Blog Coburg Dental Group

A toothache is a painful condition that can drive you to distraction. It can also be a sign of serious dental health problems, so it’s important not to ignore the pain. Here are five things you should do if you are experiencing toothache:

1. Book an appointment with your dentist

A toothache needs to be checked out by a professional. As soon as you can, book an appointment with your dentist so that you can find out what is causing the pain. Your dentist can let you know the available treatment options to resolve a toothache and protect your teeth from further harm.

2. Take the right pain medication

Pain medication can make you more comfortable while you wait to see the dentist. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are both good choices for treating dental pain. It’s best not to use aspirin because it can increase bleeding during dental treatments.

3. Try a mouth rinse

You can make a soothing mouth rinse by adding one teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. A better mouth rinse is an antiseptic mouthwash (such as Curasept). Hold this rinse in your mouth for a couple of minutes and then spit it out without swallowing. If your child has a toothache, only use this treatment if you’re sure your child can avoid accidentally swallowing the liquid, as drinking these can cause nausea.

4. Cool away the pain

A simple ice pack can reduce tooth pain. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth or towel and press it gently to your cheek to numb the pain. Don’t put ice directly onto your face without wrapping it first, as this can cause skin damage.

5. Choose foods carefully

When your teeth hurt, it’s best to avoid eating foods that require a lot of chewing. Try to stick to softer options, such as soup or porridge. Note that very hot or very cold foods can make the pain worse, so you need to give your meal time to cool slightly before you start eating.

Remember that pain in the body should not be ignored. If you are experiencing toothache, contact our friendly front office staff and make an appointment with your dentist so that you can discover the cause of the pain and available treatment options.