Q: What should I do if I get a toothache at home?
A: A toothache is probably the most common dental emergency. It can range from a dull throbbing to an excruciating pain. The most usual cause of tooth pain is decay. But other factors can come into play. An analgesic. like aspirin, may reduce the pain. But don't put the aspirin tablet against the tooth or the gum because the acid in the aspirin could burn the soft tissue of the mouth. Don't apply heat. If the toothache is from a bacterial infection, heat can cause it to spread. Oil of cloves can also be effective in reducing the pain until you can see the dentist. You can get its sedative effect by putting a few drops on the tooth.
Pain is generally the body's way of telling you something is wrong. In the very worst case, a severe abscess in a tooth can be a life-threatening proposition. Infections can spread to other parts of the body. If you have any other conditions that compromise your health, an abscessed tooth can be dangerous. So even if the toothache disappears, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
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