Toothaches happen. The best way to prevent them is to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean. That means brushing and flossing twice a day, avoiding the sugary stuff, and having regular dental checkups. But they still happen sometimes, and when they do, see us at Staten Island Dental Care.
Toothaches may be characterized by a dull ache, or by throbbing and a sore, tender mouth. If something prevents you from getting to our office right away, there is short-term relief available to keep the pain at bay.
Here are some tried-and-true home remedies for a toothache:
- Cold Compress: An ice pack can do wonders to dull pain, especially when there is swelling. Another option is a bag of frozen vegetables – peas are really good because of their size. Hold it against the outside of your cheek just above the painful tooth. Alternate between several minutes on, several minutes off.
- Saltwater Rinse: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, then swish it around your mouth for about half a minute. Then spit it out. A salt water rinse can loosen debris stuck in cavities and can reduce swelling. Repeat the rinse as often as you like.
- Garlic: We’re serious here1 It might sound like hocus-pocus, but garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It contains allicin, which has natural antibacterial properties. You can chew a piece of garlic or put diced bits on the tooth. Obviously, the downside is the smell!
- Painkillers: Aspirin or ibuprofen can provide temporary relief from a toothache. There are plenty of brands to choose from. If you decide on aspirin, swallow it. Some people think, erroneously, that placing aspirin directly on the tooth will help. It won’t, and could even hurt the inside of your mouth.
Of course, the sooner you get professional treatment, the better. And the best thing is to get to Staten Island Dental Care as soon as possible. Patients from Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Bayonne come to us for toothache relief and other general dentistry services. Contact us today!
Contact Staten Island Dental Care – Dr. Frederick Hecht:
347-695-4380
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
10314
