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How to Get Rid of a Toothache

Effective remedies to treat toothache include applying ice, using clove oil, and salt water gargling. If you want more information on how to get rid of a toothache, read this Story.
Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Painful ache in and around a particular tooth is a problem experienced by many people. Besides mild to sharp penetrating pain, other manifested toothache symptoms are redness, swelling, fluid drainage, bad smell, referred headache and at times, fever. Understand the causes of tooth pain and also how to get rid of a toothache effectively as soon as possible.

Causes

As with any medical condition, treatment starts with identifying the root tooth pain causes. The main cause for this dental problem is inflammation of the pulp that is present inside the pulp chamber, a condition called pulpitis. Other reasons for severe toothache are tooth decay, tooth fracture, abscessed tooth, and gum infection. Apart from these, faulty tooth filling is another cause for pain in tooth. Thus, toothache after filling is also reported by many who have undergone the procedure.

Treatment Methods

Tooth pain disturbs the normal well-being of an individual, in terms of eating, chewing, and talking. Treatment for this problem varies according to the underlying cause. Although severe cases require immediate attention by a dentist, there are certain things that one can practice at home to alleviate pain.

Clean Teeth Properly

At the first signs of tooth pain, it is imperative for every person to floss and clean mouth thoroughly for prompt cure. This will help in flushing off food particles that may be present in the corners of the teeth. First, rinse mouth with lukewarm water and then, gently brush teeth. Wash mouth and follow the same teeth cleaning after you have your meals.

Avoid Hot Foods

In most people having toothache, increased pain intensity is observed in responses to very hot and sweet food items. So, it is advisable to consume foods that are not too cold or too hot. Also, limit intake of sweet goodies, which again increases infection chances. If you have them, make sure you floss teeth as soon as possible.

Apply Ice pack

The best way to get instant relief is applying ice pack in the aching tooth. Ice numbs the area, thus reducing pain perception. This is the main reason why, many dentists recommend having ice creams at times of toothache and alike conditions. You can place ice cubes in a clean cloth and place over the affected tooth.

Don't Pressurize Teeth

Some patients notice tooth pain, only when the pressure is applied to a tooth or teeth in doubt. If the same case is applicable to you, refrain from doing things that puts extra pressure to the teeth. So, avoid masticating hard foods, chewing with the affected tooth and having chewing gum. It is best to have soft foods that require less chewing.

Gargle with Salt Water

Being a frequently manifested condition amongst expecting mothers, knowing how to deal with a toothache while you're pregnant is important. You can consider gargling with salt water. Add a pinch of salt in lukewarm water and gargle with it. Using saline water is effectual for relief and at the same time, reduces the risk of tooth infection.

Use Clove Oil

Using clove oil for tooth pain is effective in alleviating painful symptoms. Having natural analgesic properties, it can be used alone or mixed with any of the ingredients - pepper powder, oregano oil and olive oil. You can dip a cotton ball in the oil or mixture and place it over the aching tooth. Repeat this 2-3 times daily for best results.

Other Remedies

Other effectual toothache home remedies are chewing guava leaves, chewing fresh spinach leaves, using crushed garlic clove, and applying a mixture of pepper powder and table salt. Last but not the least, chewing raw onion for a few minutes is a good remedy. Onion possesses antibacterial properties and is effective for killing bacteria.
Since you now know what to do for a toothache, take action immediately for getting prompt results. As you follow proper dental care and the tips mentioned above, most probably the pain intensity will decrease gradually. If the symptoms persist even after 1-2 days, better consult a dentist. Based on the medical history and underlying cause, the doctor will recommend pain medicines in appropriate dosage for treating the tooth pain.
Disclaimer: This Story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.