How Do You Deal With a Toothache?

Having a toothache has to be one of the worst feelings. Not only because it feels so excruciating and tender, but because you know the pain means you might have a cavity. I wish I could ignore it, but I usually call my dentist and make an appointment so they can take a look. I feel like it's better to deal with a small problem now, rather than a potentially huge problem later.

 How Do You Deal With a Toothache?

 I call my dentist immediately so I can get it checked out.

 I hate the dentist, so I wait a little while to see if the pain goes away.

 I take some pain medicine.

 I use a home remedy like garlic or clove.

 I try to ignore the pain (and hope it goes away).

Here are some ways people cope when they get a toothache:

I usually go to the dentist asap. I get toothaches all the time because my wisdom teeth are trying to come in. Unfortunately my insurance will only cover under half the cost and I don't have that much money to spare right now so I have just been trying t ignore the pain.

I went through the same thing two years ago. But since the trays are moving my teeth my wisdom teeth haven't been bothering me at all. You are one tough cookie!

I haven't been to the dentist for so long, I really need to make an appointment. But I hate the dentist! I know I'm going to need a least a few fillings done.

 i wait and see. if it gets worse, then it's the dentist.

i used to try and ignore it until i couldn't stand it, but that's b/c i hated my old dentist. now that i like my new dentist so much more, i'm more willing to call him up for treatment when my teeth hurt.

Wow...I'm currently suffering from a toothache (since last weekend) and I just got to the Dentist yesterday so I know I'm in for a tough time next week when I go back to have the work done!
I'm taking pain killers now...and I tried the garlic with salt remedy. but what surprisingly helped was a wet tea bag placed on the tooth.

ugh! they are the worst, i just got a tooth pulled because the pain was too much!

I don't think I've ever had a toothache that lasted longer than a day.

i have bad teeth, but never the pain. i went to the dentist and found out that my tooth just died  how cool is that? 

I've never had a real toothache, but if I DID get one, I'd probably freak out and call the dentist to make sure it wasn't something serious that may involve a root canal or something horrible. I had braces when I was a kid and I remember my entire set of teeth being sort of sore when I'd get the wires adjusted, but it wasn't too bad.

 What to Do Until You Can See the Dentist:

Self-care tips
Until you can see your dentist, try these self-care tips for a toothache:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Use dental floss to remove any food particles wedged between your teeth.
• Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to dull the ache.
• Apply an OTC antiseptic containing benzocaine directly to the irritated tooth and gum to temporarily relieve pain. Direct application of oil of cloves (eugenol) also may help. Don't place aspirin or another painkiller directly against your gums, as it may burn your gum tissue.

Call Yellow Springs Dental Care if:

• You have signs of infection, such as swelling, pain when you bite, red gums or a foul-tasting discharge
• The pain persists for more than a day or two
• You have fever with the toothache
• You have trouble breathing or swallowing

• • Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) oribuprofen (Advil) may be used. Take these as directed on the package and around the clock on a schedule while you arrange a dental appointment. 

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  • Avoid very cold or hot foods because this may make the pain worse.

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  • Relief may be obtained from biting on a cotton ball soaked in oil of cloves. Oil of cloves is available at most drug stores.

• For jaw pain

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  • Aspirin may be helpful for problems in the joint of the jaw in adults. DO NOT PUT ASPIRIN ON THE TOOTH.

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  • Acetaminophen (not aspirin) should be used for children and teenagers.

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  • If pain occurs every time you open your mouth widely, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be the source of the pain. Yawning or taking a large bite of food may intensify the pain. An appointment with your doctor or dentist will help to determine the cause.