What’s the Fastest Way to Relieve a Toothache?

First, we want to say that you should never ignore a toothache. Please call our office at the first twinge of dental pain so our Plymouth, MI, emergency dentists can find the source of the problem as soon as possible.

Here are 6 home remedies for toothaches to try until you’re seen by one of our emergency dentists.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Treatment

Toothache symptoms can vary in intensity, but certain indicators suggest the need for urgent dental care. If the pain is severe, lasts more than a day or two, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or sensitivity to hot and cold, it’s crucial that you call our Plymouth, MI, dental office.

Additional signs that a toothache may be a dental emergency include:

• Sharp, unrelenting pain that disrupts daily activities.
• Swollen gums or facial swelling near the affected tooth.
• Visible damage to the tooth, such as cracks or chips.
• Discoloration of the tooth or surrounding tissue.
• Pus or a foul taste, indicating an infection.

1. Floss to Remove Trapped Food

While it may sound weird, flossing can sometimes act as a viable form of toothache treatment if the pain is mild. The reason being that sometimes small pieces of food get caught between teeth and because they’re stuck in a tight spot, a sense of pressure is created.

If you dislodge a piece of food that’s been stuck for a while, your gums may bleed a little. This is normal. The bleeding should stop soon after it starts and any gum tenderness also shouldn’t last long. You’ll want to pursue emergency dental treatment if your toothache persists or worsens.

2. Rinse Your Mouth with Warm, Salty Water

Swish with warm, salty water to loosen any small pieces of food caught between your teeth. A homemade salt water rinse can also help disinfect and heal wounds in your mouth.

To make this type of rinse, mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a glass of warm water. You’ll then want to swish a portion of the mixture around in your mouth for a few seconds and spit it out when you’re done. Repeat until it’s gone and don’t swallow the saltwater!

3. Apply a Cold Compress to Your Cheek

Holding a cold compress up to your cheek can help you numb a toothache. The coldness of the compact makes the blood vessels underneath constrict. With less blood circulation, you’ll experience less dental pain.

If you don’t have a cold compress, a frozen bag of peas or corn works in a pinch. If you’re using frozen vegetables, wrap a kitchen towel around the bag to protect your skin. You should also never apply a cold compress for more than 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

It’s best that you don’t take over-the-counter pain relievers for an extended period of time. Yet, they can help you for a few days until you’re able to receive professional treatment for a toothache. If you’re unsure what medications to use, call our office. We’ll be more than happy to help you choose the right options while you wait to be seen.

5. Save Your Used Peppermint Tea Bags

Apply a wet, used peppermint tea bag right next to the tooth that hurts. (The tea bag should only be a little warm, not hot.) Over the course of 20 minutes, the peppermint will help numb and soothe your tooth.

6. Elevate Your Head While You Sleep

It can be hard falling asleep when you’re dealing with a toothache. In addition to the other tips above, we recommend that you sleep while keeping your head elevated.

You can do this pretty easily by propping your head up on extra pillows. This will help prevent your blood from rushing to your head. If you lie down, the blood can pool in your head and worsen your toothache, keeping you awake.

Consequences of Ignoring a Toothache

A toothache often indicates that the tooth’s inner structure, gums, or surrounding tissues are compromised. Common causes include cavities, infections, cracks, or injuries to a tooth. Without immediate dental care, these issues rarely resolve on their own. Instead, they can escalate into more severe problems, including:

• Infections: A cavity left untreated can spread bacteria into the tooth’s pulp, leading to an abscess. This type of infection can cause swelling, fever, and intense pain, potentially requiring emergency dental care to prevent the infection from spreading further.
• Tooth Loss: What starts as a manageable dental issue can lead to a damaged tooth becoming unsalvageable, requiring tooth removal. Losing a tooth can affect your bite, appearance, and oral health.
• Increased Treatment Complexity: Delaying treatment often means transitioning from simple solutions like a tooth-colored filling to more involved procedures like root canal treatment, placement of a dental crown, or restorative options like a bridge or implant following extraction.

A toothache is your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. If you need tooth pain relief, call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Our local emergency dentists will do everything they can to see you as soon as possible. That way, you’re able to receive emergency dental care when you need it most.

Schedule Emergency Dental Care

Unsure if you’re experiencing a dental emergency? Your next step is to call Plymouth Dentistry at (734) 459-7110. Our emergency dentists in Plymouth, MI, are accepting new patients and will be able to determine if you require urgent dental care at this time.

This blog post has been updated.