Posts Tagged ‘toothache’

What You Need to Know About Root Canals

Posted on: May 1st, 2012 by Nicholas Geller, DDS No Comments

It’s understandable that you might feel a bit afraid when you hear “root canal,” but with modern anesthetics you’ll rarely be in any pain and it is a necessary procedure to save your tooth. Below we answer some of the frequently asked questions associated with root canals.

What is a root canal?

Underneath your tooth’s outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth’s nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but no more than four root canals.

Why does a toothache cause pain?

When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture that allows bacteria to seep in, or injury due to trauma, it can die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow, and this pressure cannot be relieved from inside the tooth. Pain in the tooth is commonly felt when biting down, chewing, or applying hot or cold foods and drinks.

Why do I need root canal therapy?

Because the tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, and the tooth may fall out. Pain usually worsens until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative is usually extraction of the tooth, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift crookedly, resulting in a bad bite. Though an extraction is cheaper, the space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which can be more expensive than root canal therapy. If you have the choice, it’s always best to keep your original teeth.

What is involved in root canal therapy?

First, you will probably be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. A rubber sheet is then placed around the tooth to isolate it. Next, a gap is drilled from the crown and any affected tissue is cleaned and reshaped. Medication may be inserted into the area to help fight bacteria. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the crown may then be sealed temporarily to guard against recontamination, or the tooth may be left open to drain, or the dentist may go right ahead and fill the canals. If you’re given a temporary filling, it’s usually removed at the next visit and the canal(s) are filled. Once filled, the area is permanently sealed and a gold or porcelain crown is placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve appearance.

What happens after treatment?

Swelling may cause discomfort for a few days, which can be controlled by an over-the-counter pain killer. A follow-up exam can monitor tissue healing. From this point on, brush and floss regularly, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth, and see your dentist regularly.

The DO’s and DONT’s of Dental Emergencies

Posted on: November 15th, 2011 by Nicholas Geller, DDS No Comments

Broken Denture or Bridge

DO:

  • Save all pieces.
  • If possible, keep denture or bridge in your mouth.
  • Call your dentist during office hours.

DON’T:

  • Don’t try to repair it yourself with ‘super glue’ or by other means.  This can permanently ruin your denture or bridge.

Loose or Lost Crown

DO:

  • Keep crown in safe place.
  • Call the dentist during office hours
  • Toothpaste or denture adhesive may be use to temporarily cement crown back on tooth if unable to see a dentist right away, and only if you are able to seat it properly on tooth.

DON’T:

  • Eat hard, sticky or chewy foods in area of the crown.
  • Don’t attempt to cement crown back on with ‘super glue’ or anything other than toothpaste or denture adhesive.

Bleeding Gums

DO:

  • Rinse your mouth four times a day with one-half teaspoon of salt in four ounces of warm water
  • Brush and floss even if bleeding continues
  • Call your dentist during office hours

DON’T:

  • Don’t prolong seeing your dentist.  This may be a sign of gum disease, which is correctable at early stages.

Canker Sore

DO:

  • Place a topical ointment such as ‘Orabase’ or ‘Orajel’ for temporary relief.
  • If many sores present, rinse with a mixture of 1/2 benadryl elixer, 1/2 kaopectate.
  • Call your dentist if the sore persists over 10 days.

DON’T:

  • Never place aspirin directly on the sore.
  • Don’t expect complete healing for 7-10 days.

Toothache, Broken Filling or Tooth

DO:

  • If painful, take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (advil or motrin), or aspirin.
  • If mild or no pain, call dentist during office hours.
  • If pain is severe or swelling is apparent, call the dentist as soon as possible.

DON’T:

  • Don’t eat hard, sticky or sweet foods.
  • Stay away from very hot or cold food and drink.
  • Don’t place heat on the area.
  • Never place aspirin on or near tooth.

Jaw Stiffness or Pain

DO:

  • Take ibuprofen (advil or motrin) or naproxen (aleve).
  • Alternate moist heat (warm washcloth or hot water bottle) for 20 minutes with cold (ice pack) for 20 minutes.
  • Call the dentist during office hours

DON’T:

  • Don’t stress your jaw joint by chewing hard or sticky foods including ice and gum.
  • Don’t ignore this- it may be a symptom of TMJ disorder, which is treatable by the dentist.

