3 Ways to Treat a Toothache if You Can't Get Immediate Dental Care

Dental pain can be caused by anything from a seed stuck in a molar to a serious infection that necessitates surgery. So, if you're having tooth pain, make an appointment with your dentist to have it checked out. Delaying treatment may require more extensive — and costly — treatment.

A toothache should always be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible. If you experience pain on a weekend, holiday, or in the middle of the night, call your dentist's office and ask if an answering service can refer you to an emergency dentist. If you have a suspected infection, a dentist from the practice may take your call and prescribe you an antibiotic. Even if this alleviates the pain, you should make an in-person appointment as soon as possible to address the underlying problem.

Another option is to look online for a nearby emergency dental clinic. Consider going to the emergency room for pain relief if there is no nearby clinic, your dentist does not take emergency calls, and the pain is excruciating. However, remember that you will still require a follow-up appointment so a dentist can examine and treat the dental problem.

If your dentist appointment is a few hours or a day away and you're in pain, you can do a few things at home to relieve the pain.

For one thing, cold foods and drinks can aggravate pain from a cavity, broken tooth, or exposed nerve, so avoid them. Also, avoid chewing on the painful tooth to avoid exacerbating the pain.

Pain relievers can be effective, but they should only be used for a short period of time. Popping them for days may make the pain go away, but it will also keep you from visiting your dentist to find and treat the source of the pain. Pain relievers can also have negative side effects when used for an extended period of time.

1. Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater solution can help gently rinse away food particles that may be causing pain between your teeth.

12 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water, swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. This can be done two or three times a day and will help relieve pain from canker sores and inflamed gums.

2. Cold Compress

A cold compress can help blood vessels near an injury constrict, which can reduce pain if you've had an injury, such as a fall that included a blow to the mouth. Wrap a towel around ice or a cold pack and apply to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Repeat the process for several hours.

3. Tea Bags to Stop Bleeding

Tannins in black tea bags can help stop bleeding in the mouth and may also reduce swelling. This can help alleviate pain before and after a dentist appointment and extraction or procedure.

If some minor bleeding occurs after a tooth is extracted, biting down gently on a moistened tea bag for 5 to 15 minutes creates pressure to help reduce swelling and allow blood clotting.

However, if the bleeding persists after a few attempts, it is essential to contact your dentist for assistance.

The Bottom Line 

A tooth does not ache for no reason. So even if your toothache improves with home care, you still need to visit a dentist. Pain in a tooth could be a sign of tooth decay or an abscess, both of which require treatment before they worsen.