If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know that you will do anything in your power to stop it. Here are some tips from a dentist in Lenexa, KS, on how to stop a toothache fast.

What Causes Oral Pain?

Oral pain can be caused by any number of serious issues, including infected gums, tooth decay, a damaged filling, an abscessed tooth, or a fractured tooth. If not treated, any one of these can result in serious complications.

Stop! Call Your Dentist Before Doing Anything Else!

The first thing you’ll want to do is to make a dental appointment so your dentist can diagnose the problem, and then treat it. This is the only way you will get rid of your toothache permanently. And remember, that comprehensive dental exams in Lenexa, KS, can help you avoid sudden oral pain by catching issues before they become a problem.

Five Ways to Stop a Toothache Fast

There are several ways to help stop a toothache or at least alleviate some of the pain while you are waiting for your dental appointment. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to help.

1. Ice Pack or Cold Compress

Hold an ice pack, cold compress, or a bag of frozen veggies to the side of your face for 20 minutes or so. This will help reduce the pain and swelling.

2. Use a Saltwater Rinse

Prepare a saltwater rinse by mixing ½ teaspoon of salt in a lukewarm glass of water. Then swish that mixture around in your mouth for about 30 seconds. Spit out the solution. This helps heal wounds, reduce inflammation, and clean infections, and will give you some temporary relief.

3. Take Over-the-Counter Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen will help reduce the swelling and reduce the pain signals to your brain. You can also use acetaminophen if you don’t have any ibuprofen. This will help stop the pain, but it’s not an anti-inflammatory medication, so it won’t help with that.

4. Apply Clove Oil

Apply some clove oil to a cotton ball, then place it on the affected area. Clove oil contains eugenol, which is a natural antiseptic that will help sterilize the area. Clove oil will help reduce inflammation and numb your oral pain.

5. Apply Garlic

Crush a clove of garlic to make a sort of sticky paste. Then apply it to the affected area. You can also just chew that clove of garlic if you prefer, then spit it out when you’re done. Garlic acts as a pain reliever and can help kill harmful bacteria.

What’s Next?

If you need a dentist in Lenexa, KS, please Contact James T. Voorhees, D.D.S. today. We have been providing comprehensive, family-friendly dental care since 1999 and will treat you with all the care and respect you deserve!