Wisdom Tooth Pain

DO:

  • Keep the area clean by brushing and flossing properly.
  • Take acetaminophen (tylenol), ibuprofen (advil or motrin), or aspirin.
  • Call the dentist during office hours

DON’T:

  • Never place aspirin on or near tooth.
  • Don’t procrastinate calling the dentist

Chipped Baby Tooth

DO:

  • If painful, give the child baby tylenol.
  • If swollen, place ice on the area (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
  • If mild or no pain, call the dentist during office hours.
  • For severe pain, call the dentist as soon as possible.

DON’T:

  • Don’t place heat on the area.
  • Don’t eat sweet foods or eat or drink anything very hot or cold.
  • Don’t panic, there is usually no damage to the permanent teeth.

Teething Pain

DO:

  • The following usually helps: cold objects (i.e. cold teething ring), teething ointment, firm finger massage.

DON’T:

  • Don’t leave unsafe objects wear baby can get them; your baby may want to chew on them.

10 Ways to Treat a Toothache

Posted on: November 8th, 2011 by Nicholas Geller, DDS No Comments

Toothaches are nothing new. We’ve all experienced it in one form or another over the course of our lives. Thankfully, we are experiencing it less and less than our ancestors with advancements in dental care, and regular checkups. But, should you be so unfortunate to get a toothache, there are some simple steps you can take to minimize or possibly eliminate your tooth pain.

10 Tips for Treating Toothaches

1. Take two Aspirin, Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is best since it does a good job of reducing painful inflammation. However, be sure to read the instructions on the bottle for proper usage whichever you choose.

2. Use Antiseptic Rinse Regularly
Using Antiseptic rinse regularly and brushing 2-3 times per day will help to prevent future toothaches, and relieve minor toothaches in the process.

3. Chew a Clove of Garlic Every Morning
If you try this and loved ones suddenly begin avoiding you – don’t blame us.

4. Apply garlic and salt to the tooth
Mash a clove of garlic together with a pinch of rock salt and apply the paste to the site of the toothache. Garlic has allicin, a powerful antibacterial compound. This is thought to help stop the bacteria which cause toothache.

5. Put cold compress on side of cheek

6. Numb the affected tooth/teeth with a desensitizing agent
Orajel is perhaps the best known tooth-desensitizing agent. However, this remedy will not eliminate a toothache, just numb the area for temporary relief.

7. Chew on a Piece of Onion
Yes, I know this sounds almost as unpleasant, or perhaps more unpleasant to some of you than chewing on garlic cloves. However, onions are bactericidal, so they can kill off the bacteria causing your toothache.

8. Rinse your mouth with water
This can help to remove any food debris that may be aggravating your toothache.

9. Plug the tooth with gauze or wax
Plugging the affected tooth with gauze or wax can reduce it’s sensitivity to air or debris in your mouth. Again, not a cure, but it will help to reduce painful irritation.

10. Elevate your head
Elevating your head can reduce the pressure to the affected tooth and its surrounding area – thus reducing the pain you’re experiencing.

 

When to go to the dentist

If none of these remedies effectively eliminate your toothache, then it’s time to visit your dentist. A good rule of thumb is if the toothache is causing you to lose sleep or consume your attention throughout the day it’s time to see your dentist. Don’t assume that your toothache is no big deal and let it worsen. What you have could be a tooth abscess which needs to be treated right away to avoid the infection from spreading.

Source: Dental Heroes

How To Deal With Dental Emergencies While Traveling

Posted on: October 11th, 2011 by Nicholas Geller, DDS No Comments

Are you planning a vacation outside the U.S.? Don’t have your vacation ruined by a toothache. Prior to traveling abroad a thorough dental examination is important especially if traveling to developing countries or remote areas without access to safe dental care.

Emergency dental care abroad may be hard to find, uncomfortable, expensive, or even dangerous. Most of us take for granted the high U.S. standards for infection control and safety. We seldom think about the fact that sterile instruments, gloves, disposable needles and safe water are not always routine in parts of the world. Dentists practicing in the U.S. are held to high standards of care and must follow infection control guidelines for disease prevention. The standards for educating and licensing dental professionals also vary in foreign countries. In the U.S., dentists have been educated in accredited schools and have taken national and state boards prior to receiving a license to practice.

