1. Prevention Is the Best Option
Once a toothache starts, you must go see a dentist. However, brushing your teeth two to three times each day, using fluoride, flossing and avoiding foods high in sugar helps protect your teeth from decay, preventing your toothache problems.
2. My Tooth Is Killing Me!
Toothache pain is terrible. Some say it's one of the worst pains that a human feels. The most common causes of toothaches are tooth decay, cavities or infection. When one tooth is infected or decaying, it may sometimes feel as if other teeth are hurting or your ear is hurting. This is called radiating pain. Unfortunately, the only real way to eliminate toothache pain is to visit a dentist.
3. The Dentist Will See You Now
Once you go to the dentist, he will X-ray the aching tooth to see the extent of the damage and to see if it is decay or infection causing the pain. If it is an infection, he may have you take an antibiotic therapy before fixing the tooth. At this point, if there is decay or infection in the tooth, the dentist pulls the tooth out, performs a root canal or fills the cavity.
4. After the Toothache
The dentist fixes your tooth and your pain subsides, but that doesn't mean the problem is over. The dentist may give you a prescription for pain pills or antibiotics. Take these medications as directed for the recommended amount of time. Tell your dentist if you currently take other medications. Ask your dentist or your pharmacist if you have any questions.
5. Home Remedies That Work
Set down your cigarette. Smoking increases the pain by irritating the nerve endings in the tooth. Therefore, if you are a smoker with a toothache, put out the cigarette until you see a dentist. Rinse your mouth with some warm salt water. Simply add 2 to 3 tsps. of table salt to a glass of warm drinking water and swish it around inside of your mouth. This helps ease the swelling and with the pain. You can also take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with pain, and you can put an ice pack on the throbbing tooth. Patients also feel pain relief when they avoid eating anything on the side where the aching tooth is located.
