As a young mother, I was reasonably ignorant when raising my firstborn. My biggest regret is that I didn't help her take better care of her teeth. Like many people, I didn't realise the importance of baby teeth, resulting in long-term dental problems. Recently, my daughter got married and some of my tears were for the beautiful, glistening smile she presented to the cameras. Ever since I realised the dental damage I had caused, I had been saving for my daughter to have cosmetic dentistry. The results are remarkable. During the course of this journey, I have learnt a lot about caring for children's teeth and corrective procedures that can be undertaken when issues arise. I am sure many of you would be interested in the latest knowledge and techniques that are available to prevent and repair dental complications. I'm Margret Devlin - thanks for visiting.
If you're dealing with dental pain, you may feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It's hard enough to go through the day without the added burden of a toothache. But there are things you can do to deal with your dental pain that don't involve going to the dentist (at least not right away). Here are five ways you can manage some of that discomfort until your appointment.
1. Rinsing Your Mouth with Warm Salt Water
This is a classic remedy for dental pain, and it really works. Salt water helps reduce inflammation and can provide temporary relief from soreness. To make the rinse, mix some sea salt into a glass of warm water and swish it around in your mouth before spitting it out.
2. Taking Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help dull the pain until you can get to the dentist and get treatment for your issue. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the bottle carefully so you don't take too much, as this could lead to serious side effects.
3. Applying an Ice Pack
You can use an ice pack directly on your jaw, cheek, or other areas where you feel pain in order to reduce swelling and discomfort temporarily. You should wrap the ice pack in a cloth first, as applying something cold directly to your skin could cause more damage than good.
4. Chewing Sugarless Gum
This has been found to help ease tension in the jaw muscles, which will relieve some of the pressure that's causing your pain in the first place. Just make sure that whatever gum you choose is sugar-free so it won't aggravate any existing problems like cavities or gingivitis.
5. Avoiding Certain Foods
Some foods are more likely than others to cause dental pain due to their temperature or texture. Things like popcorn kernels, nuts, crunchy vegetables, and sticky candy should all be avoided, if possible, until after your appointment with a dentist or oral surgeon.
Summary
If you're dealing with dental pain, there are options available that can provide temporary relief until you're able to get professional help from a qualified healthcare provider. These tips include rinsing with warm salt water, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, applying an ice pack, chewing sugarless gum, and avoiding certain foods known for being difficult on teeth or causing sensitivity issues. Together these helpful tips should give you some relief while waiting for professional care. For more info, contact a dentist today.
Share15 February 2023
