How to Relieve Tooth Pain at Home Until You See a Dentist

When a toothache comes on suddenly, it can feel like you aren’t able to focus on anything else. Tooth pain can make it almost impossible to eat, drink, work, and even sleep, making it all the more important that you get relief from your symptoms quickly. While there are some things you can do to manage a toothache at home until you're able to get to the dentist, it is critical that you schedule an evaluation to avoid worsening problems, including the potential loss of a tooth. Here, you’ll find helpful information from the expert team at Elegant Smiles in Las Vegas, NV on what to do if you develop a toothache and how you may be able to keep your pain in check until you see your dentist.

What could be causing my toothache?

Dental pain can occur for a variety of reasons and can vary in nature and intensity. For some people, a toothache is mild, dull, and relatively tolerable, while other people experience sharp, excruciating, sudden pain that can’t be ignored. Whatever the characteristics of your toothache may be, it is important to understand the cause so that appropriate treatment and symptom relief measures can be undertaken so that further complications can be avoided. Some of the most common causes of tooth pain include:

• Cavity
• Tooth decay
• Irritated nerve
• Trauma
• Food or foreign body stuck between teeth
• Infection
• Abscess
• Cold/heat exposure
• Overuse
• Clenching and grinding
• TMJ

Can I get rid of a toothache on my own?

When you experience a toothache, you may be willing to do just about anything to get relief from your pain and avoid going to the dentist. While at-home tips may provide temporary relief from tooth pain, you should always schedule an appointment to have your toothache evaluated. Not only will this allow us to administer more effective and fast-acting treatments for tooth pain relief, but it will also give us the opportunity to evaluate for the presence of a more serious condition and prevent worsening symptoms and complications. When tooth pain is ignored, or an evaluation is delayed, it may even lead to the loss of your tooth.

While you are waiting for your in-office dental appointment, some safe and appropriate things you can try at home for temporary pain relief include:

• Over-the-counter pain medications, like Ibuprofen
• Swishing with warm salt water
• Applying a cold compress or ice pack
• Avoid hot, cold, and sugary foods and drinks
• Topical OTC gels and products (used sparingly)

Again, regardless of the nature or severity of your toothache, it is critical to schedule an exam with your dentist.

When is a toothache considered an emergency?

All toothaches should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible to avoid worsening problems. If your toothache is accompanied by any of the following, you may require more emergent evaluation and care:

• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bleeding
• Discharge/pus
• Inability to eat or drink
• Inability to sleep
• Prolonged pain
• Severe or debilitating pain

If you have sustained trauma to the face, mouth, or head that has resulted in a toothache along with other injuries, it may be necessary to visit your nearest ER or urgent care to address your condition prior to visiting the dentist.

Even if your toothache doesn't seem serious, it can lead to severe complications – including tooth loss – if left untreated.

Don't ignore your tooth pain; call your Las Vegas dentist today

Even if your toothache doesn't seem serious, it is still imperative to schedule an exam with your dentist to find out what may be causing your dental pain and to avoid worsening symptoms and problems. If you are experiencing any level of tooth pain, call Elegant Smiles in Las Vegas, NV to schedule a comprehensive dental exam today. We look forward to helping you get back to your favorite activities sooner with a complete collection of the most advanced dental treatments and procedures available today.