Surviving The Agony Of Toothache
Anyone who has ever felt pain from a toothache will know that it is one of the worst things to experience. Tooth decay is the most common cause of a toothache, although it may also be brought about by a damaged tooth, jaw problems or an infection. Regardless of the cause, a toothache can be unbearable and get in the way of daily life. A trip to the dentist is often the best solution. However, there may be times when a dentist is not readily available. Getting through a toothache without professional help is possible. But of course, these are temporary ideas presented below. Once you deal with the pain for the night or for a few hours, the best answer is still to visit your dentist right away.
Still, you don’t have to suffer in the agony for many hours. Here are the keys to surviving a toothache.
Take a pain reliever. One of the easiest ways to survive a toothache is through the help of an over the counter pain reliever. These are classified as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS. There are a whole range to chose from with the mildest being Paracetamol. Those in need of something stronger may want to try ibuprofen or mefanamic acid to help ease the pain. Of course, these should not be taken on an empty stomach since it may cause gastrointestinal irritation. People with allergies and sensitivity to medication should also be careful with what they take.
Over the counter analgesic gels or ointments may also be applied on the affected tooth. This will help especially if the pain comes from a cracked tooth or jaw problem. Young children should not be given any numbing gels or medication without consulting a physician first.
Cool it with an ice pack. There are cases where the pain from a tooth is caused by an injury or direct damage to it. It could be a crack or chip in the tooth after severe impact on the mouth region. For such type of toothache, an ice pack may help ease the pain. Apply an ice pack on the outside of the affected tooth. The cold pack should be applied for no more than 20 minutes to avoid burning the skin. The ice can also help ease the pain by numbing the area.
Gargle with saline solution. Salt and water goes a long way in relieving a toothache. Salt has a natural ability to kill bacteria and sanitize things. Wounds and infections can be cleansed with a saline solution made from a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of lukewarm water. Use this solution as a gargle to help disinfect any wounds or cavities. Swish it around for 20-30 seconds before spitting it out. This process can be repeated as often as needed until the pain eases.
Go herbal or organic. There are a lot of herbs in your kitchen that can help make a toothache better as well. Garlic is a common herb that can be found in most kitchens. Simply cut a love of garlic in half or chew on a glove until the pain is relieved. This and also be repeated as often as needed. Garlic is a natural antiseptic which can eliminate bacteria as well as ease swelling. For those turned off by the smell that garlic leaves behind, cloves can also be used. These contain a natural anesthetic known as eugenol. Slowly chew on a clove or apply some clove oil directly on the affected tooth.
Use natural extracts. Those who fancy baking are likely to have a number of different pure extracts around their kitchen. Vanilla, lemon, almond and peppermint extracts an all be used t help a toothache. Simply sip a cotton bal in any of these and apply the wet ball directly on the tooth. Alternatively, a cotton swab can also be used. Dip the tip into the extract and wipe around affected area.