What can you do at home, and when should you see your dentist?

Toothaches are one of the most common dental emergencies, as well as one of the most annoying. Here are some tips for treating them:

• Analgesics like aspirin and acetaminophen can help diminish the pain. Do not put such tablets directly against your teeth or gums, as the acid can burn the soft tissue of your mouth.
• Applying ice can offer relief; although inflamed tooth nerves may not always respond to it. Applying heat should be avoided. Toothaches are often the result of bacterial infection and heat can cause bacterial activity to spread.
• Until you can get avail professional help of a dentist, do not chew on the tooth, and avoid hot or sweet foods.

You need to remember that pain is the body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. So even if your pain subsides, it is better to see your dentist at the earliest.