A toothache often prompts individuals to seek immediate relief. While some consider applying heat, it is generally not advised. Heat can intensify the pain rather than soothe it. Understanding why heat is counterproductive is important for managing dental pain.
How Heat Affects Tooth Pain
Applying heat to a toothache can exacerbate pain. Heat dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the site of pain. This increased blood circulation within the confined tooth’s pulp chamber elevates pressure. When the dental pulp is inflamed, this pressure presses against sensitive nerve endings, intensifying the pain.
If the toothache stems from an infection or abscess, heat can worsen inflammation and spread bacteria. An abscess is a pocket of pus from bacterial infection, and heat encourages pus accumulation, expanding the infected area. This increases swelling and discomfort. Therefore, heat often worsens the condition of an already compromised tooth.
Effective Home Remedies for Toothache
Instead of heat, applying cold is generally recommended for temporary toothache relief, especially if swelling is present. A cold compress, such as an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, held against the outside of the cheek, can reduce inflammation and numb the area. Cold works by constricting blood vessels, which decreases blood flow to the affected region, minimizing swelling and dulling pain. Apply for 15-20 minutes at a time, with an hour between applications.
Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water offers temporary relief. Salt water acts as a natural disinfectant, dislodging food particles and debris, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water, swish for 30 seconds; do not swallow. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, manage pain and reduce inflammation until professional dental care is available. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing and flossing around the affected tooth, removes irritants and provides temporary comfort.
When to See a Dentist for a Toothache
While home remedies offer temporary relief, a toothache almost always indicates an underlying dental issue requiring professional attention. Schedule a dental appointment promptly if pain persists for more than a day or two, or if it is severe and not alleviated by over-the-counter medications. Ignoring persistent pain can worsen the condition and require more complex treatments.
Seek immediate dental or emergency care for specific symptoms. These include swelling in the face, jaw, or gums, signaling a spreading infection. A fever with a toothache indicates a systemic infection. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, foul-tasting discharge or pus, and abnormally red gums are signs of a serious infection requiring urgent medical intervention.