Before you travel…
Schedule an appointment with your dentist giving adequate time to complete any necessary dental treatment. Pressure changes especially during air travel can cause pain in an untreated tooth.

  • Have decayed or cracked teeth treated
  • Congested with sinus problems? It may be from or affecting your teeth
  • Schedule a cleaning, especially if you have any type of periodontal (gum) disease or bad breath
  • Sensitive teeth should be checked before you travel
  • Complete all root canal treatments

Seeking safe emergency dental care while you’re traveling…
Along with your passport, carry travel information including names and phone numbers of organizations to contact in case of a dental or medical emergency. Some good sources to contact in an emergency are:

  • A local hotel concierge.
  • Americans living in the area or American military personnel.
  • The International Assoc. For Medical Assistance To Travelers — a network of doctors and medical institutions around the world – (www.iamat.org) (716) 754-4883.
  • American Consulate or American Embassy in the country you are visiting.
  • In Europe – American Dental Society of Europe (ADSE) (www.adse.co.uk) Phone: 011 44 141 331 0088.

To obtain A Traveler’s Guide To Safe Dental Care visit The Organization For Safety and Asepsis Procedures (www.osap.org)

Traveling in the US?

- First step, call your dentist, they may have some words of advice for your particular problem. Also, depending on your circumstances they may be able to call in a prescription if necessary or direct you to a nearby facility to help you.

- If your dentist is unavailable and you’re at a hotel, utilize your concierge or front desk staff. Often times they will have a list of people in the area that they have on call for emergency medical and dental situations.

- If neither options are available, contact the local hospital. Mostly likely a dentist or oral surgeon will be on call to help you with your emergency.

Traveling out of the Country?

- As previously mentioned, contact your dentist immediately. Unfortunately, he/she will not be able to prescribe you any medications overseas but may be able to give you advice on how to proceed.  Also, check-in with your concierge for local resources as you would in the U.S.

- If you don’t feel comfortable with your hotel’s concierge or don’t have a great grasp of the language and resources available to accomodate you, you may want to contact services at the U.S. Embassy.  They may be able to put you in touch with medical services and help with transferring funds from the U.S.

- We also advise you contact your insurance company before a trip abroad to see if there are any policies about coverage outside of the country.

Don’t let a dental emergency dampen your vacation. Be sure to have your teeth in great shape prior to leaving home.

Source: Dear Doctor

Emergency Dental Treatment

Posted on: October 4th, 2011 by Nicholas Geller, DDS No Comments

There is no pain like an acute pain sometime late at night. You may have a medical doctor on a 24 hour service as in private clinics or hospitals where you can refer to 24-hour emergency rooms but is there such service for dental pain or emergency?

Hence, there is a need for an emergency dentist  service today as there may be some individual who experiences acute dental pain outside normal dental service hours. This is the kind of pain where normal painkillers will not be effective and this is where you would want the services of an emergency dentist.

Availability
Now Care Dental is here when you need us. We offer general and emergency dental services for the whole family throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. If you have a toothache, sports injury, chipped or broken teeth, lost a crown or filling, issues with dentures, or any other dental emergency we can relieve your pain and correct the problem. Call us at 651-686-6800! We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year 10 AM – 8 PM.

Scope of service
An emergency dentist can offer any dental service he wishes during his service period as an emergency dentist . He may choose not to take on all types of dental treatments; he is usually on call rather than open his clinic for you to make a visit in the middle of the night unless he stays at his clinic.

The scope of dental services which are offered by an emergency dentist could be to ease the acute dental pain for you with a stronger painkiller injection or to extract the bad tooth immediately to ease the pain, which normally works well.

Other types of dental services which an emergency dentist takes on can be administering to gum infections or periodontal abscesses which are causing you bad toothaches. A cracked tooth is another facet which an emergency dentist can take on, depending on the severity of pain and damage. Most of the time, the patient is asked to come in on the next working day unless it is a long weekend and there is an important reason for the patient to have his cracked tooth repaired like his weekend wedding.

Prevention of Emergency visits
You can take the necessary precautions to prevent calling or visiting an emergency dentist . It is very simple; you only need to exercise sufficient dental care regularly and diligently. One of the most effective preventive measures of calling the emergency dentist is to undertake regular dental checkup with a proper personal dental care.

