TOOTHACHES ARE RARELY polite enough to strike when we’re right outside a dentist or endodontist’s office. What can be done to make it easier if it’s going to be hours or even days before that toothache can get any help? Here are a few tips:
1. Swish warm salt water.
Salt mixed into water is a great way to fight infection. It stimulates healing while battling bacteria and reducing inflammation. All it takes is half a teaspoon of salt mixed into a cup of water. A 1:1 mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide will have roughly the same effect as warm saltwater. (But whichever option you prefer, please don’t swallow it. Swish and spit only!)
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
Do not apply aspirin directly to the sore area, as this can do more harm than good. Swallow it instead. For a topical option, use a pain-relieving gel such as benzocaine or clove oil. Acetaminophen is the dentist-recommended pain relief option for children.
3. Apply a cold compress.
In the first day and a half of a toothache, a cold compress can relieve a lot of discomfort, particularly if a cheek is also swollen. Holding an ice cube to the area can also help. However, don’t use these as treatment delays; swelling is a sign of an abscess, which can lead to a serious jaw infection and needs urgent treatment.
