If you require immediate relief from a dental issue before seeing your dentist, you can try at-home remedies. It’s important to know what to do in non-emergency situations to minimize damage. At-home remedies can serve you well particularly as an interim solution until you can visit your dentist. Please continue reading as we explore the at-home remedies you can use until you see your dentist and why scheduling an appointment with our general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ is in your best interest.
What Are Some At-Home Remedies for Dental Issues?
A toothache can put a damper on your day. Fortunately, it’s usually not a major concern. While it can be the result of an irritated nerve in the root of a tooth, it can also simply be caused by clenching your teeth or by a piece of food trapped between your teeth. As such, you should try to rinse your mouth with warm salt water to disinfect the area. This will reduce inflammation. If possible, brush and floss your teeth to dislodge any food debris. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Advil or Tylenol. If the pain persists longer than a day, you should have a dentist check it out to ensure there are no underlying issues.
In the unfortunate event that your tooth has been knocked out or cracked, it’s important to take certain interim steps to minimize the damage. Although this is an emergency, you should gently rinse the tooth in water but avoid touching the root. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean piece of gauze. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, you should place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist until you visit your dentist.
When you have a cavity you get a filling. If you have lost a filling or a crown, you should clean the area with warm water and gently remove any debris. You can also use dental cement or a temporary filling material, which can be found at most pharmacies. This will cover the exposed area. If a crown comes off, you should clean the crow and attempt to reattach it using a dental adhesive. You should avoid chewing on the affected side of the mouth until it can be replaced by a dentist.
It’s imperative to understand that these at-home remedies will only provide temporary relief. If you have a dental issue, you must find time to visit your dentist’s office for proper diagnosis and treatment. At Dental Associates of Basking Ridge, we are prepared to help you find the root cause of your oral health problem. Schedule an appointment with our dedicated team today to maintain a healthy smile.