You can have regular cleaning and checking of your teeth with your dentist advising you on good oral hygiene care. This will allow your teeth to be maintained in good condition and avoid having to call the emergency dentist.

Source: Dr. Kezian

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Posted on: August 5th, 2011 by Nicholas Geller, DDS No Comments

People risk breaking their teeth or otherwise injuring their mouths while eating, playing, exercising, and participating in other seemingly harmless activities. It’s important to understand what to do in case of a dental emergency so that your tooth can be repaired when you are able to see a dentist. As we all know, accidents can and do happen. If you or someone you know has a dental emergency, don’t panic. These tips will tell you what to do in case of a dental emergency.

What are dental emergencies and how can I avoid them?

Dental emergencies can occur when your tooth breaks, cracks, becomes loosened, or is knocked out completely. Sometimes dental crowns come off of teeth. Lips, gums, or cheeks can be cut. Dental emergencies can be avoided by taking simple precautions, such as wearing a mouthguard during sports activities to prevent teeth from breaking or being knocked out, and avoiding hard foods that may crack or break your teeth—whether you have your natural teeth or you wear dentures. Oral injuries often are painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.

1. Toothaches

Never put any pain killers, including aspirin, on the gum because it can burn the gum tissue. Clean your mouth out by rinsing thoroughly with warm water. Gently floss around the tooth to remove any food particles that may be caught there. If your tooth continues to hurt, you should call your dentist as soon as possible. A toothache can result from several dental problems. Regular dental check-ups and dental cleanings can help prevent toothaches.

2. Broken Tooth

If your tooth breaks, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist immediately. You should also clean your mouth out by rinsing thoroughly with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling.

3. Possible Broken Jaw

If you think that your jaw might be broken, apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling. You will need to see your dentist immediately or go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.

4. Knocked Out Tooth

If your tooth has been knocked out, rinse the tooth off very gently to make sure it is clean. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that is attached to it. Be sure to place a towel or wash cloth in the sink so that it does not go down the drain. If you can, gently place the tooth back into the socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small container or cup of milk. You will need to take the tooth with you and get to your dentist immediately.

5. Bitten Tongue or Lip

If you have bitten your tongue or lip, gently wipe the area clean with a cloth. Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling. If the bleeding will not stop, you should go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.

6. Something Caught Between Your Teeth

Gently insert a piece of dental floss or a dental flosser. Be very careful not to cut the gum tissue. If you are unable to remove the object, contact your dentist. Never use a sharp object to try and remove something that is stuck in between your teeth.

7. Tooth is pushed out of position?

If your tooth is loosened and pushed out of position, call your dentist right away for an emergency appointment. In the meantime, attempt to reposition it to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure—but don’t force it!

 8. Chipped or fractured tooth?

There are different types of tooth fractures. Chipped teeth are minor fractures. Moderate fractures include damage to the enamel, tissue, and/or pulp. Severe fractures usually mean that a tooth has been traumatized to the point that it cannot be recovered.

If you fracture a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling. Take ibuprofen, not aspirin, for pain. Your dentist can smooth out minor fractures with a sandpaper disc. Alternatively, restorative procedures may be needed to fix the tooth.

Never attempt to glue a natural tooth or part of a natural tooth back into place!

 9. Tissue of my mouth is injured?

Injuries inside the mouth include tears or cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations to the cheek, lips, or tongue. The wound should be cleaned immediately with warm water, and the injured person should be taken directly to an oral surgeon for emergency care. If you can’t get to an oral surgeon, the patient should be taken to the hospital. Bleeding from a tongue laceration can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and using gauze to place pressure on the wound.

Can I somehow prepare for dental emergencies?

Yes, by packing an emergency dental care kit including:

  • Dentist’s phone numbers (home and office)
  • Saline solution
  • Handkerchief
  • Gauze
  • Small container with lid
  • Ibuprofen (NOT aspirin. Aspirin is an anti-coagulant, which may cause excessive bleeding in a dental emergency.)

Sources: Know Your Teeth & About Dentistry

Root Canal Therapy

Posted on: July 19th, 2011 by Nicholas Geller, DDS No Comments

What is root canal treatment?

