99 Toothache Remedies for Lasting Pain Relief

By: Dr. Nicole G. Nalbandian

December 20, 2024

Understanding a toothache

1. Common causes of a toothache

• Cavities – When bacteria/decay start getting close to the nerve of the tooth this results in pain. The pay may be dull and achy or sharp shooting nerve pain. Teeth with large cavities may also be sensitive to hot/cold stimuli. It is important to get any dental pain evaluated immediately.
• Cracked teeth – Cracked teeth often cause a sharp pain when you bite on the tooth. Teeth that are cracked may also be hot/cold sensitive.
• Clenching/Grinding – When you grind or clench your teeth at night this can create inflammation within the tooth and the surrounding structures of the tooth. This trauma causes a hyperresponsive nerve creating significant discomfort to biting or thermal stimulation.
• Sinus infection: Sometimes, a sinus infection can lead to pain in the upper molars. This discomfort usually clears once the sinus infection is treated.

2. The importance of identifying the root cause

• The only way that a toothache can be treated is by identifying what is causing the pain to begin with. Depending on the source of the pain there are many different treatment options that can be deployed to fix the issue at hand.

3. When to seek immediate dental care

• It is important to reach out to your dentist immediately if you notice any sudden severe changes. Dental infections and fractures generally get worse and more challenging to treat as time goes on. The sooner you intervene the simpler the solution will be. Your dental concern is considered an emergency if you are noticing swelling or difficulty breathing. In this case, you need to be seen at the emergency room immediately to manage your acute symptoms.

Home remedies for temporary relief

4. Warm saltwater rinse

• Warm saltwater rinses are by far the most common and most effective treatment recommendations that we give our patients for home care. It is cheap, effective, and natural. Warm saltwater helps kill bad bacteria in your mouth and reduces painful inflammatory processes until you are seen by your Dentist for a more permanent solution.

5. Diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse

• Diluted hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild anti-bacterial. Like warm saltwater, this can help reduce irritation and inflammation in the mouth.
• Pro-tip: Do not over use a diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse as it can cause irritation. Stick to twice a week and use warm saltwater in-between.

6. Cold compress on the affected area

• Cold compression is one of the oldest remedies for pain and swelling and it never disappoints. Cold compression will help to reduce blood flow to the area reducing inflammation and pain. This is a conservative way to temporarily help manage symptoms.

7. Over-the-counter pain relievers

• My patients are always shocked to hear that the most effective OTC medication for dental/intraoral pain is a combination of Ibuprofen (Advil) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol). When these medications are taken together it has been shown to be more effective than Opioids in managing dental pain.
• Pro-tip: I recommend taking 400-600mg Ibuprofen with 500mg Acetaminophen together.

8.Using steroids to minimize pain

• Sometimes, when you pain is caused by swelling or nerve irritation, your Dentist may recommend a course of steroids (such as a Medrol pack) to help temporarily bring down inflammation and pain until the body can heal.

9. Peppermint tea bag

• Applying a peppermint tea bag over an affected area can help numb gums and calm tooth pain due to the presence of menthol which has numbing properties.

10. Diluted apple cider vinegar rinse

• Rinsing with apple cider vinegar has anecdotally shown to have many benefits including reducing intraoral bacterial load and overall gingivitis. Additionally, it can reduce bad breath and in some cases has been shown to whiten teeth.
• Pro-tip: Overusing apple cider vinegar rinses can lead to irritation of the intraoral mucosa and exposure to excess acidity leading to cavities. We recommend using this technique no more than once every 2 weeks and rinsing with water immediately after.

Safe Natural Remedies for Pain Relief

11. Aloe vera gel for soothing gums

• Aloe vera has a multipurpose function in aiding gum discomfort. Its antiseptic properties help kill harmful pathogens. It has an anti-inflammatory effect which helps to relieve pain and swelling. Lastly, it helps in wound healing.

12. Turmeric paste

• Turmeric has long been hailed as one of the most potent anti-inflammatories in nature. These anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial when combating gum inflammation.

13. Ginger paste

• Like turmeric, ginger also has very powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is one of the key drivers of pain and discomfort so anything you can use to alleviate inflammation will aid in pain relief.

