How to relieve a toothache?

toothache treatment lausanne

Toothache is one of the most common and uncomfortable dental problems that can affect anyone at any age. It's a sharp, stabbing pain that can occur at any time, often without warning. It can seriously affect your daily life, if not treated in time. Discover effective solutions to relieve toothache while you wait to see a dentist.

What causes dental pain?

Among the most common causes of dental pain are : 

  • tooth decay,
  • an abscess,
  • visit wisdom teeth,
  • dental infections,
  • teething pain,
  • gum problems, 
  • periodontitis,
  • dental fracture,
  • sinusitis,
  • dental pressure
  • dental pulpitis, commonly known as "toothache",
  • tooth mobility,
  • ear and neck disorders,
  • dental hypersensitivity,
  • the bruxism (teeth grinding).

What can be done to relieve a toothache?

While you're waiting for your appointment, there are a number of remedies that can help manage the pain and reduce the discomfort. While these tips can help relieve dental pain while you're waiting for a visit to the dentist, they don't address the causes. Only a visit to your dentist will enable you to make an accurate diagnosis and treat your teeth.

Oral hygiene

The first step in relieving a toothache is good oral hygiene. It's important to brush regularly, ideally after every meal, and to use dental floss to remove plaque and food debris. Brushing should be gentle, using an appropriate toothbrush with soft bristles and avoid brushing too vigorously to prevent gingival inflammation.

Mouthwashes can help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by dental infections and gum problems. An antiseptic mouthwash such as salt water, a hydrogen peroxide solution or a specific antibacterial can provide temporary relief. 

Natural remedies

Clove is a popular, simple and natural remedy for tooth pain. The eugenol present in cloves helps to numb pain. It has antiseptic, antibacterial, analgesic, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a clove to the painful area, or placing a drop of clove oil on a cotton bud and applying it to the tooth, can soothe the pain.

Medication

Using an analgesic such as paracetamol or ibuprofen also helps relieve dental pain, as do natural products like CBDIt also helps relieve dental pain. If your pain is severe, you may wish to consult a healthcare professional for a prescription of more effective painkillers.

In the case of dental pain with inflammation, the use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug will relieve pain by reducing gingival inflammation. These drugs are available by prescription or over the counter.

Reflexes to adopt

Here are a few additional tips to help you cope with the pain until your visit to the dentist.

  • Avoid hot, cold, sweet and hard foods.
  • Eat on the side opposite the pain.
  • Apply a cold compress to the swollen cheek.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene, taking care not to press on the painful tooth.
  • Use a dental jet or brush to remove any debris between teeth.
  • Don't lie down; maintain a semi-recumbent position, bracing your chest with cushions.

When is a tooth extraction necessary?

In some situations, tooth extraction remains the only option for relieving dental pain. Dentists can also perform treatments such as root canal therapy, fillings and root canal therapy to reduce infection and pain and save the tooth.

In conclusion, consult a dentist without delay if you suffer from tooth pain. Good oral hygiene and the use of mouthwash, cloves, anti-inflammatories or analgesics help relieve tooth pain. Try to chew soft foods and avoid foods that are sweet or require intense chewing if you have toothache. Ultimately, the best way to maintain healthy teeth and gums is prevention. So make sure you take good care of your teeth and those of your children. As soon as the first baby teeth.

See a dentist quickly

For lasting relief from dental pain, it's important to make an appointment with a dentist in Fribourg or Lausanne, for example. The practitioner will be able to determine the exact cause of the pain and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

If you have a dental or oral emergency, we're just a phone call away at one of our dental clinics in Fribourg or St Sulpice near Lausanne. If you speak a foreign language better than French, our staff is multilingual. There's sure to be someone who speaks your language. Don't hesitate to Contact us.

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