Ways to Treat and Prevent Toothache

The most common source of dental discomfort is tooth decay. As decay progresses, bacteria invade the pulp which is the mass of blood vessels and nerves at the center of the tooth and activate pain receptors there. It hurts when you bite down or drink something cold. And sometimes it just throbs for no apparent reason. A cracked tooth also produces pain, but you may feel it only when you bite a certain way. The pressure of biting opens the crack further. In general, whenever you have an aching tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible so that he can determine what is causing your pain. However, here are some tips that you can consider to adopt for temporary relief.

1. Get To The Point

The time-honored practice of acupressure works quite well in relieving tooth pain. To give it a try, you will first want to locate the appropriate acupressure point, which lies between the thumb and index finger of either hand. The point is called hoku. It means 'mountain' in Chinese. If you close your thumb and index finger, you will notice a little rise next to the crease. That is where the point is. Then, simply press the point on the hand opposite the affected tooth. In other words if the sore tooth is on the left side of your mouth, work the point on your right hand, and vice versa.

2. Plug The Hole

Oil of cloves also works well as a temporary filling for a tooth that has lost its filling. Simply fill the hole with cotton soaked in oil of cloves until you can get to your dentist. Another good temporary filling is soft orthodontic wax, which you can buy in most drugstores. Gently rinse your tooth and fill the hole with the wax. This will protect the tooth from cold water, food, and other elements.

3. Give Up The Triggers

The easiest way to alleviate the discomfort of dental hypersensitivity is to stop consuming whatever is causing you problems. If you experience pain when you eat sweets, for example, then do your best to avoid them.

4. Wash Away Pain

It is recommended treating a toothache with frequent saltwater rinses. Salt is an excellent astringent. It draws things out. Use warm not hot water, and rinse as often as you can. You cannot overdose. Be sure not to swallow the saltwater.

5. Ease Up A Bit

Being physically active is a very good thing, but when you have a toothache, going full steam ahead can actually intensify your pain. When you move around a lot, your heart pumps harder. Since your heart and your jaw are so close to each other, an increase in the pumping action of your heart can heighten the pressure in your tooth and possibly aggravate your discomfort. This does not mean that you should lie in bed. But you might want to limit your activity until you see your dentist.

6. Take A Pill

You can try an over-the-counter oral medication to ease a toothache. Acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen might give you relief.

7. Be Finicky About Food

Chewing can stimulate your tooth and make it hurt even more. It is recommended that you stick with soft foods and chew on the side of your mouth opposite your sore tooth. Also, avoid foods that are spicy or extremely hot or cold.

About The Author:
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.