The pain is sharp. It throbs. It distracts you from everything.
Toothache will not wait for a convenient moment. Here is what actually helps — and what makes things worse.
What you can do right now
Rinse with warm saltwater. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. Swish gently. It reduces swelling and kills bacteria.
Take ibuprofen if you can. It tackles inflammation and pain at the same time. Follow the label. Do not exceed the dose.
Apply a cold compress to your cheek. Twenty minutes on, twenty off. This numbs the area and reduces swelling.
Use clove oil. Dab it onto the painful tooth with a cotton ball. It contains a natural numbing agent. It works.
What not to do
Do not put aspirin directly on your gum. It burns the tissue. This is an old remedy that causes real damage.
Do not ignore the pain. If it lasts more than a day or two, something is wrong. Cavities do not fix themselves.
Avoid very hot or very cold foods. They trigger sharp pain in already irritated teeth.
When to see a dentist today
Book now if the pain is severe. Book now if you have swelling in your face or jaw. Book now if you have a fever. These are signs of infection.
Do not wait for the pain to become unbearable. Infection can spread. What starts as a simple filling can turn into a root canal — or worse.
You do not have to suffer. We have same-day appointments for a reason.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice