Remedies for Dental Pain

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Mouth pain is common after visiting the dentist, especially to those who don’t brush or floss on a regular basis and come to the dentist with their gums already inflamed. However, this discomfort usually disappears in less than an hour after leaving the dental office. Other procedures, however, such a root canal therapy, can leave an ache in the patient’s mouth for sometimes days after the procedure. Luckily, there are ways to minimize the discomfort, such as those listed below:

  • Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen: This is the most common type of pain reliever that most go to for everyday body pains such as headaches. It’s also one of the easiest to get since the medication is available over the counter at most grocery stores and does not require a prescription. Always be sure to read and follow the label for dosage and safety tips.
  • Ora-Jel: Some patients have a hard time swallowing pills, so for them, there is ora-jel, a topical gel that is placed directly on the tooth for fast, targeted relief. As with the pills, always read and follow the label for dosage and age restrictions regarding the product.
  • Saltwater Rinse: Keep in mind that this one is only able to be done 24 hours after the dental procedure. Mix one tablespoon of salt with 8oz of water, then swirl it in your mouth and spit into the sink. Do not swallow. Repeat this 2-3 times a day to maximum healing and discomfort relief.
  • Avoidance: If you generally chew on your left side and the procedure was done there as well, switch it up and chew on the opposite side to avoid any pain and discomfort. Hot drinks such as coffee and cold ones like ice water can also aggravate a dental injury, so it’s best to stick to room temperature water if your thirst needs to be quenched, and soft foods like yogurt, jello, and mashed potatoes to quell your hunger.
  • Rest: Nothing will heal the body more than bed-rest. Staying relaxed and stress free promotes healing and will get you back on your feet faster than if you push yourself to do all of your normal activities.

Your dentist may have some other recommendations for you regarding pain management. If excessive swelling, bleeding, or pain occurs, get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible.

Halitosis

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Bad breath occurs naturally when we eat certain foods or neglect to brush our teeth, but chronic bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is another story. Luckily, halitosis is easily treatable if you do the following things.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly, brushing at least twice a day, and flossing at least once. The best times to do this is directly after a meal to remove any food particles that may cause your breath to smell bad. Don’t forget to scrub your cheeks and tongue as well.

Drink plenty of water. If your mouth is dry, there’s nothing to help wash away bacteria that can stick to the sides of your mouth.

Check your zinc levels. Many people who suffer from halitosis often have low zinc levels. This is because zinc is a naturally occurring antimicrobial. Foods that are high in zinc include: tofu, pumpkin seeds, lentils, beef, and oysters. Just be sure not to consume any of these with alcohol, as alcohol reduces zinc even further.

Use natural oils. Peppermint oil and tea tree oil work wonders for killing bad odours and destroying bacteria. Put a couple drops on your toothbrush for instant good breath.

Eat the parsley garnish. Many people are quick to discard the parsley garnish that comes on most plates, but little do they know that parsley is a tasty way to deodorize their breath. This is because parsley contains chlorophyll.

Visit the dentist regularly. By attending your bi-yearly cleaning, you’re helping to eliminate plaque, tartar, and other inhabitants in your mouth that can contribute to bad breath.

If your bad breath persists even after trying these methods, visit your local dentist to help diagnose the problem. 

Dental Bridges in Burbank, California

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A dental bridge is one of the ways that you can fill in the gaps between your teeth that have been caused by the removal of a tooth. By opting in for a dental bridge procedure, your smile will look more natural, you’ll be able to eat properly, and your speech will return to normal if it has been affected by the loss of the tooth.

There are three types of bridges. A consultation with your dentist will help determine which one is the right fit for you. Traditional bridges are the most common, where a fake tooth is placed and crowns are fitted on the surrounding teeth to hold it in place. Cantilever bridges are used when there is only one tooth next to the tooth that is missing. Maryland bridges use porcelain or metal rather than the cementing approach and therefore are not as strong as a traditional bridge.

Getting a dental bridge is a relatively simple procedure, but can take place over the course of a few visits. This is because you’ll have to take imprints and have measurements done so the constructed bridge is customized to your mouth. Temporary crowns are available if needed and will be removed once the permanent ones are ready to be cemented in. A local anesthetic will be used to ensure that no pain is felt during the procedure.

Afterwards, some mild discomfort may be felt which can quickly be remedied with over the counter pain medication or by applying ice to the outside of the jaw. With a very quick recovery time, patients can typically eat and drink normally right after the bridge has been placed. For more severe pain, contact your dentist, as something may need to be adjusted.

For further questions about dental bridges, or to schedule a consultation about one, contact Brilliant Dental Group by calling (818) 558-5630.