If I do get a toothache, what should I do and not do?

A toothache can be a very painful experience, and is best avoided by practicing good oral habits. However, if you get a toothache, you can control the pain with over the counter medications until you see your dentist. Make sure you visit your dentist who will be able to understand the cause of the toothache and treat you effectively.

Until your dentist’s appointment, try avoiding anything hot, cold, or sweet to prevent pain. Painkillers like Ibuprofen (Advil), and acetomenophen ( Tylenol ) may also relieve severe pain. You can also buy toothpaste recommended for sensitive teeth and apply this on the tooth or exposed root. There are also a number of home remedies that can be used. The most common is the hot saltwater mouthwash. You may also want to try rubbing a slice of onion on the affected tooth. The same is also possible with a cotton ball soaked with whisky or clove oil, crushed clove and fresh garlic oil. Ice is a good anti inflammatory treatment that minimizes swelling and pain. The ice can be applied from the outside.

Although the above home remedies may work temporarily, never delay visiting your dentist, as the problem may get worse. Even if a dental appointment is not one of your most preferred things to do, it is the only way to get a thorough examination of your teeth and figure out the likely cause of the toothache. If you are in a lot of pain, your dentist may consider giving you an injection to relieve the pain and prescribe an antibiotic for infection, swelling, and fever to control the toothache. If it is an abscess, your dentist is likely to remove the secretion and/or cover the cavity with a temporary filling.

Now that you know what should be done during a toothache, let’s see what should be avoided. Avoid applying heat on the affected tooth. This is because infection can spread fast and get worse, especially if you are not taking an antibiotic.

Further, do not attempt to treat the infection yourself by taking antibiotics, as this may cause adverse effects. Do not put an aspirin next to the tooth, aspirin is an acid and will cause a chemical burn. It may seem to help only because it causes a another distracting pain on the gums. Do not consume anything too hot or too cold and of course refrain from chewing on the affected tooth, as it will only aggravate the problem.

Finally, never ignore a toothache. Attend to it immediately, as your oral health is a main contributor to your overall health!

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