If you are experiencing tooth pain, see a dentist as quickly as possible. Toothaches can have a number of potential causes. Dentists are uniquely trained to help alleviate your pain and identify the underlying reason for your discomfort.
At The Smile Centre, we offer a full spectrum of general dentistry services to address any oral health needs quickly and effectively. Postponing dental treatment can ultimately lead to further harm and more extensive and expensive procedures down the road.
What to Do If You Have a Toothache
If you suffer from sudden tooth pain, whether from a crack, chip, break, or unknown reason, we will make every effort to schedule treatment for your dental emergency as soon as possible. While our office is not open 24/7, we are attentive to your calls and inquiries, and we will do our best to arrange an appointment at your earliest convenience.
In the meantime, please consider the following:
- Use an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen AND acetaminophen
- Keep your head elevated
- Avoid eating acidic, hard, or cold foods (these will aggravate sensitivity)
- Avoid sports drinks, fizzy soda, and acidic beverages like orange juice
- Rinse with mouthwash or warm water solution
- Apply a cold compress (helps with inflammation)
Yes, you can safely take acetaminophen and ibuprofen together. This may surprise you, but taking these two medications together works better to relieve pain than taking them separately.
Herbs Used to Treat Tooth Pain
Toothaches are as old as humanity itself. Throughout history, cultures have turned to plants and herbs to ease tooth pain. In some cases, common household herbs have been used to temporarily manage pain. While nothing compares to a visit with a qualified dentist, many have tried natural remedies over the centuries to address oral discomfort. Some of the herbs that have been used to relieve toothaches include:
- Cloves: Clove oil often tops natural-remedy lists for its ability to numb pain. Some rub it directly onto the sore area, or soak a cotton ball and dab it against the teeth and gums.
- Thyme: Ancient Greeks and Romans used thyme topically to relieve a variety of aches and pains, including toothaches.
- Turmeric: A certain compound in turmeric, called curcumin, contains antibacterial, antiseptic, and analgesic (pain relieving) properties.
- Yarrow: Due to the anesthetic properties contained in its root, yarrow has been used medicinally for centuries for pain relief.
- Herbal tea: Some people use peppermint tea, ginger tea, or chamomile tea to reduce tooth pain by placing used, cooled, tea bags directly on the area of discomfort.
Always talk to your doctor or dentist before using natural remedies. Beware of potential allergies or physical reactions to the plants or oils used.
Contact Our Emergency Dentists Today
Do not put off the important dental care you need and deserve. If you are experiencing pain in your teeth, gums, or jaw, contact The Smile Centre today to schedule an appointment in Sarasota or Venice. Call Palm Aire at 941-351-4468.