An achy tooth can be a sign of a significant dental problem, such as an abscessed tooth that requires emergency dental care. If you are experiencing severe dental pain, it is best to contact an emergency dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. However, your dental appointment could still be hours away. 

Here are several steps that can take to help alleviate your discomfort until you reach the dental office.

Clean Your Mouth

Although the offending tooth may be quite tender, you should still clean your mouth. The dental pain could be caused by a number of issues, such as a cracked or chipped tooth, a bit of food that is stuck in a cavity, or a dental infection.

Cleaning your mouth can help remove any food that may be lodged in or near a tooth. Also, it could lessen the number of infection-causing bacteria in the mouth.

To clean your mouth, brush, and floss gently. Also, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to flush away contaminants and reduce swelling.

Cover the Crack in the Tooth

If your tooth is cracked or chipped, cover the damaged area of tooth material. A temporary filling material and dental wax are usually available at local stores. 

The application of the protective material can discourage the entry of bacteria into the tooth. Also, it can help protect sensitive dental nerves from exposure to environmental irritants. 

Take an Oral Pain Reliever

Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help alleviate your dental pain temporarily. Also, the anti-inflammatory nature of medicines, such as ibuprofen, can help calm the inflamed tissues.

Use an Oral Analgesic

Analgesic gels can be placed directly onto the area of discomfort in your mouth. The products numb the area of application. 

Apply a Warm Compress or a Cold Pack

The application of a warm cloth to your cheek may help soothe your aching tooth. If the warmth does not appear to lessen the pain, consider trying a cold pack for its numbing effects.

Sip a Warm or Cold Liquid

Some dental pain is exacerbated by warm liquids. The discomfort may dissipate as the mouth is bathed in a cold liquid. Likewise, other dental pain is relieved when the teeth are exposed to warmth. Try sipping liquids at various temperatures to determine the most effective temperatures to soothe your discomfort.

If you are experiencing dental pain, contact the office of an emergency dental office like Renovo Endodontic Studio.