The procedure involves removing inflamed or damaged tissue from inside a tooth and cleaning, filling and sealing the remaining space.

Why do I need it?

The pulp, or soft inner tissue of your tooth, is normally surrounded and protected by a layer of dentin.  Above the gumline, the dentin is protected by a layer of enamel; below the gumline, the dentin is covered by cementum.  When a deep cavity, decay or crack destroys these protective layers, the pulp is exposed to the bacteria in your mouth.  This can result in inflammation, infection and, eventually, necrosis (pulp death).  A severe blow to the tooth can also damage the pulp.  Irritants may then escape from the end of the root and cause a diseased area (apical lesion) in the bone.

Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp and irritants.  This allows the bone surrounding the root end to repair and heal.

Couldn’t I just have the tooth removed?

You could, but then adjoining teeth may shift and interfere with biting and chewing.  You can have a replacement tooth implanted or attached to adjacent healthy teeth, but this can be expensive and require even more dental treatment.  There is no real substitute for your own tooth, which is more efficient in chewing and biting than an artificial one would be.

How much does root canal treatment cost?

The cost of root canal treatment depends on the severity of your problem, as well as the tooth location and number and shape of canals.  Please ask for a cost estimate before treatment begins.

What happens during root canal treatment?

An examination, including radiographs(x-rays), will be performed.  A local anesthetic will be given, if necessary.  A sheet of latex, called a rubber dam, will be placed around the tooth to isolate it and keep it clean and dry during treatment.  Complete treatment consists of the following five basic steps:

 

Step 1.  An opening is made in the crown of the tooth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2.  The pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.  Tiny instruments called files are used to clean the root canals and  shape them to a form that will ensure they will be well sealed. A temporary filling is placed in the opening to seal the opening and protect the tooth between visits.

Step 3.  The root canals are filled and sealed with a material that prevents bacteria from re-entering.  The opening in the crown of the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling.  Radiographs (x-rays) are made before, during and after treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4.  At future appointments, which may be in another department, the temporary filling will be replaced with a permanent filling and/or crown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5.  The root canal, permanent filling, and/or crown are evaluated for healing at periodic intervals called recall appointments.

 

 

 

 

Is this going to hurt?

With modern techniques and anesthetics people report that having a root canal treatment is about as unremarkable as having a cavity filled.  Should you experience any discomfort, signal your dentist or endodontist, who will do everything possible to make you comfortable.

How long will my tooth last?

Although the pulp is removed, your tooth remains alive, nourished by surrounding bond and gum tissues.  With a permanent restoration, regular brushing and flossing, proper diet and periodic dental checkups, your tooth has an excellent chance for success.

You will be contacted in the future to return for a recall appointment, when the tooth will be radiographed and examined to be sure healing has occurred.

After a Root Canal

Soreness

Most patients experience a little soreness after the appointment.  This may be due to the injection, the necessity of keeping the mouth open for a long time, or the treatment.  Your temporary filling will be hard enough to bite on within approximately a half-hour, but avoid biting or chewing on the treated tooth if it hurts.

Pain

Over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen usually relieve the discomfort.  Should pain last more than a few days, or if severe pain or swelling occur, call your dental office.  After hours you may call your dental office for the doctor on call.  Remember, if your tooth hurt before you came in for treatment, it may take a while to heal.

Permanent Filling

When your root canal treatment is complete, a temporary filling is placed.  The tooth needs to be permanently restored to prevent contamination or fracture.  You will need to return to your general dentist for a permanent restoration.  It is important to return promptly because the temporary filling can loosen and leak, possibly causing the root canal treatment to fail, which would necessitate re-treatment.

Source: University of Iowa: College of Dentistry

How to find Toothache Pain Relief

Posted on: July 12th, 2011 by Nicholas Geller, DDS No Comments


Anyone who’s ever experienced a toothache for more than a few days knows how quickly the situation can turn into a headache. A toothache is usually caused by a bacterial infection or decay that has gone out of hand and may require a visit to the dentist. Until then, there are many products out there that will bring about toothache pain relief. However, not all of those products are effective enough to bring long-lasting relief. The possible remedies to achieve toothache pain relief depend on several factors, but the main one is to identify the problem.  In most cases, toothaches are caused by teeth or jaw problems, such as dental cavities, dental abscesses, teeth sensitivity, root exposure, cracked teeth, gum disease, wisdom teeth, TMJ disorders and other. Unfortunately finding the cause of the pain is sometimes difficult even for the dentist without a detailed examination.

