3 Steps to Take if You Have a Bad Toothache
A toothache often begins with a dull pain that comes and goes, but it can suddenly worsen. When a toothache worsens, the pain can become intolerable. The throbbing of a toothache can be more than you can handle. So, what steps should you take if you experience a bad toothache? Read on to learn more.
1. Contact a Dental Clinic
Most toothaches do not go away on their own. Instead, the pain often worsens until you fix the problem. However, you might need a dentist's services to fix the problem, and you might not be able to instantly go to a clinic. You can call a dentist's office, though. When you call, tell them about the issue you are experiencing, and ask for an appointment. Hopefully, they can get you in quickly. If you cannot handle the pain any longer, contact a dentist that offers emergency services. This type of dentist might be able to see you faster. In either case, schedule an appointment because you will need a dentist's help to fix the problem.
2. Take Medication and Use Natural Remedies
While you wait for your appointment, you can do a few things that might alleviate some of the pain. The first thing is to take ibuprofen or another type of over-the-counter pain pill. Taking pain pills can take the edge off the pain and make it bearable to live with for a while. Next, you can try using some natural pain remedies or products.
One option is to apply a numbing gel to the tooth that hurts. This gel is what people place on a baby's gums when teething. Some people also find that applying cloves to the area helps. To do this, mix ground cloves with water. When you have a paste-like consistency, place the paste on the tooth that hurts. These remedies can help a little, but they will not solve the problem.
3. Visit the Dentist
Finally, you must go to your dental visit. When you arrive, the dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays. The goal of these steps is to locate the problem that is causing the pain. In many cases, toothaches are the result of infections in the mouth. Your dentist must locate the infection and provide the necessary procedures to remove them. For example, a root canal is a common procedure needed to relieve a toothache.
If you have questions or need to see a dentist right away, contact a dental clinic like Universal Dental Center.