Are you suffering from an irritating toothache? We have some toothache treatment tips for you if you’re unsure how to manage your pain until you can make an appointment to see Grant Park general dentist Dr. Abbey Lee in Atlanta, GA. We want to share our top five most recommended at home treatment tips for an aggravating toothache. It’s important to remember to schedule a dental visit if you’re experiencing any pain. Only a dentist can determine the cause of your pain and treat it appropriately.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee today in Atlanta, GA. Call 404-328-711.

Toothaches can arise for many reasons, such as:

• Wisdom tooth impaction
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease/recession
• Abscess
• Crazing (web like cracks)
• Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth
• Enamel erosion
• Food trapped between teeth

5 At-Home Treatment Tips

1. NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Tylenol. These medications can be taken orally to reduce inflammation created by a toothache. Often, tooth pain causes redness, swelling, and irritation, which can only add to your pain. NSAIDs are found at any local drugstore and can be taken without a prescription. We recommend that you take one of these medications to reduce your pain while you schedule an appointment with Grant Park general dentist, Dr. Lee.

2. Apply Ice

After taking an over the counter pain reliever (NSAIDs), you can apply a cold compress to your cheek. The ice will numb the affected area, which will help you feel some relief. If you don’t have access to an ice pack, you can achieve the same results with a bag of frozen vegetables, such as corn or peas.

It’s important to take breaks from the ice application. We recommend holding the ice pack over the painful area for a few minutes and then resting your cheek. In order to protect your skin, you can wrap the ice pack in a towel to create a barrier.

When your pain is managed, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee to determine the cause of your toothache. She will perform a full examination and recommend a long-term solution for your pain.

3. Topical Medication

Unlike oral medication, topical medicines are applied directly to the affected area. You can find this kind of pain reliever at your local drugstore. Things such as Orajel or Benzocaine can provide short-term relief by numbing the tooth and gums from the outside.

Many patients swear by clove oil, also known as eugenol, for reducing pain caused by a toothache for longer periods of time. It can be applied directly to the tooth using a q-tip or small piece of cotton. Bite down on the applicator for a few seconds after dipping it into a few drops of eugenol.

4. Alternative Diet

For easy pain management, you can alter your diet while you’re experiencing tooth pain. If you eat soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, soup, or yogurt, you’ll limit the pressure put on your affected tooth. We have found that this simple advice gives patients relief, without the need for medications.

Tooth decay and gum disease can cause a toothache; therefore you should refrain from enjoying sugary foods and drinks until you determine the cause of your toothache.

If you’re unsure of what’s causing your toothache, you should schedule a dental visit with Grant Park general dentist, Dr. Lee.

5. Keep It Clean

A healthy mouth can do wonders for eliminating tooth pain. If you believe that there is food trapped between your teeth, simply use dental floss to clean between the tight spaces. Proper flossing can remove trapped food particles. You should rinse your mouth with clean water after flossing. We encourage twice daily brushing and flossing after each meal, in order to maintain a healthy and happy mouth.

Remember to schedule an appointment with Grant Park general dentist, Dr. Lee in Atlanta, GA when you’re suffering from an irritating toothache. Call 404-328-7177 today.