6 Ways to Keep Toothache From Driving You Crazy

Posted on: 29 August 2016

The pain caused by toothache can be extreme. After you have called an emergency dentist, you might be left waiting hours or even days for an urgent appointment. During this time, the pain of a toothache can leave you feeling miserable and unable to concentrate on your work. Use these tips to safely relieve your pain so you can continue to function as normally as possible.

1. Choose Your Pain Meds Carefully

Pain medication can block the pain of toothache, allowing you to live a normal life while you wait for treatment. You can use paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the pain of toothache, but it's best to avoid using aspirin, which can increase the amount of bleeding that occurs when you finally get treatment. If paracetamol and ibuprofen aren't making a dent in your pain, ask your pharmacist about medicines that contain codeine. These medications, which are suitable for short-term use only, can have a very strong pain-relieving effect.

2. Use Clove Oil

A natural remedy for toothache is clove oil, which can relieve pain when it is applied directly to the painful tooth. You can buy clove oil at your local pharmacy, but avoid using it for more than 48 hours, as it can irritate your gums.

3. Use a Salt Water Rinse

If infection sets in around your damaged tooth, your pain could dramatically increase. Prevent infection by swishing salt water around your mouth. Salt water increases the pH of your mouth, making it a less friendly environment for bacteria.

4. Cold Can Be Calming

Soothe a throbbing tooth by gently pressing a cold compress against your cheek on the affected side. The cold reduces swelling, which can be a major cause of toothache. Make your own cold compress by wrapping ice or frozen peas in a towel. Don't allow unwrapped ice to touch your face, as this can cause skin damage.

5. Don't Lie Flat

Even if you manage to keep your toothache under control during the day, you may find that it flares up when you lie down to sleep. Use pillows to keep your head propped up while you sleep, or spend the night snoozing in a recliner. Maintaining a more upright posture could help you experience less pain and therefore sleep better.

6. Eat Soft Foods

When you're suffering from toothache, it's best to stick to soft foods, like yoghurt, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, smoothies and soup. Avoid tough meats and crunchy foods. Let your food cool to a comfortable temperature before you eat, as excessive heat can make toothache worse.

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