Toothaches can strike at any moment, sometimes leaving you in a position where treating the dental emergency requires temporary relief. Until you're able to visit Apple Valley Dental in Apple Valley, Lucerne Valley, and Helendale, CA, Dr. Samuel Kim, Dr. Donald Chang, and Dr. Samuel Tchon offer a few suggestions to briefly alleviate tooth pain.
Applying a cold compress to your cheek by covering the affected area helps reduce inflammation, however, be sure to apply in 20-minute intervals to prevent ice burn on your skin. This can be avoided by wrapping the ice pack with a cloth, creating a barrier to protect your skin. The cold compress should alleviate persistent pain and minimize any swelling.
Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication is another source for decreasing inflammation and pain relief. Carefully follow the instructions that are always included in over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen), to ensure you do not exceed the stated dosage—alternatively, you will likely feel the pain return if you don't take the medicine in the following hours.
Persistent tooth pain is always an important indicator that you are experiencing a dental emergency, which will require you to visit Apple Valley Dental in Apple Valley, Lucerne Valley, and Helendale, CA, to receive immediate medical attention from Dr. Kim, Dr. Chang, or Dr. Tchon.
Keeping your head elevated with an extra pillow—especially when you are planning to go to sleep—maintains necessary blood flow to avoid any further pain.
The tried-and-true saltwater rinse acts as a natural defense against harmful bacteria that can cause infections within the affected tooth.
Using peppermint tea bags can also provide temporary relief from inflammation and discomfort, as the tea bags have proven to possess natural numbing agents. Steep the peppermint tea following the instructions, apply the tea bags to the affected area while warm, and enjoy the sensation as the bags cool. Some people opt to place the tea bags in the freezer for a few minutes, but in any case, you might as well enjoy a cup of tea to further soothe your tooth pain.
Treating Persistent Tooth Pain
While it's important to know the helpful ways in which tooth pain can be minimized, unrelenting pain is likely a sign of something much more serious. If you're experiencing extreme tooth pain in Apple Valley, Lucerne Valley, or Helendale, CA, you should seek immediate medical attention from Dr. Kim, Dr. Chang, or Dr. Tchon with Apple Valley Dental. We encourage you to give our office a call at (760) 247-6007.