4 Tips for Managing Dental Pain
Dental pain is a sign that you need to schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist. Before your appointment, you can use the following methods to manage your dental pain.
1. Take Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a good choice of pain medication for managing dental pain. It is an excellent alternative to aspirin or ibuprofen, both of which can reduce the rate at which your blood clots, increasing the risk that you could experience excessive blood loss during emergency dentistry. If you have already taken aspirin or ibuprofen for dental pain, let your dentist know during your appointment.
Paracetamol is not suitable for everyone. If you have a medical condition that restricts the types of pain medications you can safely take, ask your pharmacist to give you guidance on which medications are most suitable. Be sure to avoid taking more than the recommended dose of paracetamol, as an overdose can damage the liver.
2. Use a Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater has a mild antibacterial effect, which means that swishing it around your mouth can help to reduce the risk of an infection developing or getting worse. Use water that is at or slightly above room temperature, rather than water that is very hot or cold, to avoid triggering sensitivity in your teeth or gums.
When you see the dentist, they might prescribe antibiotics to take to further decrease the risk of infection. You can continue to rinse with saltwater in addition to taking antibiotics.
3. Avoid Touching
When you are suffering from dental pain, touching the sore tooth or gum is likely to make the discomfort worse. In addition, putting fingers into your mouth can introduce bacteria, making an infection more likely. Try to keep your fingers out of your mouth. If you need to eat or brush your teeth before your emergency dental appointment, be as careful as possible.
4. Apply Ice
Ice is a fantastic natural solution to pain. Not only does cold numb the pain, but it also helps to reduce swelling in the mouth. To use ice safely, freeze an ice pack or wrap a bag of frozen peas in a towel and press it against your cheek on the side of your mouth that hurts. Do not apply ice to your skin without wrapping it first, as direct exposure to ice can damage the skin. Apply the ice pack on and off throughout the day to control pain until you can see an emergency dentistry clinic.