You have a dull throbbing headache, throbbing in your gums, and a painful and tender mouth. You are suffering from a toothache, which is most likely a cavity starting to take shape. You need to see your family dentist in Manassas ASAP, but until then, use the following at-home treatments to provide some temporary relief.
Saltwater Rinse
One of the easiest things you can do until you see a dentist at Cascades Dental of Centreville is swirling warm, salty water around your mouth. Half a teaspoon of table salt to eight ounces of water is a decent ratio. Don’t swallow it; spit it out. You can also carefully floss around the aching tooth to eliminate any trapped food particles.
Ice Packs
Apply an ice pack to your cheek for the first 24–36 hours if your face is puffy. The ice may relieve your discomfort, especially if your tooth has been damaged or knocked loose. Swelling might also indicate the presence of an abscess, a pus-filled sac deep within the root of your tooth. This could result in a severe infection in your jaw and other teeth. Fever and red gums are two symptoms to watch for, as they indicate that you should seek emergency care right away with a family dentist in Manassas.
Anesthetics
It is best to apply topical analgesic gels and liquids to the affected tooth and adjacent gums. Because they contain the anesthetic benzocaine, your mouth will feel numb after using them. However, they are only intended to be used for a limited time.
