Although many dentists offer same-day dental emergency visits so patients don’t have to wait long to be seen for urgent issues, such as sudden or severe toothaches. But if it happens in the evening or over the weekend outside of their normal business hours, you might have to wait a day or two before you can contact them.
Thankfully, you don’t have to simply live with the pain until then. Continue reading to learn about 3 ways you can help reduce dental discomfort while waiting to contact your provider!
Option #1: Rinse with Salt Water
Infection is one of the most common causes of throbbing teeth and occurs when bacteria in your mouth penetrate your enamel or gums and trigger an inflammatory response in your nerves or tissues. The fluid buildup in your tooth presses against the sensitive bundle of receptors, which can cause sensations that likely won’t fully subside until it’s treated, or your condition progresses to the point that the nerves are killed and no longer function.
You can help relieve swelling and soreness by gently rinsing your mouth with salt water. To do so, mix about ½ teaspoon of salt into a cup of water and stir until it’s dissolved. Then, sip the solution and swirl it around your teeth and gums before spitting it back out into the sink. It contains plenty of germs and residue, so do your best not to swallow any. Repeat until the glass is empty.
Option #2: Apply An Ice Pack
Another simple, effective way to help alleviate your toothache is to apply a cold compress or ice pack to the tender side of your face for about 10 minutes at a time for temporary relief. If that doesn’t help, you can place a frozen tea bag against the affected tooth or hold ice-cold water in your mouth for a few moments.
Some patients also believe that holding an ice cube in their hands can override pain signals from their teeth to their brain, so you might try wrapping one up in a thin cloth then massaging it between your thumb and forefinger.
Option #3: Try Over-the-Counter Medications
If your toothache is overwhelming and simple solutions haven’t made a difference, you might try over-the-counter medications. For example, taking the recommended dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help assuage aches, reduce swelling, and provide some much-needed relief.
Many stores and pharmacies also carry numbing oral gels that contain a small amount of anesthetic that can be applied directly to your tooth or the surrounding tissues to help ease the ache.
These solutions can provide short-term comfort, but disease and decay can be contagious, so you may want to call your dentist for an appointment as soon as their office reopens to prevent worsening problems.
Meet the Author
Dr. George Philip takes pride in helping families and individuals in Sunnyvale build the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2003 from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine before returning to Texas, where he has happily remained. Today, he offers a complete menu of services, including same-day emergency visits, to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling the office at (972) 285-6144.