The main method to relieve tooth pain is the use of painkillers, but you can also try several home remedies to stop a toothache. Always remember that toothaches must be treated by a dentist, any tooth pain relief remedies should only used as temporary and never as long term solutions. Some of the available toothache remedies may help in some cases, but contradict making the pain worse if the cause is different. Therefore you should always call a dental office (if you can not visit one) and ask the advice of a dentist for the most suitable remedy for temporary pain relief based on your symptoms.

How to find Toothache Pain Relief

After you have arranged your appointment with the dentist, the following remedies are believed to help alleviate some of the tooth pain until you get professional care:

Clean the mouth

The first thing you can do after experiencing a toothache is to make sure that your mouth is clean from dental plaque bacteria and food debris. Gently brush and floss teeth or use an interdental cleaner to remove any food particles trapped between teeth or between teeth and gums that may cause irritation and toothache. Sometime the pain is caused by food debris lodged into a cavity; removing it will immediately relieve the pain.

Rinse with salt water

Rinsing the mouth with lukewarm to warm salt water can also help not only in cleaning the mouth but also to ease gum swelling and provide some toothache pain relief. Salt water is also reducing the risk of tooth infection.

Toothache pain medication

Several types of medications can be used to reduce or stop a toothache. Some of them are only available on prescription, but many can be bought over the counter and may help until you visit your dentist or physician.

  • Over the counter pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen have analgesic or anti-inflammatory properties (ibuprofen) and they can offer enough pain relief to make the toothache tolerable.
  • Prescription pain medications such as Vicodin containing hydrocodone are stronger analgesics that can help in case of severe toothache.
  • Antibiotics should be taken, additionally to painkillers, when the cause of the tooth pain is an infection, such as in a tooth abscess. Fighting the infection can reduce inflammation and relieve the toothache.
  • Numbing gels such as Anbesol or Orajel can be placed on the painful tooth and provide temporary relief by numbing the area, but they can not help with severe toothaches.

It is advisable that you call your dentist or physician for approval before taking any pain medication, even the OTC ones, especially if you take and other medications.

Sensitivity toothpaste

Brushing teeth with a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth can definitely help if you have a tooth sensitivity problem that causes the pain. It may also help in case of a mild toothache due to a cavity or after a dental treatment as placing a filling or a crown. In this case you can put some toothpaste directly on the painful tooth.

Apply cold

Applying a cold compress or an ice pack on the outside of the mouth over the area that hurts may relieve the pain. The use of cold will help also to reduce any swelling. Apply the ice for 10 to 20 minutes of every hour, taking it on and off during this time to avoid freezing the skin surface.

Applying heat is also suggested but only for certain cases such as in toothaches caused by muscle tension (TMJD). Do NOT apply heat when you have a tooth infection, tooth abscess or swelling. Heat may help spread the infection, expand the swelling and worsen the tooth pain.

Temporary filling

If you have a cavity, or a fractured / broken tooth, or a filling or crown is damaged or lost, the dentin becomes exposed causing tooth pain. In some pharmacies you may find a temporary filling material to cover the damaged tooth and stop the toothache. If that is not possible you may try an alternative remedy covering the tooth with a piece of raw potato to isolate it from external stimuli that irritate the nerves.

Other toothache home remedies

Several other toothache pain relief home remedies have been suggested, using materials available in our home, natural herbs and essential oils. The most popular home remedies to stop a toothache are those involving the use of clove oil and tea bags.

  • Clove oil’s main ingredient is eugenol, which is used also by the dentists as a dental analgesic and anti-infective during filling or root canal treatments. Soaking a small piece of cotton ball with clove oil and placing it on the affected tooth for about an hour at a time works well in relieving tooth pain.
  • Tea contains tannins that can help numb the pain and reduce soreness. For better results you should put a frozen tea bag directly on the sore tooth.
  • Other remedies recommend the use of garlic, onion, vanilla extract, oil of oregano and many others.

Always remember that toothaches must be treated by a dentist. Any toothache pain relief remedies should only used as temporary and never as long term solutions.


Source: Emergency Dentist 24/7