Do those Toothache Remedies really work?

Toothaches are just the absolute worst! Undoubtedly, at one point or another you have suffered from a toothache, a well-meaning but ill-informed friend or relative suggested you put a bit of bourbon on a cotton ball and place it on the throbbing tooth to ease the pain or maybe they suggested you rub a little clove oil on the sore area.

Do those toothache remedies really work?

While many people will swear by home toothache remedies, there is no scientific proof that they will ease your pain. The only definite way to treat a toothache is to visit your trusted dentist, such as Thomas L. Anderson and Associates. Your dentist can effectively diagnose and treat your toothache more effectively than any at-home toothache remedy.

Many home toothache remedies have been around for years! Why are these toothache remedies still talked about in todays advanced dental care? Well, we think there are two main reasons:

1. Fear of Treatment

Many people think that a painful toothache means painful and/or expensive dental treatment. Some people choose to attempt home toothache remedies to help minimize pain rather than visiting their local dentist.

2. Lack of Time

In today’s busy world, many people do not want to take the time to visit the dentist outside of their bi-yearly cleanings.  They figure they can use toothache remedies to minimize the pain until their next cleaning to avoid another dental appointment.

The problem with avoiding the dentist is that the longer you go without treatment, the more serious your toothache can become. Toothache symptoms can be caused by a variety of things such as:

•  Cavities
• Inflammation of the pulp in your teeth
• Tooth enamel erosion
• Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth
• Periodontitis

Does toothache pain go away on its own?

These conditions do not just disappear overnight.  Typically, the answer is no. That’s why the best toothache remedy is seeing a dentist. By avoiding the dentist you are putting of the inevitable treatment that must be completed. The longer you wait, the more complicated and costly your dental treatment can become.

So, what if you are scheduled to see your dentist, but need toothache remedies to help until you can get in for an emergency dental appointment? Well, you can certainly try some of the home toothache remedies you’ve heard to get you by, but you should research the safety of anything before you try it.

Here are a few suggestions we typically make:

• Place a cotton ball soaked in Orajel. This may help to numb the area a bit to relieve the pain for a short amount of time.
• If a tooth is infected you may experience swelling. Placing an ice pack on the swollen area should minimize any additional swelling and may help ease the pain.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help to minimize pain. Never take more than the recommended dose.
• Warm saltwater rinses can also help to rid the mouth of bacteria and festering pus.

We cannot stress how important it is to see a dentist if you are suffering from a toothache.  While some toothache remedies may provide temporary relief, the most effective course of action is to see a dentist. If you are suffering from a toothache and need to schedule an emergency dental appointment, please call any of the Thomas L. Anderson and Associates three convenient locations to schedule an appointment! We are here to help!