When you have tooth pain, it’s quite debilitating. The pain radiates throughout your entire head rendering you immobile in many cases. You’re unable to sleep, work or even concentrate. No one likes tooth pain!

If possible, it’s always best to see your dentist for an emergency appointment. They can provide the relief you need quickly. If, however, tooth pain happens at night or during the weekend, you’ll need to find relief on your own until your dentist can see you.

The causes for tooth pain can be many things: decay, a lost filling, a cracked tooth, or a wisdom tooth that’s broken through the gum line. If you have infected gums or an abscess in your tooth, you need to seek medical attention right away.  The signs of an abscessed tooth are swollen gums, fever, the presence of pus or blood, swollen, throbbing jaw, and incredible pain. Seek emergency dental treatment in this case.

If it’s not an emergency but simply a painful annoyance, here are some methods to provide relief until your dental appointment:

•       Gargling with hot saltwater
•       A cold compress
•       Apple cider vinegar-soaked compress placed over the area
•       Gargle with peppermint tea or make a cotton ball compress
•       Sunflower, oregano, or tea tree oil
•       Raw potato – place a small piece between your inside cheek and the tooth
•       Turmeric powder mixed with water to make a paste
•       OTC pain relievers like Tylenol or Aleve

Pain is the body’s way of telling us there’s something wrong. Don’t ignore tooth pain! Contact us for an appointment and we’ll correct the issue that’s causing your pain.