What To Do If My Tooth Pain Is Unbearable?

By Supreme Dental Care of Orland Park

Are you suffering from extreme tooth pain, and nothing seems to work out for you?

Well, this may be a sign for you not to take tooth pain lightly. Multiple reasons can cause tooth pain, such as cavities, tooth or gum infections, cracked teeth, etc. This pain might seem like a small issue initially, but it can actually pause your daily life. Sometimes, unbearable tooth pain can be the symptom of a bigger health issue.

To prevent such issues and avoid further complications, it is necessary to know what steps to take and how to proceed when you are having unbearable tooth pain. 

How To Get Immediate Relief from Unbearable Tooth Pain?

If you find yourself in unbearable tooth pain, you can take these quick steps to get the much-needed relief.
 Here are a few things that you can try:

• Salt Water Rinsing: Make yourself a warm bowl of salt water. Gargle with the water to clean the infected area. This salt water will also help in reducing the swelling. 

• Use a cold compress: Hold an ice pack to the outside of your cheek; this will help lessen the pain and also reduce the inflammation.

• Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: Painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also ease tooth pain. But remember, the wisest thing is to take the painkillers according to a dentist’s prescription.

• Stay Away from Certain Foods: There are some foods that can worsen the pain. So, it is better to stick to a soft food diet for the time being.

• Use Clove Oil: Clove oil has naturally numbing elements, so it can be a good option to minimize tooth pain. Dip a cotton ball in the clove oil and directly apply it to the affected tooth. 

• Gentle Brushing and Flossing: Very slowly and gently brush the affected tooth and its surroundings. Any stuck food particles can worsen the pain, so ensure nothing is stuck there. 

• Drink Water: A dry mouth may not be a well-known fact, but a dry mouth often worsens the situation if you are having tooth pain. Hence, it is better to keep drinking water.

When to See A Professional for Tooth Pain?

If your tooth pain persists for more than a day or it becomes worse, it is time to check with an emergency dentist in Orland Park. 

But how will you know what is the exact situation to look for professional dental help?

• If the pain continues for more than 24-48 hours, you should promptly contact an emergency dentist nearby.

• A swelling face or a foul taste in the mouth – these can be the signs of the infection spreading to the other areas of the mouth. Such conditions require an immediate dental visit.

• Also, if you are having difficulties swallowing or opening your mouth, an emergency dental checkup is a must.

How to Prevent Extreme Tooth Pain in the Future?

Once you manage to take care of your tooth pain, it is necessary to know how you can avoid such situations in the future. Following certain simple steps on a daily basis will ensure you do not experience such painful situations in the future. 

• Daily brushing and flossing to avoid plaque buildup.

• Have a balanced diet and avoid sugary and acidic foods.

• Use mouthguards during sports.

• Routine dental checkups are a must.

If you are experiencing unbearable tooth pain, the first step is to follow the home remedies listed above. If these remedies do not work out, your next step should be to contact an emergency dentist nearby. 

If you are in Orland Park, contact us for prompt emergency dental care.