Toothache pain is of varying intensity, such that the pain could be mild or strong, aching, or even throbbing, and daily activities could be interfered with. You should, therefore, learn how to manage your pain effectively when you experience a toothache and are expecting an emergency appointment. The following guide provides handy techniques of how you could reduce pain and maintain oral health prior to visiting a dentist in mount gravatt.
What are the Common Causes of Tooth Pain?
To grasp the best method of dealing with the pain of the mouth, it is useful to consider first its most likely causations. These may be:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Dental abscess or infection
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Gum disease or inflammation
- Matter caught between teeth
- Damage to the jaw or teeth
- After-dental procedure sensitivity
All of these are conditions that will have varying symptoms, but most toothaches involve inflammation, infection, or pressure on nerves in the tooth or in the tissues surrounding the tooth.
How to Recognize the Symptoms of Dental Pain that Need Immediate Care?
Dental discomfort should never go unchecked, but some symptoms are actually a sign of a bigger issue that deserves immediate action. Contact your emergency dentist if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Persistent pain that does not respond to medication
- Swelling that moves to your jaw, face, or neck
- Generalised headache or malaise
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- A fractured or knocked-out tooth following trauma
Which are the Best Over-the-Counter Medications for Tooth Pain Relief?
Prior to the appointment, you might use OTCs to decrease pain and reduce inflammation. Always use the medication as stated on the label or as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.
| Medication | Scope | Notes |
| Ibuprofen | Reduces pain & inflammation | Don’t use if you are sensitive to NSAIDs or have stomach ulcers |
| Paracetamol | Alleviating pain | May be used in conjunction with ibuprofen if necessary (check dose limits) |
| Benzocaine gel | Local anesthesia of the gum/tooth involved | Do not use in children under 2 years without consulting a doctor |
How Can You Lessen Distress in the Waiting Time for an Appointment?
Aside from pain relief medications, you can also do certain things to decrease the burning and maintain the irritated area as clean as you possibly can. These actions will stop your condition from getting worse:
- Make the mouth clean through brushing twice a day gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Gentle flossing to dislodge food items that may aggravate the pain.
- Wash the mouth frequently with warm saltwater to minimize bacteria and keep the mouth clean.
- Soft foods only, and do not chew on the sore side of the mouth.
- Lift your head when lying down or sleeping to reduce pressure and pulsating pain.
What Not to Do When You’re Experiencing Toothache Pain
Although you might desire immediate relief, some actions will make you worse:
- Do not put the aspirin directly onto the gums or teeth, as the tissue will burn.
- Do not try to pull out the tooth yourself since this can cause serious infection.
- Do not delay in obtaining professional care if the pain persists or increases.
- Avoid eating very sweet, sticky, or acidic foods that could make sensitivity worse.
When do you need to seek immediate emergency care rather than waiting?
There are some symptoms that may be caused by a life-threatening injury or infection that cannot wait for a regular appointment.
| Symptom | Why It’s Problematic |
| Swelling of the face or neck | Possible transmission of the infection (could be life-threatening) |
| Severe pain unrelieved by meds | Points to a serious underlying problem |
| Fever and chills | Signifies systemic infection |
| Swallowing or breathing problems | May indicate airway compromise |
If you experience any of these symptoms, you must go for immediate medical treatment.
Why You Must Maintain Good Oral Hygiene During This Time?
Though brushing and flossing are uncomfortable, they are needed for oral health. A clean environment will control the bacteria and reduce the risk of further irritating the infection. Do the following:
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush in order to prevent irritating sensitive gums.
- Floss gently but carefully.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash as your dentist recommends.
- Wash in warm saltwater after a meal to clear out food particles.
How Can HD Dental Studio Help You in Case of a Dental Emergency?
If you have toothache or dental pain, you need to find care with a reputable dental clinic that knows how to treat emergencies properly. Here at the HD Dental Studio, we specialize in fast, expert emergency dentistry for the relief of pain and the correction of the underlying cause of the issue. We have a skilled team that delivers the latest treatment methods in a relaxed and reassuring environment, so you always feel at home and in good hands.
We are aware that toothaches are uncomfortable, so we ensure that we provide immediate care and specially designed treatment plans to bring you back to health within a short period. You are in good hands when you’re suffering from a bad toothache, cracked tooth, or infection. Trust the special urgent care of HD Dental Studio.
References
FAQs
- What is the best OTC medication for relief from toothache pain?
Ibuprofen is highly effective for relief of both pain and inflammation. You can use a mixture of paracetamol if necessary, but always use recommended dose instructions. - Should I wait for my appointment if my pain is increasing?
No. Unless the pain is severe or is coupled with swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, go to an emergency dentist. - Can you use topical gels to get rid of my toothache pain?
Yes, benzocaine gels are good for temporary relief. Do not use them in children under two years of age, and use them only sparingly. - How might I stop the dental pain from getting worse before the appointment?
Practice good oral hygiene, eat soft foods, avoid chewing on the sore side, and use over-the-counter medication for relief of pain as necessary. - When is swelling an indication of something serious?
Swelling that moves to your jaw, face, or neck indicates that you have a serious infection and is a dental emergency. - Should I not eat at all if my teeth are painful?
Not always. Only have soft foods and chew on the side of the jaw that is not uncomfortable. Avoid strongly heated, cold, sweet, or acidic foods for discomfort.
