6 Proven Ways To Manage Dental Pain

Many people have experienced severe episodes of toothache caused by gum disease or other dental issues. Sometimes, these toothaches trigger during the most unfortunate times, like when the family dental clinic is closed already at night or during weekends. In some cases, the toothache is also accompanied by swelling on the cheeks.

You can’t just try to ignore the pain until it goes because chances are it won’t. Before the pain gets even more unbearable, it’s best to relieve it with tips and tricks that have been discovered by different people.

Here are a few proven ways that could help you manage dental pain dental pain:

1. Apply An Ice Pack On The Painful Area 

If you need immediate relief for tooth pain, one easy trick to alleviate the pain and swelling is to get a pack of ice and apply it on the swollen area. You can use the cold pack continuously until the swelling decreases. 

Be careful when applying the cold compress as it might cause mild frostbite if applied to the skin surface for a long time. The best way to avoid this is to wrap the pack with a thin layer of fabric before using it.

2. Take Pain Relief Medications 

It is quick and easy to treat mild and moderate toothaches with over-the-counter pain medications like mefenamic acid or ibuprofen. These are well-known over-the-counter drugs that are easy to find and purchase in pharmacies. 

Although these medicines are capable of relieving tooth pain. You still need to pay a visit to the dentist first thing in the morning. You might be experiencing one of the common oral health problems that you shouldn’t ignore. Also, keep in mind not to exceed the dosage recommended on the package of the medicine. 

3. Gargle Warm Water With Salt Or Hydrogen Peroxide

Salt is known for its antibacterial properties. You can combine it with warm water and gargle generous amounts of the mixture. The mixture won’t always provide immediate pain relief, but it does help wash out bacteria in your mouth that may be the source of your discomfort. A great alternative for rinsing is to use hydrogen peroxide and water instead. However, ensure not to swallow hydrogen peroxide. This is particularly helpful if you’re suffering from periodontitis, a gum infection caused by poor oral hygiene practices.  

Plaque and symptoms of periodontitis could be reduced by using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. It’s best to go for food-grade hydrogen peroxide as this solution can be particularly strong. Also, it’s not advisable for children as there is more risk for them to swallow the solution when rinsing.

4. Use Medical Ointments Or Peppermint Tea Bags

Pain can also be reduced with some medicated ointments. Numbing creams and gels that contain benzocaine can be purchased over the counter in medicine stores. They can temporarily relieve your tooth pain too. But take note that benzocaine is recommended for adult use only. 

Another treatment is peppermint tea bags which are generally considered safe since they are mildly numbing and can ease oral discomfort temporarily. Because of the cooling effect of mint, they can calm your tooth pain and provide relief for a while. Furthermore, because of its aromatic properties, your mind can be taken off your toothache because of its pleasant sensation.

5. Chew Some Garlic  

A good remedy for toothache may just be sitting on your kitchen counter! Garlic is a popular spice, but it is also known for its medicinal uses. Garlic is known for its analgesic and antibacterial properties. 

To use garlic effectively, you can mash the cloves and turn them into a paste that you can apply to the aching tooth. Alternatively, you could just chew on a fresh garlic clove and spit it right after. 

6. Use Some Organic Oils 

Many people also use organic oils like thyme, tea tree, and peppermint to reduce pain and numbness. They usually have antibacterial, pain relief, and calming effects that can help deal with toothache. 

If you want to try this method, pour a few drops of oil into a cotton ball or cotton bud and apply them to the affected area. It’s best to allow the oil to penetrate the tooth, so you could leave them on for a few minutes. 

Conclusion

Prevention is always better than cure, so you should practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular visits to your family dentist. However, if you do end up having to deal with toothache, at least you have different options to help manage the situation until a dentist can help you out with the situation.