How to Manage Tooth Pain While Waiting for Your Appointment

Despite our best efforts to keep our teeth and gums strong and healthy, most people will experience tooth sensitivity or tooth pain. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 40% of all adults experience some discomfort in their mouth every year.

In a perfect world, our schedules would miraculously open up, allowing us to book an appointment at the first sign of a tooth issue. In the real world, however, you may need to wait a day or two to take time off from work, or a cancellation may free up a time with your dentist.

The good news is that there are several ways to manage pain and other symptoms while waiting for your appointment, says Jose Marcano, DMD, at the Orlando Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. 

Know when waiting isn’t an option

A great place to start this conversation is to understand better what constitutes a dental emergency, where waiting isn’t an option. The point here is that not all tooth pain is created equal.

Tooth pain can range from sensitivity to hot or cold or soreness from recent restorative dental work to lingering pain that intensifies or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Your dentist should check a toothache that lasts longer than a couple of days out but may not require immediate action. However, if you experience face or jaw swelling or signs of infection besides tooth pain, such as an earache or a fever, your condition may be something more serious, like a tooth abscess.

The telltale sign of an abscessed tooth is a swollen, pimple-like bump on the gumline. The bump is filled with pus created by a bacterial infection. If you experience any symptoms of an abscess, contact your dentist right away. Untreated dental infections can spread to other parts of your body and can even lead to a life-threatening condition called sepsis. 

Tooth pain hacks before your appointment

Fortunately, most cases of tooth pain aren’t infections but may be because of minor issues such as cavities. There's a plethora of over-the-counter treatments and at-home care that can calm the pain and keep you comfortable.

Topical drugs to numb the pain

Your dentist can recommend several suitable over-the-counter topical liquids or ointments. For short-term relief, apply a topical medication directly to the painful tooth.

Anti-inflammatory drugs for swelling and pain

You can take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil or Aleve to address minor swelling and pain.

Always remember to check the label and follow the dosage instructions. These OTC medications block prostaglandins, which activate nerve endings and cause pain in inflamed areas.

Saltwater or hydrogen peroxide rinses

Similarly, rinsing your mouth with salt water or hydrogen peroxide can tackle tooth pain or minor swelling. In both cases, you create a diluted rinse, swish the liquid for 30 seconds, and spit it out.

Mix about ½ teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water to create a saltwater rinse. With hydrogen peroxide rinses, you create your rinse with equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide.

Both rinses have some great, added benefits. Salt is a disinfectant, and hydrogen peroxide is healing, perfect for bleeding gums or mouth ulcers.

Applying ice

Old-school methods, such as ice packs, wrapping ice in a clean towel, or the tried-and-true bag of frozen vegetables, can help ease pain and inflammation. The way it works is that the temperature of the ice shrinks blood vessels, addressing both the pain and swelling. Hold your ice contraption against your jaw area in 20-minute intervals a few times daily.  

Reducing dental issues with hygiene care and regular checkups

While it’s nearly impossible to reduce all the dental problems, you can reduce your chances of getting a toothache by practicing vigilant at-home oral care, including flossing once a day and brushing twice a day.

Remember that flossing before brushing creates the perfect dental hygiene trifecta: It loosens plaque, removes residual food debris, and helps your toothbrush deliver toothpaste more efficiently and effectively.

Since removing all plaque buildup at home is impossible, don’t forget to visit your dental provider for regular checkups and professional cleanings.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, contact us at Orlando Center For Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Call the office today to start your journey to feeling more like yourself again.