How to Ease Toothache Pain While You Wait for an Emergency Dentist Appointment
If you are experiencing a severe toothache, you may have reached out to an emergency dentist for treatment. However, you will still have to cope with the pain until you can get yourself along to the dental office for treatment. This blog post provides some tips on the steps you can take to manage your toothache until you get to see a dentist. Scroll down to find out more.
Take Analgesics
It may seem obvious, but taking over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate some of the pain from your toothache. You must follow the instructions on the package and take them as needed until your appointment with the dentist. Just remember that analgesics only reduce inflammation and pain and don't address any underlying causes of the toothache itself, so do not be tempted to cancel your appointment if the medication seems to solve your problem. A dentist will still need to take a look inside your mouth to see what the problem is.
Make A Cold Compress
Another way to deal with an acute toothache is by using a cold compress. You can easily make a compress by placing an ice pack in a towel or cloth. You can apply this directly to your cheek near the affected area for a few minutes at a time. This will help numb the area, reducing some of the discomfort associated with your toothache. However, be careful not to leave it on too long, as the skin can be damaged by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
Rinse With Saltwater
Saltwater can help reduce inflammation, which will make it easier for your dentist to diagnose what's causing your toothache during your appointment. To make a saltwater rinse, mix a bit of salt into one cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth a few times before spitting it out. You should perform this rinse as needed until your appointment with the dentist.
Summary
Dealing with an acute toothache isn't easy, especially when you're unable to get an appointment with a dentist right away. Fortunately, there are several ways to ease both short-term and long-term discomfort while waiting for dental care — from taking analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, applying cold compresses to numb the area around the affected tooth or regularly rinsing with salt water throughout the day. Hopefully, these tips will provide some much-needed relief while you wait for an emergency dentistry appointment. For further advice about toothaches, speak with your dentist today.
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