Dentist Tips for Trauma Tooth Treatment

If you recently injured your teeth, you may need a trauma tooth treatment. Our amazing teeth are so strong and with good reason: there’s more to the tooth than what our natural eyes can see when we look at the teeth in the mirror. We wake up, brush, rinse and get them ready for another daily grind of eating, chewing, and drinking... 365 days a year!  

The tooth is comprised of four types of tissue: pulp, dentin, enamel, and cementum. The pulp is the soft tissue found at the center of the tooth and where the nerves and blood vessels are found. The dentin is a yellow hard substance found under the enamel, comprised of tubes that lead to the pulp. The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth, the hardest part of the human body. The cementum is a hard, connective tissue that covers the tooth root, which houses the root canal that contains the pulp. The cementum works with the gums to hold the tooth in the jawbone.

All that good stuff – so we can eat, drink, and be merry — and then, seemingly without warning, injury can strike that amazing tooth! When a tooth is injured, a dentist needs to be contacted sooner rather than later – here are a few dental tips for  trauma tooth treatment of an injured tooth to hold you off until you can see your normal dentist.

Toothache

A toothache is usually the result of decay that breaks through the enamel of the tooth and creates a cavity. To try and ease the pain, gently dislodge any food particles with dental floss, rinse the mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek if the mouth feels swollen. Aspirin or pain-killers can also be taken to lighten the pain until seeing a dentist.

Tooth abscess

An abscess is a serious infection around the root of the tooth or between the teeth and gums and requires the care of a dentist immediately as this infection can spread to other parts of the body or damage mouth tissue and surrounding teeth. To relieve the pain that is part of an abscess and draw the pus to the surface, mix ½ teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water – do not swallow the salt water, spit it out after rinsing.

Chipped or cracked teeth

In the immediate moment of such a dental emergency, try and save the piece or pieces of the injured tooth, rinse the broken pieces and bring them with you to your dentist ASAP. Rinse the mouth with warm water. If the injured tooth is bleeding, hold gauze to the area where the tooth was injured, this should stop the bleeding. A cold compress held on the outside of mouth, cheek or lip near the chipped or cracked tooth will relieve pain and keep swelling down.

Contact us immediately if you have a dental emergency

We will try to schedule you an emergency appointment and save your injured tooth while relieving your pain. Do not delay if you are experiencing any of these problems.

So…

Request a dental appointment here:  or call John M. Chaves, DDS at (818) 999-2707 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills dental office.

6 Tips for Dealing with Tooth Pain

If you are dealing with tooth pain, the first step is to determine the root cause of the pain. Afterward, you should be able to decide the best way to alleviate the pain, inflammation or other symptoms.

For minor irritations, using the traditional salt water rinse or applying a cold compress should work. However, in more serious situations, you need a dentist’s attention.

Usually, after treating the symptoms without significant improvement for two days, you should see a dentist. They have the expertise and experience to render assistance or recommendations that will relieve the pain and avert future occurrences.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or dealing with any medical condition, we suggest you ask your dentist for advice before applying any of the following suggestions.

Tips for dealing with tooth pain

Saltwater rinse

For many, using salt water is the potent initial treatment for tooth pain. Saltwater functions as a natural disinfectant and helps to release food debris that may be trapped between the teeth. Using salt water on tooth pain is also effective for alleviating inflammation and healing any oral injuries.

To prepare the rinse, pour a half teaspoonful of salt into a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth or gargle on it for a few minutes before spitting it out.

Cold compress

A cold compress is effective for relieving tooth pain, especially if it is a result of physical injury. Applying cold compresses makes the blood vessels in that area constrict. This reduces the intensity of the pain. The cold compress can also lessen swelling and soreness.

To apply a cold compress, hold an ice pack against the affected area for 15 minutes intermittently. Repeat the process periodically.

Hydrogen peroxide rinse

Hydrogen peroxide is also effective for alleviating pain and irritation. Aside from its antibacterial properties, it can help eliminate plaque and repair bleeding gums.

Before use, ensure you dilute the hydrogen peroxide properly to reduce the concentration. You can do this by mixing three percent hydrogen peroxide with a similar amount of water and rinse your mouth. Do not swallow the mix.

Peppermint tea bags

Peppermint tea bags can numb the discomfort and calm sensitive gums. Just press a used (warm or cold) tea bag against the affected area.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract has alcohol that renders the pain numb. It also has antioxidant properties for effective healing. To use, pour a tiny portion of vanilla extract on a cotton ball or your finger and apply on the affected tooth multiple times daily.

Garlic

For centuries, people have used garlic for several medicinal purposes. It is an active antibacterial agent that can eliminate harmful bacteria that cause plaque and is also a powerful pain reliever.

To apply, grind a garlic clove into a smooth paste and use on the affected tooth. You can mix the paste with a small amount of salt. If you can tolerate the taste, you can chew on garlic cloves too.

While these suggestions may be practical for dealing with tooth pain, they are not alternatives to seeing a dentist. Rather than treat the symptoms, the dentist will offer a permanent solution.

Are you experiencing tooth pain in the Woodland Hills area? Get more tooth pain treatment information at .