14. Eucalyptus oil massage (diluted)

• Eucalyptus has long been used as an antiseptic. It is excellent at killing fungal infections and parasites. The same properties apply to intraoral infections.

Over The Counter Treatments

15. Oral numbing gel (benzocaine-based)

• Topical benzocaine is a topical anesthetic that can be applied to painful areas to reduce or eliminate pain. When using benzocaine in the mouth you want to first dry your tissue with a gauze as much as possible so that when you apply the topical benzocaine it will attach to the gums/affected area better and have a stronger effect. The effects of topical benzocaine are short lived but very effective.
• Pro-tip: Be cautious not to ingest too much benzocaine as high concentrations may lead to toxicity.

16. Toothache relief drops

• Companies like Orajel sell ‘toothache drops’ which are essentially topical benzocaine in a liquid form. This can be used to help relieve localized superficial areas of discomfort intraorally.

17. Temporary dental filling kits

• Sometimes you have a tooth break or a filling fall out and it is a Friday on a long weekend, and you have no way to access a dentist for 3 to 4 days. In that time, trapping food in the area where there is a hole in your tooth can be painful and irritating. When a short-term solution like this is needed we often turn to products like temporary OTC filling kits which can provide a putty-like material to plug the open space until it can be filled.
• Caution: This is designed to be a short-term fix ONLY. Do not use this for longer than a week as plugging a gap in a tooth with material that is not sealed onto the tooth can allow for trapped bacteria and food particles under the temporary plug to form cavities which go unnoticed.
• Pro-tip: We recommend a temporary filling kit sold at amazon https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Sound-Temporary-Tooth-Filling/dp/B004M9SV60?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A323J575UY1RV0

18. Pain relief strips for gums

• Whether it’s a minor burn or canker sore, there are patches which are safe to use intraorally that can help calm the pain in these areas until the area heals naturally.
• These patches usually contain some amount of Benzocaine and provide immediate pain relief.
• Pro-tip: Check out the pain relief patch from DenTek https://www.dentek.com/oral-care-products/pain-relief-repair/dentek-canker-relief

19. Sensitive toothpaste (potassium nitrate-based)

• Potassium nitrate, often found in many toothpaste lines designed for tooth sensitivity, is proven to desensitize nerves in the tooth of the pulp.
• Pro-tip: To maximize the anti-sensitivity properties of these products, you want to use these toothpastes as a ‘topical’ not just when brushing. What I mean by that is to apply the paste on your teeth and allow it to sit there for 10-15 min before rinsing. This will give the medicine more time to work and longer contact time with your tooth to calm dental sensitivity.

20. Medicated antiseptic mouthwash (Chlorohexidine)

• Chlorohexidine (CHX) is commonly prescribed by dentists to kill bad bacteria in your mouth that are known to cause gum disease. When used correctly, this can drastically help improve gum health and reduce bleeding gums.

21. Fluoride rinse for enamel protection

• Fluoride has always been a controversial topic in the dental community. We know that literature has shown that in low doses, fluoride drastically reduces the chance for cavities and can sometimes re-mineralize cavities when they start to form.
• Pro-tip: We recommend ACT as a fluoride-based mouth rinse to help fight cavities and freshen breath. https://www.actoralcare.com/en-us/products

22. Topical pain relief spray for gums

• Just as it comes in topical gel and liquid forms, benzocaine can be found as a spray designed to be used intraorally for areas causing acute discomfort.

23. OTC dental flossers with antiseptic coating

• Flossers with an antiseptic coating can provide an extra layer of bacterial defense for patients that are at a high risk of developing periodontal disease.

Cold and Heat Therapies

24. Ice pack on cheeks for swelling

• Applying cold ice packs on areas that are inflamed or swollen can drastically reduce pain in the area and reduce long term inflammation. It is one of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective techniques we have at our disposal when fighting intraoral pain.
• Pro-tip: Cold compress is great to reduce pain and inflammation after dental extractions such as dental extractions.

25. Warm compress for oral pain

• Warm compression may seem counter intuitive, however, applying a warm compress will allow for increased blood flow to the area bringing in components that work to heal an affected area. Warm compression can also be a great way to relax muscles in cases of severe tension and TMJ.

26. Frozen cucumber slice against the tooth/gums

• A frozen cucumber applied to an area of pain in the mouth can help relieve pain by reducing inflammation and cooling down the tissue.

