It is easy to think of teeth as simply bones, but they are much more than that; in fact, they consist of several layers of hardened tissue inserted into the gums. Enamel and dentin are composed of minerals that protect the inner part (pulp) supplied by the blood and where the sensitive nerves are located. Unfortunately, bacteria can damage the protective outer layer through a process called demineralization, which can lead to infection, inflammation and tooth decay. Your dentist can recommend root canal treatment to clean the area and relieve pain.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Home Treatments
Step 1. Take pain relievers
The dentist can prescribe some painkillers to take after the treatment; if not, or if the pain is mild, you can opt for over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, following the instructions on the leaflet regarding the dosage.
Even if you have been given the pain reliever during treatment, you should take over-the-counter pain relievers within an hour of completing the procedure so that they begin to work before the effects of the anesthesia wear off
Step 2. Apply ice
Allows you to temporarily numb the pain; put a cube or some crushed ice on the tooth (as long as you have no sensitivity to cold) and hold it until you no longer feel pain or until it melts. Alternatively, you can place a compress on your cheek for 10 minutes to minimize swelling.
- Be careful never to apply ice directly to the skin, always wrap it in a cloth, such as a towel or t-shirt, to avoid possible chilblains.
- You can prepare a compress yourself to put on the aching tooth. Crush some ice and place it in a balloon or cut finger of a non-latex glove; knot the end and place it on the area to be treated.
Step 3. Use a mixture of water and salt
You can relieve toothache by dissolving half a teaspoon of sea salt in 120ml of warm water. Hold the mixture in your mouth, especially on the aching tooth, for about 30-60 seconds and then spit it out; repeat two or three times. When finished, rinse your mouth with warm water. You can use this method up to three or four times a day, just be careful not to ingest the saline solution.
- You can also use a vinegar solution; combine 60 ml of warm water with apple cider vinegar and hold it in your mouth over the aching tooth, just like with the salt solution.
- You should avoid drinking alcohol or keeping alcohol in your mouth, as it causes dehydration of the mucous membranes and gums.
Step 4. Bite into a small piece of fruit or vegetables
Chill a piece of fresh ginger, cucumber or raw potato and place it on the tooth in question; alternatively, freeze slices of banana, apple, mango, guava or pineapple and place them on the aching tooth; the cold can numb the pain.
- You can also cut a small piece of onion or garlic and place it directly on the tooth; bite it gently so that it releases the juices. Just remember to use a breath mint after this remedy.
- Eating ice cream can reduce the pain, especially if you're experiencing throbbing pain.
Step 5. Prepare an herbal tea pack
Take a tea bag or dip a clean cotton cloth in a warm infusion. Place the cloth or sachet on the tooth and let it act for five minutes; repeat two or three times a day. You can use one of the following herbaceous plants:
- Hydraste;
- Echinacea;
- Sage (also suitable for treating gingivitis);
- Green or black tea (which also helps prevent oral cancer and tooth decay).
Step 6. Apply an asafoetida pack
Take a pinch of asafoetida powder and mix it with enough fresh lemon juice to form a paste that can be applied directly to the tooth. Lemon juice somewhat hides the bitter taste and unpleasant smell of the plant. Let the mixture act for five minutes before removing it and rinsing your mouth; repeat the treatment two or three times a day.
Asafoetida is a plant similar to fennel that is usually used as a spice in Indian cuisine; it looks like a powdered resin or a lump of resin and you can find it in Indian commodity stores
Step 7. Use a warm compress
Some people find that warm moisture helps relieve pain the day after root canal treatment. You can choose whether to put a small piece of cotton soaked in hot water or one soaked in herbal tea directly on the tooth; leave it in place until it becomes cold. Repeat the procedure three to four times a day.
You can also try a baby teething gel; it is a product that contains a topical anesthetic and can also be useful for your purpose; however, remember that it has no antibacterial properties and does not treat any infections
Step 8. Know when to see your dentist
If you have tried several home solutions, but the pain is still severe after a few days after dental surgery, you should contact your doctor; you need to keep in touch with him even if you notice some pressure which lasts several days after the treatment.
Your dentist may prescribe stronger pain relievers if over-the-counter pain relievers aren't enough to reduce your discomfort
Part 2 of 3: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Step 1. Brush your teeth properly
You need to brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day. Once you've used your toothbrush and toothpaste, spit out the foam, but don't rinse your mouth; in this way, you give your teeth a chance to absorb the minerals present in the toothpaste. Don't forget to brush your tongue too.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as a stiff toothbrush or too vigorous action could damage your teeth
Step 2. Floss every day
Take a piece of thread about 50 cm long and wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand, while the rest is wrapped around the middle finger of the other hand. Grasp it firmly between your thumb and forefinger, guide it carefully between all the interdental spaces with a gentle horizontal motion, and fold it around the base of each tooth.
- Try to get it as deep as possible under the gums to remove any residual food and bacteria.
- When the floss is between the teeth, don't forget to rub the sides with vertical movements.
- It may be helpful to use a water jet that removes any residue that you were unable to remove with the thread.
Step 3. Massage the gums of the emerging teeth
Use a clean finger and gently rub it on the gum or the tip of the tooth that is piercing the mucous membranes; proceed gently and massage three or four times a day. You can also use an essential oil that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce swelling and relieve pain. Here are some tips:
- Hot olive oil;
- Warm vanilla extract;
- Melaleuca;
- Cloves;
- Mint;
- Cinnamon;
- Sage;
- Idraste.
Step 4. Go to the dentist
You should see your doctor and have your teeth cleaned professionally at least once a year, but if you smoke, have heart problems or have diabetes, you should have more frequent cleaning as these are dental health related diseases..
If you have pain, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, swollen jaws, gums or mouth, or a fever, call your dentist right away
Step 5. Replace the toothbrush
If the bristles start to fray, it's time to change it before it starts to damage your teeth. Dentists recommend replacing it at least once every three to four months (but even sooner if the bristles are damaged).
Store it in an open and clean space; do not use closed caps, as they could promote bacterial growth on the bristles
Part 3 of 3: Learn About Root Canal Treatment
Step 1. Recognize the risk factors
Sometimes, the nerve of the tooth may simply die or the tooth breaks or cracks, resulting in the decomposition of the internal tissues. These are problems that can arise due to some injury to the tooth; when the tooth is injured, inflamed, or the nerve is dead, it is unable to heal on its own.
If you have had a devitalized tooth in the past whose tissue has not been completely cleaned or the root canal has not been permanently filled with the filling, another procedure is required
Step 2. Evaluate the symptoms
If you experience pain, sensitivity to heat or cold (sometimes both), tenderness to touch, swelling, or the tooth changes color, you should see your dentist. these are all symptoms that can be caused by inflammation of the tissues or an internal infection. Sometimes, the source of the problem may be the adjacent tooth and not the one you fear is causing the pain; do not wait more than a week before calling the dentist.
Some people have no signs of infection or inflammation, but still need root canal treatment
Step 3. Know what to expect during the procedure
The endodontic doctor (the endodontist) cleans the inflamed and infected area of the tooth root. A rubbery filling material (gutta-percha) or a crown allow the tooth to be reconstructed; it is necessary to administer a local anesthetic during the procedure to avoid pain.
