Tooth pain is so much more than an inconvenience. If it is severe enough, it can drag down your mood, make it impossible for you to eat your favorite foods, and make you feel generally miserable. If you find yourself in such a situation, what should you do? An emergency dentist in Cleveland is here to provide some practical tips that will help you find fast relief from your pain.
Call Your Dentist
Even though many dental offices have suspended their normal operations due to COVID-19, most of them are still available to render emergency care. Give your dentist a call or send them an email. Describe the type of pain you are experiencing (for example, is it throbbing, sharp, dull?). Also tell them if you have any suspicions about what is causing the pain. Your dentist will provide you with practical guidance on what your next steps should be. They are likely to schedule you for an emergency appointment.
Take Painkillers
Over the counter pain relievers can provide some relief from tooth pain. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin are all viable options. Take the medications as directed. Do not apply them directly to the tooth or your gums because doing so might cause chemical burns. If you want to apply something topically to soothe the tooth, try clove oil. It is a natural analgesic that might provide some relief.
Be Care About How You Use the Tooth
Certain types of foods and beverages can exacerbate tooth pain. You should avoid anything that is extremely hot or cold. You should also stay away from hard, crunchy, sugary, and acidic foods. If you suffered a facial trauma, and your tooth is broken or it has been partially knocked out of its socket, you should avoid using it at all until you can see your dentist.
Rinse with Saltwater
Saltwater is a natural antiseptic and can help to reduce the pain and swelling from a dental abscess. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a cup of boiling water. When the water cools down, swish with it for about 30 seconds. Do so as often as necessary.
Cover the Tooth
If your tooth is in severe pain because it lost a crown or filling, simply covering the tooth may do much to relieve your discomfort until you can visit your dentist. You might be able to temporarily reattach a lost crown with a dab of toothpaste or denture adhesive. If that is not possible, you can try covering the tooth with dental wax (also called orthodontic relief wax) or sugar-free gum.
Your dentist is ready to help you cope with severe tooth pain. Until you can get an emergency appointment, applying the above tips may help you to manage your discomfort.
About the Author
Dr. Vladimir Pastouk is a general, cosmetic, and emergency dentist in Cleveland. He graduated from the Kiev Medical University School of Dentistry in Ukraine in 1991. Later, he moved to the United States, where he has continued to hone his skills in various aspects of dentistry. He is available to help patients cope with severe tooth pain and other urgent oral health problems. Often, our team is able to provide same-day care for emergency patients. If you have questions about our practice, or you are in need of prompt dental attention, contact us at 216-292-3600.