27. Ice cube massage on gums

• Applying an ice cube to your gums is another way that ‘cold’ therapy can be effective in combating intraoral pain. You have to be careful in this case because direct exposure of ice to gums/teeth can trigger moderate-severe tooth sensitivity depending on the existing condition of your tooth. I suggest starting with something more mild like a cold smoothie and seeing if that works before directly applying ice.

28. Warm tea rinse

• Tea’s such as herbal tea, green tea, and black tea all contain compounds known as flavonoids which help reduce inflammation and therefore reduce pain. Rinsing with a warm tea rinse can help sooth oral discomfort.
• Pro-tip: Tea is also highly pigmented and may result in tooth stains.
• Pro-tip: We really like peppermint tea for something like this as it contains menthol properties which is great at helping numb pain.

29. Cold milk rinse for temporary relief

• Milk (specifically cows milk) is rich in calcium and phosphate. These components can help remineralize teeth reducing sensitivity and pain.
• Pro-tip: If you rinse with cold milk, it can also act as a short term pain reliever.

30. If all else fails…how about a milk shake?

• When your gums and teeth are achy, an ice cold mild shake will do the job of soothing and cooling any intraoral irritation.

31. Frozen fruit

• If you want something soothing for a sore/painful area in your mouth but not quite committed to the sugar and calories in a milk shake, frozen fruit can be a great alternative.

Remedies for TMJ and Orofacial Pain

32. Alternating hot/cold compression for TMJ pain

• For patients that suffer from severe TMJ pain/Orofacial pain and muscle tension. One of the most effective therapies we can offer is alternating between hot and cold compression over the areas of muscle pain/trigger points. Ideally, you want to apply heat for 10 minutes and cold for 10 minutes.

33. TMJ Pain Protocol

• When patients present with TMJ pain we normally recommend a TMJ protocol for 2 weeks which involves the following:
  • Hot/Cold compress
  • Soft food diet
  • Daily use of an occlusal guard
  • NSAIDs (ie: advil) to relieve pain and inflammation
  • Massaging the muscles around the jaw

34. Botox for TMJ pain

• In cases of severe TMJ discomfort and clenching, we can use Botox to help soften the muscle and eliminate painful trigger points. Ask your doctor if you are a good candidate for Botox therapy.

35. TMJ exercises

• Place your tongue to the roof of your mouth and slowly open/close.
• Find more TMJ exercises here: https://www.sarh.org/services/rehabilitation-services/9-exercises-for-tmj-pain-relief#:~:text=Resisted%20opening%20of%20the%20mouth%20is%20an%20excellent%20exercise%20for,Temporomandibular%20Joint%20(TMJ)%20pain.

Dental Hygiene for Immediate Comfort

36. Gentle brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush

• Many people think that a soft toothbrush won’t clean their teeth as well as a toothbrush that is firm. I am here to tell you that this is not the case and that using a soft toothbrush will not only do a great job at cleaning your teeth, but it will also go a long way in protecting your gums from recession and trauma. Additionally, if you have a tooth or gum area that is bothering you, using a soft toothbrush will be less abrasive allowing you to clean the area with less discomfort.
• Pro-tip: We recommend a Sonicare electric toothbrush with a soft brush head https://www.usa.philips.com/c-e/philips-one-rechargeable.html#triggername=color_shadow

37. Flossing around affected teeth

• Sometimes, what we perceive tooth pain may actually be coming from food and debris impacted in the gums around the tooth. This can lead to a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Your first instinct may be to avoid touching this area, but we recommend gently flossing around the teeth to make sure to remove any debris caught between the tooth and the gums that could be causing your discomfort.
• Pro-tip: A good floss should be a little gritty to grab any debris stuck under the gum. If you feel like you still have something stuck there try tying a small knot in the floss and passing the knot between your teeth to remove more stubborn debris.
• Pro-tip: Try to stay away from ultra smooth ribbon-like floss. We recommend Reach floss to our patients https://www.reachoral.com/en/products/view.jsp?reqPageNo=1&s_part=1&no=602
• Super-Pro-tip: Always floss gently and NEVER use a floss pick as these are aggressive and far less effective.

