Fastest Way To Relieve A Toothache

An ordinary day can become unbearable and upsetting when a toothache suddenly appears. Knowing why toothaches occur and how to relieve them promptly is crucial for comfort and oral health, regardless of whether the pain is dull or sharp and throbbing. Our goal at Haggerty Dental is to help you manage your toothache so you can resume smiling without discomfort. If you're searching for a dependable dentist in Plymouth, MI, our team is here to provide compassionate care and effective solutions for your dental pain.

If you or your child is struggling with a painful toothache, here’s what to know about it and what solutions can help!

What Is A Toothache?

Orofacial pain incorporates a wide range of acute pain conditions. According to the National Library of Medicine, the most prevalent cause of acute orofacial pain conditions is the toothache. Toothaches are caused by inflammation of the dental pulp (the inner part of your tooth), usually as a result of dental caries, or tooth decay, which is the most common infectious disease in humans and affects 60–90% of schoolchildren globally.

Tooth pain can either be reversible or irreversible and can result in the pulp not being protected. Pain may also result from anything that exposes the cementum. If the gums are not protecting the cementum (which connects to the dentin and covers the tooth’s root), it can be easily worn away. When the cementum or enamel is damaged, the dentin may become visible. According to The Journal of the American Dental Association, the dentin can make the pulp more susceptible to pressure, temperature changes, and specific foods and beverages.

How To Relieve A Toothache Swiftly

The cause of your pain determines the course of treatment. Our friendly and knowledgeable dentist can identify the source of your tooth pain. Here are some ways to quickly absolve your toothache:

1. Medication: Your first line of therapy for treating acute toothaches is non-opioid, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. According to the American Dental Association, ibuprofen can offer six hours of pain relief, while naproxen sodium can provide 12 hours of reprieve.
2. Dental Fillings Or Crowns: Enamel damage such as cavities, chips, or cracks may result in sharp pain and require repair. A dental crown or filling could be ideal treatment choices to help you get out of pain.
3. Rinse With Warm Salt Water: To make a natural antibacterial rinse, combine half a teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water. Gently swirl it around in your mouth for 30 seconds to eliminate bacteria and lessen inflammation.
4. Apply A Cold Compress: Hold an ice pack or cold compress wrapped in a cloth against the cheek for 15 to 20 minutes if the pain is accompanied by swelling. This helps numb the area and reduce inflammation swiftly.

Ultimately, the most reliable and efficient way to address and resolve a toothache is to visit our dentist. Tooth pain can be experienced in a variety of different ways. Our dental professionals can establish the issue and the cause of the pain to help you be relieved of it. Call our smile-focused Haggerty Dental team for a consultation!