How Can I Relieve My Toothache?

Toothaches are quite painful and inconvenient. Unfortunately, they are very common. Fortunately, sometimes little things cause them. So, if something small is making your tooth ache, there are things you can do at home to eliminate the discomfort. Our dentist, Dr. Claudia J. Trujillo, is happy to tell you how to dull a toothache.

First, reach for your floss. There are times when a piece of food or a foreign object gets stuck between the teeth or in the gums and causes a toothache. So, take about 18 inches of floss and thoroughly clean around the tooth. Don’t forget to clean the gumline! This can help you remove that stuck food particle or object.

Second, relieve pain. This is a lot easier than you might think. All you need to do is swish a saltwater rinse and take over-the-counter pain medication. To make the saltwater rinse, mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of water. When you’re ready, put the solution in your mouth and swish for 60 seconds.

Third, ice outside the area. Icing can reduce swelling and also relieve discomfort. So, wrap an ice cube in a thin towel and place it over the tooth or gums.

However, if a more serious dental issue is causing the toothache, like tooth decay, you’ll need to call our office and schedule an appointment. You’ll know this is the case if these tips fail to help you. This is an important step so you can treat the problem before it gets worse.

Call My Fresno Family Dentist at 559-432-2975 if you have any questions or if you would like to know more about toothaches in Fresno, California. Our dental team is happy to hear from and help you!