Should You Consider Self-Medication For Toothache?

Without any doubt, toothaches can be painful and also tend to disrupt your daily life. Toothaches can make it difficult for you to eat, drink, sleep, and concentrate on your work. Above all, a toothache can make you lose your mind until you get relief. This is why one tends to resort to self medications for treating toothache. 

No doubt that there are plenty of pain medications, ice packs, and other ways to get rid of toothache at home but hardly people realise that these tend to provide you only temporary relief. 

Whether you should take the self medications to treat your toothache or visit the dentist to get relief, let us know in the article outlined below. 

Causes Of Toothache 

Before you delve into the remedies to treat toothache, you must know about the causes of toothache. Toothaches are mainly caused when something happens to your teeth or gums. But there are times when toothache can be caused due to pain in other parts of the body. 

Some common causes of toothache are outlined below: 

  • The mouth or jaw injury- The prominent reason for toothache can be trauma to the facial area. 
  • Tooth decay- The tooth decay resulting from the bacteria can also result in toothache, causing you pain. 
  • Sinus- The drainage resulting from the sinus infection can also be the leading reason for toothache. 
  • Food or other debris- The food or other debris stuck in your teeth can cause pressure between your teeth leading to toothache. 
  • Gum disease- Gum diseases such as periodontal disease can also cause toothache. 
  • Losing a filling- The next reason for toothache is losing a filling. When you lose a filling, the nerve inside gets exposed which in turn causes you toothache and pain. 

Tips To Get Rid Of Toothache 

You can treat your toothache at home as well by taking self-medication. Take note of the tips stated below to get rid of toothache and pain at home. 

Over-the-counter medications 

The most obvious way to treat toothache at home is by using the over the counter medications. Medications such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin are useful in providing temporary relief from toothache. You can also use numbing pastes or gels to get rid of pain. 

Avoid acidic foods

Eating too many acidic foods can aggravate your toothache and cavities already formed. That’s why dentists advise not to consume any acidic foods. 

Rinse teeth with mouthwash 

Another best way to treat toothache is to rinse your teeth with mouthwash. But make sure that the mouthwash contains alcohol to numb the pain and provide you relief from toothache. 

Use an ice pack 

Using an ice pack at night also helps to ease the pain caused by toothache. Put ice in a cloth and apply it to the painful side of your face to experience some relief. 

Is It Good To Take Self Medications At The Time Of Toothache? 

There are many people out there who use self medications to treat the pain caused by toothache. The medications only tend to provide you with temporary relief. In reality, taking the self medications increases the risk of infection and the likelihood of taking incorrect dosages. The self medications or home remedies should not be considered as a substitute for professional treatment at a dental clinic. 

When Do You Need To See The Dentist? 

If your toothache lasts for more than 2 days, it is a sure-shot sign that you need to see a dentist. Consequently, monitor your toothache for 1 or 2 days and if it persists, it means that you have developed an irritation. 

Here are some other signs that you need to see a dentist: 

  • Severe pain 
  • Toothache persists even after medications 
  • Headache and fever 
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing 

Get Your Toothache Treated By Experts at Woodleigh Waters Dental Surgery Clinic!

Instead of taking self-medications, it is much better to have professional dental care at Woodleigh Waters Dental Surgery Clinic. Our expert dentists take an examination of your teeth and do an accurate diagnosis and then give you the much-needed treatment to treat your toothache. Schedule your appointment now.

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