Toothache Relief: What You Can Do Before Seeing a Dentist

Have you ever taken a bite of your favorite sweet treat and winced in pain the second it touched your teeth? Or have you taken a sip of your daily iced coffee and felt a twinge of pain as you took the first sip? Or have you had a dull or strong pulsing ache in one or multiple teeth? Toothaches put a real damper on enjoying our day-to-day tasks and treats, causing us to yelp in pain or take over-the-counter pain medications to stop the ache.

Luckily, you can get toothache relief before seeing a dentist, but you should be cautious about toothache relief hacks. Continue reading to learn what you can do to help relieve pain from your toothache while you wait for that scheduled dental appointment.

What Causes a Toothache?

That dreaded pain around a tooth can have many causes and vary in severity. Below are some of the most common causes of toothaches:

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a condition where the hard outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) gets damaged, and the enamel’s surface starts to dissolve and erode. As the enamel erodes, tiny holes and hollow spaces form, AKA cavities. Though cavities start small, they grow into larger holes that damage the inner layers, causing those awful toothaches. Increased sensitivity, significant pain, infection, and even abscess formation can occur with tooth decay, so it’s best to see your family dentist right away.

Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue, affecting over 40 million Americans. Whether dentinal or pulpal sensitivity, those sharp twinges of pain that cause us to wince can be the source of the toothache, especially if it’s a recurring pain. While tooth sensitivity is common, it’s not normal, and it shouldn’t be ignored.

Cracked/Broken Teeth

Though some fractured cusps or craze lines don’t cause pain, cracked and fractured teeth can cause immense pain that requires immediate dental treatment. Cracked/broken teeth cause toothaches because they can expose the innermost layers of the tooth, sometimes exposing the root, depending on the severity of the fracture.

Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is the unconscious habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, caused by repeated contractions of the chewing muscles. During these episodes, the upper and lower teeth are pressed tightly together and may rub against one another, causing the enamel to break down. Bruxism causes toothaches as the enamel gets eroded. It can also cause TMJ and damage to the joint connecting your lower jaw to your skull.

Infections/Diseases

Certain infections in the mouth, like gum disease and dental abscesses, can cause toothaches. Other infections outside of the mouth can also cause toothaches, including sinus infections. Infections in the mouth, such as periodontitis, can cause inflamed gums and discomfort, while sinus infections can put pressure on the back teeth, causing toothaches. If you have persistent dental pain accompanied by pus, a fever, or swelling, contact your family dentist immediately.

Toothache Relief: Safe Remedies

If you’re experiencing a toothache, the last thing you want to do is put off scheduling an appointment with your family dentist. An examination can determine the cause of the toothache and determine the best course of treatment to alleviate pain. If you’re waiting to see your family dentist and need some remedies while you wait for your appointment, consider the following:

Safe: Warm Saltwater Rinse

Gargling with warm, not hot, saltwater can keep the area around the toothache clean and reduce irritation. Ensure you swish and spit gently with warm water to alleviate pain and cause no further sensitivity.

Safe: Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the cheek is a great way to alleviate discomfort as you wait for your appointment. Ensure you wrap your cold compress in a cloth and place it on the outside of your cheek, not directly on the tooth.

Safe: Over-the-counter Pain Relievers

As long as your doctor agrees it’s safe with your current medications, take some over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort until your appointment. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and pain until you can see your dentist.

Toothache Relief: Unsafe Remedies to Avoid

Unsafe: Placing Aspirin Directly on Tooth or Gums

Though the internet might say otherwise, do not place aspirin directly on your tooth or gums. Depending on the cause of your toothache, it could result in a chemical reaction that burns the gums, causing more discomfort than relief.

Unsafe: Using Undiluted Essential Oils

Undiluted essential oils should never be used for toothache relief. While oils like clove and peppermint are believed to alleviate toothaches, according to the National Library of Medicine and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, more research is needed to determine if they’re safe and effective for dental use.

Unsafe: Ignoring Persistent Pain

Ignoring a persistent toothache and failing to visit your family dentist can cause a worsened toothache, infection, abscess, damage to the gums, and even tooth loss, depending on the cause. Sure, ignoring sensitivity from stimuli like iced, sugary drinks is often minor, but ignoring persistent pain can be harmful to your oral health.

Trust Rhoades Family Dentistry for Toothache Relief

Our team of professionals includes dentists and hygienists with extensive education and training, including Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll. They’re members of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the International Association of Orthodontics, among many other organizations. They can examine your teeth and determine the cause and the best course of treatment.

Rhoades Family Dentistry offers dental care for the entire family, including routine cleanings, preventive maintenance, fillings, and more. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll care about your family’s oral health and are here to recommend the best oral hygiene practices for your entire family, including Invisalign and braces, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, whitening, and more. 

Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you with excellent dental care and helping your family achieve healthy smiles!