How do you stop a toothache at home ASAP?

Toothaches are among the most common dental problems that affect people of all ages. They often come on suddenly, without warning, making performing even normal daily activities more difficult. When you experience a toothache, managing the pain becomes a top priority. The good news is that there are steps you can take to stop a toothache at home while you wait to see your dentist. Here are some simple steps to address a toothache at home from the trusted team at Walnut Creek Dental East.

What is a toothache?

Toothaches are dental pain that occurs when the structure of a person’s tooth becomes compromised because of an oral health problem, such as infection, an injury, or some other dental disease. Some toothaches can be caused by a minor dental problem, such as food particles getting stuck beside it, but others could be more serious, such as dental pulp infection. For this reason, it’s best to schedule a dental checkup when you have tooth pain to prevent the problem from worsening. 

What causes a toothache?

There are many factors that can impact the overall health of a tooth, including oral hygiene habits, diet, and genetics. Unfortunately, this also means that there are many things that could contribute to a toothache. Some oral health issues that could lead to tooth pain include:

• Cavities/tooth decay
• A cracked or damaged tooth
• Infection
• Grinding or clenching teeth

What are the symptoms of a toothache?

Toothaches aren’t difficult to identify. They have tell-tale signs that are nearly impossible for the person experiencing them to ignore. Common symptoms of a toothache include:

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Bad taste
• Headache or fever
• Bad breath

How can tooth pain be managed at home?

If you have a toothache, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. The dentist can help determine the underlying cause of your tooth pain and create a treatment plan to resolve the issue. While you wait to see the dentist, here are some ways to manage your tooth pain at home:

• Rinse your mouth with saltwater 
• Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide
• Alternate hot and cold compresses (or ice) on the outside of your mouth
• Drink peppermint tea
• Take over-the-counter pain medication
• Keep your  head elevated when you lie down

Why is Walnut Creek Dental East a good choice?

When you have a toothache, knowing where you can find relief is important. At Walnut Creek Dental East, our team can help you manage the pain, treat the underlying issue, and resume your normal daily activities quickly. If your toothache worsens or cannot be managed at home, we happily accept emergency appointments. We’re committed to providing friendly, professional, judgment-free care to every patient we enjoy assisting.

Walnut Creek Dental East: The Best Choice to Relieve Your Tooth Pain

No one wants to develop a toothache, but it can happen to the best of us. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer from tooth pain alone. The compassionate team at Walnut Creek Dental East is here to help you manage your toothache at home before coming in for a dental exam with Dr. Colles or Dr. Pappas. If you have a toothache, don’t wait to contact our office. We can help you determine the best ways to alleviate the pain at home or schedule an emergency dental appointment. For more information about how to prevent and manage toothaches, call us. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy smile for life!