A toothache is characterized by intense dental pain. It can have several origins such as cavities , pulpitis (inflammation of the dental pulp due to bacterial invasion) or even abscesses (painful swelling of the gums ). Either way, a response is needed. The hot/cold is useful in this case, it is based on the stimulation of nerve fibers and allows the dentist to determine the damage.
The dentist, an unmissable appointment
Whatever happens and even if the symptoms subside after a while, it is best to always consult your dentist . Indeed, if painkillers can relieve the crisis, they do not solve it. In addition, an untreated cavity can develop into an abscess .
The only way to get rid of a toothache is to find and solve the cause . Depending on the case, the dentist will treat the cavity or cavities but will also devitalize the tooth.Soothe pain, emergency remedies.If you cannot see your dentist right away, here are some tips to relieve your suffering:First, remember to brush the tooth in question several times a day with a soft brush. This helps prevent the multiplication of bacteria and the aggravation of inflammation;Mouthwash is also effective provided you do not do more than two per day (at high doses, antiseptic active ingredients can cause burns);
If the pain is localized at the base of the tooth, you can regularly apply a layer of toothpaste for sensitive teeth to protect the damaged enamel from unpleasant sensations due to hot or cold;
Finally, painkillers based on codeine can be administered. In this case, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Last tip: the use of cloves to calm the pain. Even if it does not treat cavities, its essence (eugenol) is one of the natural anesthetics and is used in the composition of many products used in dental practices. You can boil several cloves in water for 10 minutes and use this decoction as a mouthwash. Some also suggest chewing a clove directly on the painful tooth, but others advise against this process because of the potential additional infections.Consult a GP online
Need medical advice quickly?
Simply make an appointment with a GP.Hygiene measures in prevention.Good news, a toothache can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle and a few tips: First, don’t forget to brush your teeth after every meal ;
The use of dental floss or water flosser may also be recommended; Also avoid snacking between meals because the ingestion of sugar promotes bacterial multiplication and leads to acid production;
Finally, caries is hardly noticeable in its first stage of development, which is why an annual visit to the dentist is essential even if you do not feel any symptoms.
These few tips are the key to good oral health and the essential rampart to prevent a painful toothache.