There are few things worse than waking up with an aching tooth and a pit in your stomach with the feeling that something is wrong with your oral health. To make matters worse, the coronavirus pandemic may have you feeling concerned about whether or not you will be able to visit your dentist for emergency care if something does go wrong.
The following tips can help you improve your oral and overall health during the COVID-19 pandemic while giving you peace of mind in knowing what to do in a dental emergency should one arise.
Finding Relief at Home
If a toothache strikes when you are unable to see your dentist, such as in the middle of the night, while you are traveling, or while you are sheltering in place, it can leave you with an unsettling feeling. For temporary relief, consider trying one of these simple, yet effective home toothache remedies.
Salt Water Rinse
One of the easiest and most effective ways of reducing discomfort from a swollen tooth is to rinse your mouth with a warm salt water rinse. Add a few teaspoons of salt to a glass of warm water and swish the mixture around in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting the liquid out. Warm water will help to ease the pain, and the salt will help to reduce any swelling in your gum tissue temporarily.
Cold Compress
If you are experiencing swelling in addition to a painful tooth, holding a cold compress against the outside of your cheek may provide some temporary relief. A cold compress will help to numb the area, which can relieve discomfort. It may also help to reduce swelling and inflammation. Cold compresses may offer temporary relief to help you fall back asleep, but they will not address the root cause of your toothache. Be sure to contact your dentist in the morning for further instructions.
Clove Oil
Clove oil can be used for temporary production and to decrease swelling associated with a toothache. For this homemade toothache remedy, simply dip a cotton ball in clove oil and gently rub the cotton ball over the sore area of the tooth and gum tissue. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic, which gives this home remedy the ability to help with the pain associated with a toothache.
Tooth Pain Medications
Over the counter pain medications can help to keep you comfortable while waiting to be seen by your dentist for an emergency appointment. Just like other home remedies, pain medications are not a long-term solution for discomfort from a toothache. If you medicate your pain without seeking treatment, the cavity could get worse and lead to an infection. Always follow package directions when taking any over-the-counter pain medications.
When To Call Your Dentist
Any patients experiencing dental discomfort during the coronavirus pandemic should avoid going to their local emergency room. ER doctors are not equipped to treat toothaches and will refer you to an emergency dental office for treatment. Severe tooth pains can be a sign of infection or another serious condition that requires immediate medical assistance from your dentist.
If you are experiencing moderate to severe dental discomfort, have a broken dental appliance, an abscessed tooth, or cracked or broken tooth, contact your dentist right away to schedule an emergency care visit.
How Hinsdale Dentistry is Ensuring Your Health and Safety
We want to let our dental family know that we are available to see you if you have any dental issues at all. We are also seeing new patients who require our care now and accepting advance booking requests for dental treatments and exams.
Hinsdale Dentistry is practicing the highest level of infection control possible. Dr. Peter taught this topic at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry for years, so we have always been ahead of the pack in our practice when it comes to a safe office environment. Dr. Peter was on the first committees in 1985 to advise OSHA of the best practices & protocol and has stayed ahead of these guidelines ever since.
We are doing everything possible to keep our patients healthy. Every patient who visits our office will be escorted to a private room rather than sitting in the waiting room with other patients. They will only interact with their dentist and assistant.
If you find yourself in a dental emergency during COVID-19 in the Hinsdale area, contact Hinsdale Dentistry right away.