38. Avoid sugary foods

• Extra sugary foods can feed bacteria in the mouth and cause the release of acidic byproducts and accumulation of more bacteria. As a result, this can aggravate a tooth or gum area that is already infected.

39. Avoid extra acidic foods

• When gums are damaged or teeth are causing discomfort, it is better to stay away from foods that are extra acidic i.e.: Lemon, apple cider vinegar etc as these foods can increase irritation. Additionally, if you are experiencing things like ulcers or cold sores, acidic foods can cause significant pain.

40. Rinsing after meals

• It is not always possible to brush with a toothbrush after every meal, nor is it realistic. Sometimes taking steps as simple as drinking a glass of water after a meal or rinsing with tap water can drastically reduce the bacteria and acidity left behind after a meal. It can also help wash off any sugars that are stuck to your teeth that would increase your risk of cavities.

41. Using a water flosser to clean plaque (Aka: WaterPik)

• The Water flosser (https://www.waterpik.com/) has gained popularity over the last decade. It certainly is a great tool to add to your oral hygiene regimen when used correctly. Patients with braces and elderly patients who are unable to floss can rely on the water flosser to reduce plaque and as a result reduce painful gum inflammation. For everyone else, It can be used IN ADDITION TO a good flossing technique to add an extra layer of plaque removal.
• Pro-tip: Water flossing for most healthy and able adults does not replace traditional flossing.

42. Avoid chewing on the sore side

• This may sound like common sense, but if you have an area of your mouth that is sore or uncomfortable for whatever reason, you always want to avoid that area as continuous pressure or biting there can make a problem worse. In the event that the discomfort is being caused by a tooth fracture, repeatedly biting in that area can deepen a fracture and make things worse.

43. Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth

• If your frequently feel cold sensitivity when you eat or drink, there are long term solutions that your doctor can offer to help fix this. In the short term, using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, like Sensodyne, (https://www.sensodyne.com/en-us/) can drastically help reduce sensitivity.
• Pro-tip: The longer the toothpaste is in contact with your teeth the more effective it will be in reducing sensitivity. We recommend not just brushing with it but applying it as a topical all over your teeth and allowing it to sit there for about 10 minutes. If you have custom whitening trays at home you can also place some Sensodyne in your whitening tray and keep it on for 10-15 min.

44. Cleaning your tongue to reduce bacteria

• The tongue is an area of the mouth that traps lots of bacteria which often is overlooked when brushing. Make sure to brush the surface of your tongue to help reduce the overall bacterial load in your mouth.

45. Using a fluoride mouth rinse at night

• Using a fluoride mouth rinse right before going to bed helps wash off any left over debris from your tooth and also exposes your teeth to fluoride before bed helping neutralize acidity over night and remineralize existing cavities. Fluoride has also been shown to reduce overall tooth sensitivity.

46. Avoid very hot/cold foods

• Foods/drinks in either end of the extreme temperature can cause significant discomfort, particularly in the presence of a fractured or decayed tooth. If you notice this is occurring, try to avoid things that are too hot or too cold to reduce symptoms until you are able to treat the cause of your discomfort.

Herbal Remedies

Note: These remedies have not been clinically studied but anecdotally have offered short-term relief to many patients experiencing dental/oral discomfort.

47. Chamomile tea rinse

• Chamomile has soothing properties which are known to calm pain. More specifically, the chemical compound chamazulene, which is found in chamomile, has known analgesic properties which can help reduce pain. It also as volatile oils which poses anti-inflammatory properties known to reduce pain.

48. Chewing on basil leaves

• Basil leaves are a natural anti-bacterial. Reducing the bacterial load in the mouth also decreases the acidity and toxic biproducts that are released from bacteria into the mouth which are irritants and triggers for inflammation.

49. Black tea to reduce inflammation

• Black tea is loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids which help reduce inflammation and overall discomfort.

50. Cinamon oil application

• Application of diluted cinnamon oil to areas of discomfort in the mouth can lead to reduced discomfort due to its strong anti-inflammatory effects.

51. Plantain leaf for gums

• Plantain leaf is both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory making it a valuable remedy in managing oral pain.

52. Oregano oil

• Just like plantain leaf, diluted oregano oil contains both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory which we consider essential in any effective pain reducer.

