Toothaches are painful and can be caused by many factors. Teeth can become damaged, decayed, or infected, requiring quick treatment to stop the pain of a toothache and restore dental health.
Toothache symptoms are usually easy to distinguish as pain in or around the tooth, and swelling around the affected area. If your symptoms include fever, headache, or drainage from the painful area, your tooth is likely infected.
Occasionally a toothache will necessitate a visit to the dentist, for instance, in the case of an infection. The dentist can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, which will prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of your face or even further.
Toothaches caused by cavities will call for either a filling or an extraction. Call your dentist and arrange for an appointment if you suspect you have a cavity. At the dentist’s office, you will be examined and X-rays will be taken to determine if there is in fact a cavity, and the best course of action.
What happens if you have to wait for your appointment? It is important to try to stay as comfortable as possible while you pass the time. There are over-the-counter medicines you could try, but why bother with the potential side-effects when there are natural ways to combat the pain.
Garlic and a touch of rock salt applied to the painful area have long been touted as a successful pain reliever for a toothache. Bay berry paste is another remedy in which bay berry bark is combined with vinegar into a thick consistency and applied directly to the painful spot. A salt-water rinse can help relieve the pain of a toothache and it has a beneficial action of ridding infection. Ice applied between your thumb and forefinger acts as not only a distraction, but also can overpower the impulses of pain.
Home remedies for toothache pain should only be used only as a temporary measure and do not take the place of regular dental care. Remember that in cases of severe pain, fever, or drainage; call your dentist at once.