Thursday, August 9, 2007

HOME TIPS FOR TOOTHACHE

I shudder even now when I think of what I went through the very first time I stepped into the dentist clinic. I remember when I first felt the pain I started poking the affected tooth with a tooth pick, and I’m sure its not just me but most of us who are in the habit of doing this, aggravated the pain and later as it seemed to be getting worse, I realized that I had no other option except to meet the dentist for tooth extraction. The moment I sat on that chair and the dentist started to work on the tooth, I promised myself that it would be the first and last, as I am sure most of us know the excruciating pain one has to go through. A toothache hurts so badly when you’re eating, drinking and sometimes even when you breathe. One cant ignore the pain as it starts to bother you even when you are asleep.

The sign and symptom of toothache would be firstly the pain itself which becomes more severe as the area of inflammation increases. One would suffer pain on chewing, hot or cold sensitivity, there would also be bleeding, discharge and even swelling around the tooth or gums, there could also be trauma or injury to the area. Dental decay or an area of redness around the tooth’s gum line may point to the source of pain, as in, when you tap an infected tooth; it may make the pain more intense.

The cause of toothache could either be an infection in the pulp of your tooth or gums, or even decay. Even a piece of food caught between the tooth or even a sinus problem can cause a tooth ache. Gum disease and dental injuries can also be the cause of tooth ache. Only the dentist would know for sure what actually caused the toothache. But until you see him, you would surely want to ease your pain with some of the home remedies given below:
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After each meal at bedtime take a glass of water and add a teaspoon of salt into it, and take a mouthful and hold it, roll it around your mouth and spit. If your toothache is caused by trapped food, take a mouthful of water and rinse vigorously. The best remedy which I have found that really works is dropping a few drops of clove oil directly on the tooth, or dab it on a cotton ball and pack it next to the ache, You can also chew a clove. A pinch of pepper powder mixed with clove oil can be put in the caries to alleviate tooth ache. Put ice on the aching tooth or the nearest cheek for 15-minute intervals three to four times a day. At night when you lie down, keep your head elevated to decrease the pressure in the area. STOP poking your tooth with toothpicks or pins, as it will only aggravate the condition. Try not to use that area when you eat, especially if the ache is caused by a blow to the tooth. For pain relief take an aspirin every 4 to 6 hours as required, however those with a history of ulcers and pregnant women would need a doctors recommendation. All the above remedies can only relieve the pain, not cure it. So, what I would suggest is better take good care of your tooth by brushing your tooth at least twice a day, preferably after every meal before it is too late. Remember “Prevention is better than cure”. to decrease the pressure in the area.

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