When a Toothache Requires Immediate Care

Most toothaches require a trip to the dentist. Though there are many things you can do at home to relieve toothache pain, actually fixing the problem typically requires professional intervention. In many cases, however, you can wait a day or two to see the dentist, provided that your home pain remedies are keeping you comfortable.

However, there are a few toothache circumstances that require immediate care from the dentist. See your dentist for an emergency appointment if you experience any of the following:

• A broken or cracked tooth – Broken or cracked teeth can happen via a fall, an injury to the face or even just biting down on something hard. To prevent further damage to the tooth, it’s imperative that you see a dentist immediately.
• An infection – When a tooth is infected (sometimes referred to as an abscessed tooth), the consequences of not seeking medical assistance quickly can be serious. Did you know that the infection in a tooth can become systemic and even spread to the brain? Each year, people die needlessly from tooth infections that are not treated.
• Severe toothache pain – Regardless of the cause, if your tooth is so painful that home remedies and over the counter medicines don’t alleviate the pain; see a dentist immediately for diagnosis and treatment of the problem.

In most other cases, you will still need to see a dentist for your toothache, but the need may not be urgent. If you have a toothache and it will be a day or two before the dentist can see you, try one or more of these natural remedies to stop your toothache pain.

• Rinse with warm salt water – Salt water has many healing properties, and it can soothe toothache pain. Rinse as often as you need, but don’t swallow.
• Rinse with 3% hydrogen peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide is a great disinfectant, and can help with pain and healing, especially if you have an infection. You can rinse as frequently as you need to, but don’t swallow.
• Dab clove oil or pure vanilla extract on the tooth- Locate the spot where the pain initiates, and dab it with either of these natural substances. Both are great for numbing the pain and you can use them as often as needed.

Toothaches are no fun, and it’s important to see your dentist whenever you’re plagued by one. But, it’s also important to remember that some toothaches require that attention in a hurry.