53. Lavender oil

• Lavender oil is both calming and acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. The aroma therapy benefits found from lavender is enough to help calm and reduce the sensation of pain.

54. Clove powder and honey paste

• Clove and honey are a potent combination when it comes to reducing intraoral pain and inflammation. Cloves contain eugenol, which is a natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory. Honey also offers anti-inflammatory properties while also being an anti-bacterial agent.

55. Parsley chew

• Like cloves, parsley contains eugenol which is a natural anesthetic. Parsley is easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and the taste is tolerated by most. This is an easy and quick way to achieve some relief from dental/oral discomfort.

56. Sage mouth rinse

• Similar to many of the remedies above which reduce pain, sage has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Additionally, it is a strong astringent (an astringent is something that tightens tissues by drawing water out of cells). Its astringent effects allow it to tighten gums and soothe store spots.

Lifestyle – Based Remedies

57. Reducing stress

• Stress is one of the leading causes of bruxism (clenching/grinding) which almost always leads to pain in the teeth, jaw, gums, or all three. This is one of the most underestimated causes of dental trauma and pain. It is also one of the most complex issues that dentists face when treating facial/dental pain because the solution requires not only dental intervention, but lifestyle intervention to reduce stress and muscle tension.

58. Wear a mouthguard

• If you are prone to stress and bruxism, wearing a custom fit nightguard is the gold standard to reduce discomfort secondary to clenching and also protecting your teeth from fractures and the need for more advanced treatment.
• Pro-tip: Over the counter and DIY nightguards are not the equivalent of a well made custom fit nightguard. In some cases, a DIY nightguard can actually do more harm than good creating an imbalance in your occlusion over time.

59. Get adequate sleep

• Chronic fatigue increases overall inflammation in the body which is a strong driver of pain. It also reduces how quickly you heal and disrupts natural pain processing. A good night of rest can go a long way in helping you manage and reduce overall pain.

60. Stay hydrated

• Adequate hydration is essential to every process in our body and this includes our oral health. When we are well hydrated, we can produce adequate saliva more effectively clearing debris and bacteria from teeth and preventing the formation of cavities.

61. Avoid alcohol and tobacco

• Alcohol and tobacco are known inflammatory agents. They also have the tendency to dehydrate our tissues and create a breeding ground for bacteria in our mouths. This combination can increase irritation in already troublesome areas and increase the pain that we feel in our mouth.

62. Gentle jaw relaxation exercises

• Gentle exercises can help to relax the muscles around your jaw and lubricate the jaw joint to help reduce pain and inflammation. You can find some helpful exercises here. https://austinmanualtherapy.com/best-9-tmj-exercises-for-pain-relief/
• Pro-tip: Doing these exercises in conjunction with hot/cold compression and using a nightguard will be even more effective.

63. Limiting caffeine

• Caffeine can heighten tooth sensitivity due to its strong acidity. Exposing your teeth repeatedly throughout the day can wear away at your enamel making it porous and exposing the inner nerve to elements that it should be more insulated from such as temperature. Caffeine can also increase stress and anxiety which may lead to habits like bruxism (clenching/grinding) further contributing to more sensitivity.

64. Eat a balanced diet

• Strong teeth and gums begin with a balanced diet. It is important to get adequate calcium and other minerals in your diet which support strong teeth and bones. It is also important to eat a good diet that reduces overall inflammation in the body to reduce gum inflammation and risk of periodontal disease. Moreover, a healthy diet can speed up healing and boost the immune system making any damaged tissue in the body, including the mouth, heal faster and be less bothersome.

65. Avoid chewing hard foods

• If you are in the habit of eating excessively hard foods, you may want to think twice. Eating things like ice, hard candy, and sometimes even nuts and seeds like almonds, create micro fractures in your enamel. Over time, this can lead to a significant reduction in tooth strength and inevitably a tooth will break at some point. If you compound this habit with the tendency to clench/grind your teeth this process can be significantly accelerated.

66. Practicing relaxation techniques

• Yoga and meditation have long been one of the best ways to manage stress and tension within the body. It has been proven many times over that a few hours of mindfulness a day can drastically reduce anxiety and directly reduce inflammation in the body. As we know, reducing stress and inflammation will reduce clenching and overall pain in the body.

