By: Richard Bleuze
When you have a toothache, it’s hard to imagine any pain could be worse. Whether it’s a dull, throbbing ache, or a sharp, stabbing pain, a toothache is definitely hard to ignore.
When a toothache is really bad, it can make every day life nearly impossible. You can’t eat. You can’t talk. You can’t concentrate. Even moving your head can cause you pain
Most toothaches are due to bacteria and decay that have penetrated the tissue at the tooth\'s center. The subsequent inflammation causes pressure, which causes pain. These bacteria can also create localized areas of infection, called abscesses, at the root tip. In addition, gum disease, failed restorative work, tooth fractures--even sinus infections and heart ailments--can produce intermittent bursts or a constant stabbing pain that can drive you up the wall.
This long day\'s journey into toothache pain can easily be avoided by practicing a daily routine of brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist at least twice a year. Before going to the dentist, try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
Remember, rinse with warm salt water. Hot or cold water will only aggravate an already sensitive tooth, but swishing some warm salt water will relieve a lot of the pain.
Dissolve two to three teaspoons of salt in a small rinse cup (about 2oz - the kind you use when brushing your teeth) of warm water (body temperature) to make a strong solution and rinse your mouth repeatedly, vigourously swishing the salty water around your mouth or just allowing the brine to work in your mouth. The dental pain should subside after a few minutes. Repeat the application of the salt rinse, even over several days should the pain reoccurs or doesn’t fully go away. One may also lodge some salt crystals directly against the tooth or gum area that hurts.
The salt water treatment also seems to work well on painful tooth or rather gum abscesses (infected pus-filled teeth/gums) by gradually draining off the pus. Incidentally, if food particles trapped between one’s teeth are the root cause of one’s toothache, thoroughly sloshing the salt water around one’s mouth in the above-described manner should help dislodge the stuck particles. Otherwise, flossing or tooth picks may help.
The salt draws out some of the fluids causing the swelling and has a general soothing effect.
Salt water has proven healing properties, and rinsing with lukewarm salt water is good for a toothache no matter what the cause. Add one teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and use it to rinse after each meal. Rinsing with salt water is especially good for sore gums.
