Toothaches often come with advice from well-meaning friends and family about natural remedies you can use at home. Maybe you've heard about warm salt-water rinses, clove oil, or peppermint tea bags you can put on or around your tooth to help it feel better.
The truth is that if your tooth is causing you severe pain that isn't going away with an over-the-counter pain reliever, it is likely an indicator that something more serious is going on.
The Truth About Tooth Pain
It might've started with a twinge. Maybe when you would drink something cold or try to enjoy a cup of hot coffee in the morning, you got a jolt that went away quickly. You probably didn't think much of it since it went away on its own. But tooth sensitivity that alleviates on its own is one of the first telltale signs of decay in your tooth. It's a good idea to visit your dentist for a checkup, even if your sensitivity goes away on its own.
If you didn't visit your dentist and you forgot about your discomfort, the decay in your tooth is allowed to progress. When bacteria and decay work their way further into your tooth, you may begin to feel more discomfort, resulting in the terrible pain that keeps you awake at night or from doing your normal daily tasks. Now you're starting to take interest in those home remedies or anything that will provide you some relief from your intense pain.
Visiting Your Emergency Dentist in Clayton, NC, Is Your Best Bet
While a home remedy may provide minimal temporary relief, it is likely that by now, your tooth is infected, and unfortunately, tooth infections don't resolve on their own. It is best to visit your dentist as soon as possible for treatment to eliminate your pain and resolve your infection before it causes any further damage or discomfort.
Your Clayton Smiles team is here for you! If you're experiencing pain or a dental emergency in Clayton, don't wait to contact us at (919) 553-7695.