Toothaches happen a lot in California, as they do everywhere else. They can be caused by cavities, an infection, fillings that are loose or broken, or gums that are pulling away from the teeth. You can treat yourself at home by putting on a cold cloth, gargling with salt water, or having peppermint tea.
The pain should be treated right away by a dentist in San Jose if it lasts more than one or two days. Until then, easy treatments made from things you probably already have at home may help ease the pain for a while.
Understanding toothaches.
A toothache means pain within or around the tooth, which is usually caused by problems with the gums or teeth. Things like the following can cause toothaches:
- Dental abscesses
- Decay
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Impacted teeth
How long does a toothache last?
The root reason for a toothache decides how long it will last. If it lasts longer than two days, the person should see a dentist. In the meantime, try these home treatments to feel better quickly.
- Saltwater rinse.
Before you go to the doctor, it’s best to rinse your mouth out with warm, salty water. Adding half a teaspoon of table salt to 8 ounces of water makes a good mix. Avoid swallowing it; spit it out. If you floss around the sore tooth, you can get rid of any food that might be stuck.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse.
A mix of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide can be used instead of salt water to clean. It is always best to mix hydrogen peroxide with water. Do not use it without diluting it. Rinse it well and then spit it out. Do not take hydrogen peroxide by mouth.
- OTC (over-the-counter) pain medication.
Acetaminophen is what dentists recommend for kids. You can choose from over-the-counter drugs for people, like ibuprofen and naproxen. If you choose aspirin, you should swallow it instead of putting it on your gums or teeth. That home treatment might hurt the inside of your mouth and does not work.
- Cold compress.
Between 24 and 36 hours, put an ice pack on your cheek every so often if your face is swollen. In the event that you have broken or chipped a tooth, it might help ease the pain. You may have an abscess if your tooth is swollen. An abscess is a sac of gunk and pus deep in the roots of your tooth. This could lead to a very bad infection in your jaw and other teeth. Fever and red gums are signs.
These home treatments can help you alleviate some discomfort until you can see a dentist. However, make sure to visit your dentist as soon as possible!