67. Exercise regularly

• Just like yoga and meditation practices, regular exercise will reduce overall tension and inflammation in the body. This directly correlates to more relaxed TMJ muscles and less inflammatory markets that can cause pain and sensitivity.

Professional Treatments for Toothaches

68. Dental x-rays for accurate diagnosis

• Routine diagnostic xrays (as recommended by your Dentist and ADA guidelines https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/x-rays-radiographs) are key to early intervention and eliminating a dental problem before it happens. When x-rays are taken regularly, we can treat cavities when they are small and avoid large and risky infections. We can also detect early stages of bone loss or abnormalities in the bone that could potentially be cancerous.

69. Fillings

• Fillings are a fairly conservative approach to fixing a dental cavity. They are a great way to remove debris from a tooth that may be causing sensitivity or irritation to the nerve.

70. Rooth canals

• When a filling isn’t quite enough and decay from a cavity or a fracture line has affected the nerve of a tooth, sometimes we turn to root canals to eliminate pain and infections from the body.

71. Extraction

• When a tooth simply cant be saved, we then turn to extraction. Extractions might be of consideration when a cavity simply gets too large that there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure left, or a fracture is too deep that the tooth has no hope to survive. Extractions are always a last resort and almost always coupled with a conversation of tooth replacement via implant or bridge.

72. Prescriptions

• Dental infections can be a very painful process, and dentists will often recommend antibiotics in conjunction with dental treatment to start clearing out the infection and associated inflammation. In some cases where severe swelling is involved, we may recommend things like steroids to help the body manage inflammation.

73. Scaling and cleanings for gum issues

• A lot of gum ‘pain’ and irritation stems from debris like plaque and calculus that is hiding below the gumline causing a lot of inflammation and edema. Removing the source of inflammation will help settle gums and inflammation.

74. Fluoride treatment for enamel strengthening

• Fluoride can help remineralize weakened enamel helping insulate the nerve of the tooth from potentially painful stimuli. It also helps to soothe an inflamed and hyperresponsive nerve to reduce discomfort.

75. Crown placement for cracked teeth

• A superficially cracked tooth can be covered and held together by a well fitting dental crown also known as a ‘cap.’ In some cases, when the fracture extends within the tooth to the nerve, this could necessitate a root canal.

76. TMJ treatments for jaw pain

• TMJ pain is something that many people suffer from. Your dentist can recommend many things to help alleviate TMJ pain and lock jaw. The first would be a TMJ protocol consisting of a nightguard, NSAIDs, soft food diet, jaw massages and exercises, and finally hot/cold compression. If this doesn’t work we can also turn to treatments like Botox or acupuncture.

77. Emergency dental care for abscesses

• A dental abscess can be a very painful event and also a very dangerous one. When a tooth is abscessed, there is an active infectious process going on in the mouth which can spread to the rest of the body or brain leading to potentially life-threatening consequences. This needs to be addressed quickly by a trained professional.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Toothaches

78. Brushing 2x/d using a fluoride based toothpaste

• Brushing regularly can avoid gum inflammation and development of cavities. It is a small step to take that has a tremendous impact on your overall dental health.

79. Floss daily

• Flossing allows for removal of plaque sitting between teeth and below the gumline that brushing often can’t get to, further reducing gum irritation and inflammation.

80. Schedule regular dental check-ups

• The best way to treat a dental problem is before it becomes a dental emergency. See your dentist every 6 months for check ups and cleanings to catch these problems before they necessitate more advanced care.

81. Use a water flosser to supplement your regular flossing

• A water flosser should NEVER replace traditional floss, however, when used in addition to flossing it can help remove small amounts of plaque and bacteria that are left behind.

82. Use an electric toothbrush

• Clinical studies have repeatedly shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective at plaque removal than a manual traditional toothbrush.

83. Avoid excessively sugary foods

• Chronic exposure of sugar to your teeth can result in your enamel being exposed to excessive acidic byproducts. These byproducts weaken your tooth and enamel resulting in sensitivity and cavities.

84. Use mouthwash with antibacterial properties

• Reducing the bacterial load in your mouth using a mouthwash with antibacterial properties will help to reduce the inflammation and acidic byproduct that is created in the mouth.

