Toothache comes under one of the most severe pains of the human body and if it is a sudden toothache then it can cause a lot of discomforts. It hinders basic daily functions like eating and talking and you cannot be at peace even at rest.

Causes of Sudden Toothache

The reason for a sudden toothache can be an infection or abscess, cracked tooth, or teeth sensitivity. It can also be due to a

• Sudden injury or trauma to the face
• Infection of Sinus
• Grinding of teeth
• Diseases of gum
• Tooth Impaction (most commonly wisdom teeth)

Most of the above-mentioned causes are best treated by dental practitioners so the important step is to book an appointment as soon as possible. Some tips can help you cope with the pain in the meantime.

Emergency Medications

Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications available at local chemists can manage toothache. These are:

NSAIDs

These are the Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce inflammation and thus provide relief from pain. These include Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.

These medications are not for long-term use as they can cause harmful effects on the stomach, liver, and kidneys. Therefore, before taking them now and then, get a dental practitioner’s consultation.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is also good for providing temporary relief from toothache. Always remember to follow the dosage instructions as long-term consumption of acetaminophen and high dosages can also result in liver damage.

Topical gels and ointments for toothache

These are medicated and can be used to reduce pain. Typically, these gels and ointments contain benzocaine and thus cause numbness in the affected area.

These should be applied after meals three to four times a day; care should be taken while applying as it is recommended to avoid swallowing such ointments.

Home remedies for emergency toothache relief

The below-mentioned home remedies can provide you with some relief before you visit your dental practitioner.

Clove oil

These are one of the most popular home remedies for toothache relief. Cloves have been used for centuries for providing toothache relief. As per research, the active ingredient of cloves, that is eugenol, causes numbness of the skin when applied. Clove oil is easily available in markets.

A cotton swab soaked in clove oil is applied over the affected tooth and can be left for 5 to 10 minutes. The use of clove oil is NOT recommended in children.

Saltwater rinses

Salt has antiseptic properties and can also reduce inflammation. As per study reports, salt water rinses help in keeping gums healthy and also promote the healing of soft tissues of the mouth.

Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and use it for mouth rinses.

So, to conclude, in case you have a toothache, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a dental practitioner. OTC medications like NSAIDs, acetaminophen or topical ointments, or home remedies like clove oil can be used to relieve toothache in the meantime.

Toothache cannot be prevented as a surety but following the basic healthy steps to keep the teeth and gums healthy can always help.

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