Dental Emergency Toothache Relief

A dental infection that forms at the very tip of the root or along the side of the tooth, known as an abscess, is a common cause of tooth pain. A sore mouth or jaw, swollen gums, and pain while chewing are symptoms of an abscessed tooth. If the infection is at the end of the tooth, it usually requires a root canal procedure.

Your dentist can complete the procedure for a root canal by removing the abscess from your tooth and filling the space with a rubber-like dental material. Your dental professional will clean out the root canal, seal the area, and prepare the tooth for a crown placed during an appointment with your general dentist. Once you protect the top part of the tooth with a crown or other restoration, the tooth can function normally again and without pain. For trickier procedures, you will be referred to an endodontist, whose specialty it is to know all matters of the inside of teeth, so you know you'll be in the best of hands.

On rare occasions, however, the tooth may not be salvageable. In these cases, a general dentist or oral surgeon extracts the tooth that is causing the pain. You and a dental professional can discuss replacing the tooth with a dental implant.

In some cases, to relieve pain and treat the infection, an antibiotic or pain medication is prescribed. Always consult a dentist before taking any over-the-counter pain relievers.

Your first inclination to relieve a toothache might be an over-the-counter pain medication. But there are other methods you can try for temporary relief in the interim before seeing a dental professional. Four common at-home remedies for tooth pain are:

• Clove oil
• Peppermint oil
• Saltwater rinse
• Hydrogen peroxide rinse

Clove oil works to relieve pain and reduce the swelling that stems from a toothache. Its effectiveness comes from its natural anesthetic quality, acting as a temporary pain reliever. Soak up a few drops of clove oil (eugenol) in a cotton ball, then gently rub the cotton ball over the affected teeth and gums. While clove oil may soothe your pain, know that it doesn't have the most pleasant taste.

Peppermint oil, a remedy historically used to treat toothaches and other pain, has been found to have antibacterial properties. This essential oil is a popular choice for those seeking short-term toothache relief until dental help is available. Like the application for clove oil, use a cotton ball to apply a few drops to the affected area.

Another at-home remedy is to rinse your mouth with warm salt water to relieve the pain from swollen gums. Add a couple of teaspoons of salt to a cup of warm water. Spit the mixture out once you've swished it around your mouth. A saltwater rinse can also control plaque collection on teeth and prevent oral diseases.

Similar to a saltwater rinse, a hydrogen peroxide rinse can relieve pain and swelling in the mouth. It can help kill bacteria, reduce plaque, and heal bleeding gums. A study published in the Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry demonstrates that using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash may reduce gingivitis. Before using this type of rinse, make sure to correctly prepare the solution: mix three percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water. Swish it around your mouth, make sure not to swallow, and spit!

While there's no guaranteed prevention from ever experiencing emergency tooth pain, regular visits to your dentist can help avert dental emergencies in the future. Even though your toothache may make your mouth sensitive, it's vital to keep up with your good oral hygiene habits. Brush and floss your teeth daily and add mouthwash to your routine.

If you or your child does experience tooth pain, your dentist can provide emergency toothache relief. And while you wait to see a dental professional, you now have helpful at-home remedies in your arsenal that can tide you over with some interim comfort.