Let’s face it, toothaches are the worst. That throbbing, stabbing pain can put a damper on anyone’s day.
But before you panic and reach for the strongest pain meds, here’s some good news, the following can help you understand your toothaches better, and there are natural remedies to offer some relief while you seek professional help from our dentists at Breeze Dental.
Why Does My Tooth Throb? Decoding the Pain
Our bodies are pretty good at communicating problems, and a toothache is a loud and clear message that something’s wrong.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Is it a dull ache or a shooting pain that makes you jump? (Think 0 for no pain and 10 for the worst ever!)
Does your cheek look like a puffy balloon, or is there any fever along with the pain?
Does chomping down or sipping hot coffee make it worse? Maybe it only hurts when you breathe?
Can you pinpoint the exact tooth, or is the pain like a mystery happening all over your mouth?
Nature’s Toolbox: Soothing Strategies Until You See a Dentist
While a dentist is always the best option for a lasting solution, natural remedies can offer some temporary relief while you wait for your appointment.
Saltwater Rinse: A warm saltwater rinse can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish for 30 seconds.
Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and throbbing.
Remember: These are just temporary solutions. A dentist can diagnose the cause of your toothache and provide the best course of treatment to prevent future pain and complications.
If you have a toothache and need quick dental help, call our Emergency hotline on (07) 5665 7189 for assistance.
Article by Dr Anderson Wong
Dr Wong earned his bachelor of dental science (honours) degree from the university of queensland and continues to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in dentistry through continuous professional development and training.