Most of us have become COVID veterans by now, and we’ve since found ways to pivot in response to the changes. However, one area where it’s much harder to adjust is dental health. How to soothe toothache now that it’s harder to get your Oshawa dental checkups? Luckily, there are a number of remedies that can help you to know, how to soothe toothache until you can call your dentist and get a professional opinion.
Use these simple solutions to keep any pain and swelling under control in the meantime. Here are 4 steps about how to soothe toothache:
1. Use a Salt-Water Rinse:
A salt-water rinse is a common solution to many mouth-related issues, from sore throats to toothaches. In case of a toothache, add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of water and rinse your mouth with the solution. Slosh the mixture in your mouth for about a minute, then spit it out.
Salt is great for disinfecting any sore areas and soothing inflammation to keep the pain down. The water can also remove plaque, food particles, and other substances that could be causing the pain. In the case of food particles, you can also floss gently around the area to remove any lingering bits of food and help Soothe Toothache.
2. Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
Like other aches and pains, an over-the-counter pain reliever may work to keep the pain under control. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are some good choices to reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and take the medicine every 4 to 6 hours for maximum effectiveness for Soothe Toothache.
Take note that pain relievers only relieve the pain and buy you time. The tooth still hasn’t healed, and you’ll still need to see an Etobicoke dentist get proper treatment for it. Use the time to call your dentist and get a clear idea of how to proceed.
3. Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress is generally a great solution whenever you have Soothe Toothache with pain and swelling. The cold helps Soothe Toothache the pain, reduce swelling, and numb the area in the initial stages of an injury. Apply an ice pack or cold compress and continue applying regularly to the area within the first 24 to 36 hours. This remedy is particularly effective in case of injury to the teeth, like chipped or loosened teeth. If you don’t have an ice pack, improvised solutions like a frozen bag of vegetables or a resealable bag of ice can do the job just as well.
4. Rub Clove Oil on the Area
Cloves are known to have natural antiseptic and pain-relieving properties, and they may work as an effective DIY remedy for Soothe Toothache. You can rub it directly on the sore area or soak a cotton ball and dab it against the teeth and gums for pain relief.
There are also other substances that work as natural pain relievers, like garlic. Garlic contains allicin, a natural antiseptic that can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Crush a garlic clove and make it into a paste, then rub it on the affected area to address the toothache. If you’re up to it, you may also chew the garlic to release the allicin into the affected area. Another alternative is cool peppermint tea. Drink the tea and chill the tea bag to use as a cold compress.
Prevention Beats Emergency Care
Emergencies typically come when they’re least expected, but there are always things you can do to minimize the chances of developing oral health issues. When it comes to your oral health, prevention is generally your best tactic. Taking good care of your teeth and gums is the best way to avoid any health problems, especially if you make a habit of giving them proper TLC. Here are a few things you can do to ensure your teeth stay healthy and clean every day.
1. Brush Twice a Day:
Brushing twice a day is a common bit of advice you’ll hear from dentists, and for good reason. Brushing is the easiest way to reduce plaque and keep the teeth and gums healthy. For maximum effectiveness, make sure you brush carefully and keep it up for 2 minutes per session. Brush in gentle, circular motions to ensure you remove plaque and stimulate your gums. Good brushing also takes care of your gums to minimize the risk of any complications.
2. Floss after Brushing
Not everyone flosses after brushing, but it’s definitely a habit to cultivate. Flossing lets you remove any remaining food particles brushing may have missed, specifically the food trapped between your teeth. The more residue you remove every session, the cleaner you leave your teeth and the safer they’ll be. Flossing is a great way to keep the risk of cavities and gum disease low, making it a great addition to regular brushing. Make a habit of regular flossing to give your teeth and gums greater protection.
3. Rinse with Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a great way to top off your brushing routine. Rinsing with mouthwash after brushing and flossing helps eliminate bacteria in the mouth, leaving you feeling fresher and making the mouth cleaner after every session. A clean mouth minimizes the risk of gum disease and cavities, making health complications less likely overall. Rinsing also washes away any residual food particles that brushing and flossing may have missed, which helps you avoid plaque buildup and cavities.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Getting enough to drink is a simple, but effective way to better health in general. Drinking water removes bacteria, so regular drinking goes a long way toward keeping the mouth germ-free throughout the day. Drinking also rinses the mouth, promoting healthy saliva production. It may not sound like much, but saliva keeps the mouth hydrated, minimizing germ growth and cavity development. Make a habit of drinking more water; it’s good for the body and good for your teeth.
Taking care of your teeth can be a bit of a challenge in these times, but there are ways to adjust your approach to oral health. Keep these tips in mind to deal with any unexpected discomfort, and give yourself new ways to minimize the risk of health complications. It may take a little effort, but it’ll be worth it once you realize how well your teeth are doing afterward.
