Proper treatment of your tooth pain will depend on its cause. Most causes of toothaches will require the treatment of a dentist or dental hygienist. If your dental health professional cannot manage the cause of your pain, they may recommend that you schedule an appointment with a medical professional.
To prevent tooth pain in the future, it's best to practice proper dental hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth once daily
- Use fluoride toothpaste or drink fluoridated water (most tap water contains fluoride!)
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
- Visit a dental professional for regular dental hygiene care.
Some helpful forms of relief before you can visit a dentist:
- Take over-the-counter medications to reduce swelling or pain per the provided instructions.
- Press a cold compress to the site of the pain for 15-20 minutes, 3 times a day
- Rinse with salt water (avoid using overly hot or cold water)
Keep in mind that relieving your pain doesn't treat the underlying cause of your toothache. It’s vital to see a dental health professional for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible in most cases. After reading up on your tooth pain, you're in a great spot to treat it and avoid other dental problems in the future.