85. Wear a nightguard regularly

• A large percentage of dental pain results from bruxism. Wearing a nightguard regularly can provide your teeth and jaw the support it needs to prevent pain that results from these parafunctional habits.

86. Avoid acidic beverages

• Acidic drinks like soda and mineral water break down the enamel around a tooth and increase sensitivity and pain.

87. Don’t procrastinate if something is bothering you

• Dental problems normally don’t just ‘go away’ on their own. If something is bothering you the best thing to do is get it checked asap and these issues generally compound and become worse overtime.

When to Visit a Dentist Immediately

88. Severe tooth pain

• Any form of severe tooth pain should be evaluated by a dentist asap. This could indicate that something has broken or an infectious process if taking place that needs to promptly be evaluated.

89. Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw

• Any kind of intraoral or perioral swelling (in or around the mouth) needs to be evaluated by a dental professional immediately. We consider this a dental emergency as swelling in this area is dangerously close to the airway and can obstruct breathing.

90. Fever and chills

• A fever may indicate that a dental infection has spread to the blood stream, a process known as sepsis. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that needs to be evaluated ASAP.

91. Bleeding around teeth/gums

• Bleeding gums is a sign that something is wrong! If you are noticing bleeding gums please be sure to book an appointment with your dental professional to determine the cause of your bleeding gums and provide the appropriate treatment.

92. Bad taste or foul odor in the mouth

• A bad odor in the mouth could mean that you just aren’t brushing and flossing like you should, but it can also be a sign of a bigger problem like periodontal disease or infection. If you notice a foul odor, make an appointment to see your dentist to make sure you aren’t ignoring a bigger issue.

93. Sensitivity to cold, heat, or pressure

• Sensitivity in general can be a sign that you are developing a dental problem. In particular, heat and pressure sensitivity could be a sign that the nerve of the tooth is involved in the issue and prompt evaluation is needed.

94. Abscess or pus visible near a tooth

• This one should be a no brainer, if you notice pus exuding from anywhere near a tooth (or anywhere in the mouth for that matter) you need to see your dental professional immediately. This is a sign of infection and needs to be managed before the infection spreads systemically.

95. Difficulty chewing or speaking

• If you are having a hard time chewing or speaking this could mean that you are experiencing temporomandibular dysfunction and the sooner you intervene the more effective and less costly treatment will be.

96. Cracked, broken, or knocked-out teeth

• Any cracked or broken tooth needs to be evaluated by a dentist. Even if you believe that a tooth has just fallen out, there may be left behind remnants of the tooth root in the bone which could lead to an infection in the future.

97. Experiencing lock-jaw

• Lock-jaw can be painful and scarry but it is not untreatable. If you are experiencing this contact your dentist immediately to learn about the treatment modalities that can be applied to manage this condition.

98. Failure of previous dental work

• If you notice the failure of any dental work, such as loss of a filling or crown etc, you need to see your dentist immediately. In the event that dental work fails, you may end up with exposed tooth structure, which will lead to trapping food and increased tooth sensitivity.

99. Noticing any strange discolorations/patches of tissue anywhere in the mouth

• Finally, if you notice any changes in mucosal tissue color or patterns on your tongue do not hesitate to see your dentist. Oral cancer often can camouflage to look like a ‘burn’ or ‘trauma’ in the mouth. As with any cancer, it if better to address these issues early. If you notice any abnormality in the mouth that hasn’t gone away or has gotten larger over the course of a week see your dentist immediately.

Unlike many other issues in the body, dental pain and infections often can’t clear away on their own. Many of the home remedies you read about here today are only considered ‘palliative’ meaning they can help manage symptoms but will not treat the source of the problem. It is important to seek professional care if you are experiencing a dental or TMJ problem because allowing things to progress will only lead to a more complex and costly issue to treat. The sooner you intervene the more effective treatment can be.

Disclaimer: Please note that anytime you experience dental pain or intraoral abnormalities, it is important to be evaluated by a dental professional ASAP. These tips and tricks are designed to soothe the discomfort and get you by until you can be professionally evaluated. If you are experiencing dental pain/discomfort contact Dr. Nalbandian’s office for an evaluation 818-262-3043 or schedule online at NalbandianDentistry.com.

Cheers!

Dr. Nicole G. Nalbandian DDS. MS

Elevate your standard for oral health