How To Deal With Tooth Pain When You Can't Get To The Dentist Right Away

Illness and injury are always major inconveniences in your life, and this includes sudden and unexpected tooth pain. If you are currently experiencing tooth pain but you cannot make it to the dentist any time soon either because your dentist is all booked up or you simply do not have time until a later date, you may wonder if there is anything that you can do to deal with and ease your tooth pain in the meantime. Get to know some of the steps that you can take to manage your tooth pain and prevent it from getting worse so that you can deal with the situation until you can make it in to your dentist to get your tooth fixed.

Over-the-Counter Pain and Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Oftentimes, you can manage pain with some basic over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and pain medications. The best options are usually non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, or other options like Excedrin (a combination of acetaminophen, caffeine, and aspirin), or simply acetaminophen or aspirin alone. You need to be careful of how much of these medications you take, as exceeding the maximum dosages can be dangerous to your health. However, taking such medications according to the dosage recommendations on the package can provide at least some relief until you can get to the dentist's office for a real fix.

Call Your Dentist for a Prescription If Your Pain is Severe

If you are in severe pain but your dentist cannot see you for a few days (for example, if you call them on a late Friday afternoon), you may be able to call your dentist's office to request a stronger prescription medication to help you deal with your tooth pain until your appointment. These medications may be oral (i.e. in pill or liquid form) or topical. Topical medications are often creams or gels that you will rub on your gums and/or your tooth itself to try to numb the area temporarily.

Avoid Extremely Hot or Cold Foods and Liquids

A sore tooth is often quite sensitive to extreme temperature changes. As such, you will want to avoid extremely cold or hot food and drinks when you are already experiencing tooth pain. Instead stick to drinks that are room temperature or just slightly warmed. As for your food, let it cool off after cooking for five to ten minutes or more before you start eating.

While this may not be ideal for your eating and drinking preferences, it may be what is best for your dental health as you wait for your dentist's appointment to follow these guidelines. Additionally, try to stick to water and non-acidic drinks that will not cause further irritation to your tooth.

Keeping these tips in mind, you will be better able to handle your tooth pain until you can make it in for your dentist appointment.


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