How to make tooth pain go away fast
Tooth pain can be hard to ignore, especially when you’re trying to concentrate on something complex like work or school. It can even take the fun out of tasks you usually enjoy, leaving you exhausted and unhappy. Whether you’re waiting for a dentist’s appointment or feeling the aftereffects of dental surgery, getting rid of tooth pain fast can be a top priority.
How to get rid of tooth pain at home fast
There are lots of things you can do at home to ease tooth pain quickly. Remember, if your tooth has been hurting for more than two days, or the pain is accompanied by other symptoms like a swollen jaw, a bad taste in the mouth or a high temperature, book an appointment with your dentist. In the meantime, here’s what you can try.[1]
- Painkillers or anaesthetic
One of the simplest ways to tackle pain is to take medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. These can help to reduce inflammation and ease pain to help you get on with your day. Alternatively, you could use an anaesthetic solution to numb the area, such as the one found in Dentek’s emergency tooth repair kit. Remember not to take two types of painkiller at the same time, and always read the label.[1]
- Eat soft foods
If your teeth are hurting, putting them under more strain will likely make the pain worse. Avoid hard foods so you don’t exacerbate the pain. You should also steer clear of sweet foods, very hot or very cold foods, and try not to touch the affected area wherever possible.[1]
- Use a hot or cold compress
In situations where the pain has returned but you can’t take another painkiller yet, a compress can be a good option to help ease the pain. Whether you choose hot or cold is up to you, but always remember to wrap the compress in a towel before holding it against your skin to avoid hurting yourself more.[1]
How to stop a tooth being sensitive
Tooth sensitivity is a different kind of pain which might not be aided by the tips above. It can be caused by several factors, and in order to ease the pain long term, you may need to tackle the cause. One thing you could try is using a toothpaste specially made for sensitive teeth. This can help to alleviate sensitivity in the short term.
Another option is to be more gentle during your oral hygiene routine. It’s tempting to believe that harder brushing will result in a cleaner set of teeth, but this can wear away the protective layer of enamel on your teeth. Consider using a toothbrush with softer bristles. It’s also worth being more gentle when flossing or using interdental brushes as well, in case you’re mistaking gum pain for tooth pain.[2]
Additionally, sensitivity can be caused by excessive wear as a result of teeth grinding at night. Also known as bruxism, this condition wears down the enamel on your teeth and can result in tooth pain, not to mention a stiff or painful jaw from constant movement. Try using a mouth shield such as Dentek’s Maximum Protection dental guards to stop your teeth from grinding against each other in your sleep.[3]
How to get rid of wisdom tooth pain fast
Some tooth pain can be attributed to the wisdom teeth coming through, which is unfortunately something you have to wait out. The above tips may help to ease the pain until the process is over, but there is nothing you can do to speed things up. If your wisdom teeth are causing you severe pain, preventing you from continuing with your daily activities, consult your dentist for advice. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or coming through abnormally, they may be able to schedule surgery to remove the teeth.[1]
Resources:
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toothache/
