We have collected quite a few useful tips if you are suddenly tormented by a toothache. But don’t forget that these are not a substitute for professional care!
1. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DENTIST
If a toothache appeared, it is surely a sign that something is wrong. With the tips below, we can delay the problem a bit, but sooner or later you will definitely need professional help.
Tooth decay progresses even if it doesn’t or only rarely hurts. If we ignore the first signs, we will later find ourselves facing a bigger problem, the solution of which will require more effort in terms of time and money. This is also why a regular half-yearly inspection is important, even if we have no complaints.
With the following advice, we want to make the time bearable until you get to your dentist.
2. VERY COLD AND VERY HOT FOOD AND DRINKS SHOULD BE AVOIDED
To avoid increased sensitivity and pain, make sure to eat food at a pleasant temperature, so as not to irritate the gums unnecessarily.
3. AVOID SOUR, SWEET FOODS AND DRINKS
Now we are doing ourselves a real disservice if we consume sweets or carbonated drinks such as cola. All of these can increase the pain caused by tooth decay.
4. THOROUGH CLEANING
All is not lost, really! Wash the painful area thoroughly, even if it is bleeding. If you haven’t used it before, be sure to include mouthwash twice a day in your oral hygiene routine. Don’t forget the gaps between your teeth. The interdental cleaning toothbrush and dental floss help to clean areas that cannot be reached with a normal toothbrush, where plaque trapped inside can cause severe, stretching pain. However, be careful with dental floss not to push the food residue even deeper into the gums! The interdental cleaning toothbrush is more recommended by periodontists as well.
5. NONSZTEROID FÁJDALOMCSILLAPÍTÓK
Advil Ultra, Algoflex, Nurofen, i.e. products containing ibuprofen are very effective. Their effectiveness is followed by paracetamols such as Panadol. At least Aspirin will relieve the pain. If you have leftover Cataflam from an old prescription, it is of course the best. We dentists prescribe it most often.
Never suck these medicines, they can cause chemical irritation on the mucous membrane and, of course, read the patient information carefully!
6. ICING
Cold is good for inflamed tissues, while warm compresses are not recommended. Cold effectively reduces swelling and pain. If you don’t have ice jelly at home, a deep-frozen package like green peas will do just fine. Don’t forget to wrap it in a clean kitchen towel before use, then apply it to your face externally for 10 minutes every hour.
7. SLEEP ON AN ELEVATED PILLOW
In case of inflammation, the increased blood flow increases the possibility of pain and swelling. Therefore, if we keep our head in a higher position than the rest of the body, it helps us not to be swollen in the morning, or the existing swelling does not increase.
8. RINSE WITH MID-TEMPERATURE SALT WATER
Salt is naturally antiseptic, helps reduce inflammation and has a bactericidal effect. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a mug of boiled water, wait until it cools down to lukewarm, then gargle with it for 15 seconds. Repeat 3-4 times a day.
9. Clove OIL
A folk remedy that is said to be effective for toothaches. I don’t have my own experience, but I’ve heard it recommended by several medical colleagues and I’ve seen it on several American websites. The fact is that it has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, and it’s also easily available in drugstores and pharmacies.
Dip a small cotton ball in the oil, soak up the excess on a tissue and place it on the painful tooth for 10 seconds. But be careful, don’t touch the lips or mucous membrane, because it can cause a so-called chemical burn and of course, don’t swallow it! It can even be mixed with olive oil if you feel it necessary to dilute it a bit.
10. GARLIC
A natural aid as well. Garlic is antibacterial and pain reliever. According to the recommendations, slowly chew a clove or crush it into a pulp and mix it with salt and apply it to the painful tooth as a poultice.