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Alternatives for a Toothache

Insufficient dental hygiene may cause toothache pain. Frequent brushing and flossing can usually prevent tooth decay that often requires a variety of at home and dental treatments. Toothache pain can vary from occasional pain when chewing to constant pain accompanied by swelling and fever. Self-care often allows sufferers to manage toothaches at home; however, medical dental assistance is often necessary.

  1. At Home Care

    • A mild to moderate toothache is often treatable at home. Over the counter medications may provide relief. Gels and ointments relieve pain for a short time. Aspirin or Tylenol may also provide relief. A cotton ball dipped in oil of cloves and applied to the tooth may relieve pain, according to WebMD. The Mayo Clinic suggests rinsing your mouth with warm water and using dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth that may cause pain. A cold compress applied to the cheek of the affected area may also provide relief. Never use heat to ease toothache pain. Foods that are very hot or very cold may make toothache pain worse. Avoid hot beverages like coffee or tea, and skip the ice cubes in your soda. If your pain becomes severe, persists more than two days, or you develop a fever or earache, seek medical care.

    Dental Examination

    • If your pain is severe or does not improve after two days of self-care, a visit to the dentist is the best alternative. Your dentist may perform a variety of tests and procedures to determine the cause of your toothache. He will examine your teeth and gums, and in some cases, the sinuses, throat, ears and nose. An x-ray may be required to diagnose your condition, and blood tests necessary.

    Filling

    • Cavities, or holes in teeth created by tooth decay often cause tooth pain. If your dentist determines that you have a cavity, a filling may be necessary. In this procedure, the dentist usually numbs the teeth and gums, removes the decayed parts of the tooth, cleans the area, and fills in the space with a filling. A variety of substances are used as filling, from porcelain to gold.

    Root Canal

    • A root canal may be necessary if the nerves of your tooth are infected. According to Mayo Clinic and WebMD, a root canal involves extracting the tooth, cleaning out the infected nerves, sealing them, and then replacing the tooth with an implant.

    Extraction

    • Teeth that are badly decayed or infected may need to be extracted.

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