By Ibrahim Lateef Abiola ng.dentalgist@gmail.com
1. Use of Analgesics
Depending on the degree of pain, there are different analgesics that you can use. If the pain is mild, you can use paracetamol. If the pain is moderate or severe, you can use ibuprofen or diclofenac, any of this is contraindicated if you have stomach ulcer. You can go to a nearby pharmacy to get any of these drugs.
Kindly note that you have to use this drug(s) for at least 3 days to get some relief. You can visit your dentist for definitive treatment as soon as the lockdown/COVID-19 pandemic is over.
2. Use of Anaesthetic Gel
There are ‘numbing’ gels that you can apply on/around a painful tooth. You can ask your pharmacist for ‘orajel‘ cream. Once the cream is applied, it will give you instant relief. You have to use it at least thrice a day for effectiveness or as the condition demands.
3. Use of Clove Oil
Clove oil contains an active ingredient, eugenol which can numb the nerves giving temporary relief from tooth pain.
Eugenol has been proven to have a natural anesthetic and antibacterial, and it works well at reducing inflammation in the mouth.
It is readily available at supermarkets as essential oils.
How to use
Clove has an unpleasant taste and should not be swallowed because of its side effect. It is highly recommended to be used by adults and older children. For effectiveness, follow the following guidelines:
To start, you’ll need a piece of clean tissue, or a cotton swab or cotton ball.
Briefly dip the tissue or cotton in the clove oil so that it soaks up just a few drops.
Gently wipe the oil over your gums at the point of pain.
You can also use a whole Clove if you don’t have any clove oil handy. Place the clove on the affected area and leave it there until the pain comes down.
If the effect of clove oil is too strong, use olive oil to dilute it.
4. Keep your head elevated
Lying down at night to sleep can increase the blood pressure to the tooth, which can increase the pain. It is advisable to to use an extra pillow to keep your head elevated, this way, the pressure will reduce which inevitably reduce the pain.
5. Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater works to reduce dental bacteria by creating an acidic environment as you swish it around your mouth. It can also help to dislodge bits of stuck food that may be causing pain, helping with managing tooth pain.
6. Cold Compress
Sometimes tooth pain can lead to swelling. A cold compress can help reduce your swollen face and can also offer some temporary pain relief. It is especially effective when you have a chipped tooth or one that was knocked loose. However, if red gums and a fever accompany the pain, there may be an infection, that’s emergency and you may have to go to any government hospitals, they are attending to emergencies or private dental clinics that offer emergency service.
Note:
On no account should you apply ice directly to a painful tooth, it may aggravate it. You should not apply heat directly to a swollen face as this may lead to spreading of the swelling. thanks
