How to Manage Toothache at Home

Dental emergencies can sometimes come without warning, wherever you are. A dental emergency like a toothache can occur after dinner or during a Sunday brunch. More likely, it will occur at any time during the holidays. Something like that can strike when you are spending more precious time with your loved ones.

These are the most inconvenient times for a dental emergency to occur because dentists are most likely away from their offices and spending time with their families as well.

When dealing with dental emergencies, things can get a bit tricky. It can be extremely stressful because of the discomfort and pain that cannot be ignored. A dental emergency can affect your focus and interrupt any activity you might be enjoying or responsibilities that require your immediate attention.

The most common dental emergency that strikes everyone, whether it be children or adults, is toothache or tooth pain. For some people, a toothache doesn’t just go away with cold compresses and massage to the area.

When a simple toothache occurs, it could indicate the presence of other oral health problems, from a minor dental problem to a serious dental injury requiring the appropriate dental surgery procedure.

When you eat or drink something sweet and something very hot or cold, you may experience a toothache. Tissue damage from a tooth trauma or eruption can also cause tooth pain, which can result in bleeding, swelling around the affected area, and difficulty chewing food.

Whatever the reason, we can assure you that knowing how to properly handle a dental emergency at home will help to prevent any dental problems from becoming worse. While your dentist is temporarily unable to physically examine you for your toothache, there are a number of things you can do to relieve the discomfort.

Clean the Affected Area

One of the most important things you can do when a dental emergency happens is to disinfect the affected area as soon as possible. Once your mouth has been rinsed with lukewarm water, gently brush the affected tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Following that, dental floss can assist in removing stuck food particles that have become trapped between the teeth and may be causing discomfort.

If it is not possible to clean the area with the combination of toothbrush and dental floss, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth with it. Mouthwash and hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, are effective first-aid solutions for killing bacteria and reducing tooth pain. Additionally, you can also apply a cold compress to your face to help with the swelling.

Take over-the-counter medications for pain and inflammation

When you first notice your toothache, you can take another step by preparing a regular medication routine. We want you to alternate between Tylenol and Advil. Tylenol helps with pain, while Advil helps with both pain and inflammation.

You can find over-the-counter painkillers such as Advil and Tylenol at your local drugstore or pharmacy.

What to Avoid During Dental Emergency

We offer here the simplest and most appropriate home remedies in case of a dental emergency. Regardless of what you do, avoid taking aspirin. It can cause more pain and additional irritation in the affected area.

Schedule Dental Appointment in Dundas

There is no need to worry if these home remedies are not helping you. We got your back!

Be sure to visit your family dentist for dental treatment and dental prescription. It’s in your best interest to see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid additional inconvenience and expenses down the road.

Contact us to schedule an appointment so our emergency dentists can screen you and diagnose the cause of your toothache. We have set up a dedicated 24/7 line and other contact options so we can give you a no-hassle dental emergency response in Ancaster, Hamilton, Dundas, and Stoney Creek.