist is likely trying to get you into the chair as soon as possible, the time it takes to get you in and get your tooth concern resolved can leave you with a chunk of space where you’re experiencing discomfort.
To help mitigate that tooth pain between when you make your appointment and when you’re seated in the dentist’s chair, we’ve gathered some quick tips for you to try.
Tips to try
Place a cold compress on the area of your face where the pain is originating
Rinse your mouth out with a warm saltwater solution — salt is anti-inflammatory and a natural disinfectant
Take some ibuprofen such as Advil (be sure to ask your doctor about the correct dosage)
Apply a small amount of tooth-sensitive toothpaste directly to the tooth (using a toothpick)
Things to avoid
Chewing on the painful side of your mouth
Drinking fizzy liquids, and eating spicy, acidic or sugary foods
Breathing in cold air — try to breathe through your nose and wear a scarf if it’s cold outside
High-intensity activity as the movement can aggravate your tooth
Get that problem tooth checked sooner
Like all issues with your teeth, it’s better to get a problem like a painful tooth checked sooner, even as soon as the very first time you feel pain or discomfort. This helps to increase the chance that you’ll experience less pain and discomfort between the time it takes to book an appointment and when you’re seated comfortably in the dentist’s chair!