With the Holiday’s approaching, time is spent planning, catching up, and eating with family and friends. However, at the most inopportune time, that wisdom tooth that you’ve been neglecting to remove, starts to act up on a nationally recognized holiday! Don’t panic, here are some tips you can use to get you through the evening until you can get in contact with your dentist.
OTC PAIN RELIEF
Ibuprofen(Motrin or Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) are great options to help keep your pain at bay until you can see your dentist. Clinically, Ibuprofen has always seemed to benefit patients the best. Aspirin is another option. However, all medication should be taken as directed on the packaging. Do not take any medications that your physician has previously advised you not to take. Do Not place any of these medications by the wisdom tooth that is hurting, because it can cause a chemical burn and make things worse!
RINSES
Sometimes wisdom teeth can get bacteria trapped under or around the gum tissue. If the tooth is partially erupted, and this can be especially painful. Rinsing with saltwater, or with 50% of water and peroxide, can help temporarily clean out the flap of gum tissue over the wisdom tooth. Also, this may help dislodge any trapped food around the 3rd molar.
TOPICAL PAIN MEDICATION
Topical medication like Orajel, or Ambesol, can be placed around the inflamed wisdom tooth to provide temporary pain relief. These can be found at any of your neighborhood pharmacies.
COLD COMPRESS
Icing the area can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with the painful wisdom tooth. An icing regimen of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off is recommended.
All of these remedies can be used in conjunction with one another for optimal pain relief. However, these are only temporary and once your holiday has passed, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible! For more information, please visit us at Premier Smiles or call us at 972-235-7060!.