What to do about a toothache before you can get in

A tooth usually starts hurting at nine in the evening. Here is what helps until we can see you, and what makes it worse.

Ibuprofen, taken properly

For dental pain, ibuprofen works better than acetaminophen because the pain is inflammatory. Taken with food at the dose on the packet, and alternated with acetaminophen if one alone is not enough. If you cannot take ibuprofen, tell us when you call.

Cold, not heat

A cold pack on the cheek for fifteen minutes at a time helps. Heat feels better for about a minute and then makes swelling worse, so keep the hot water bottle away from your face.

Do not put aspirin on the gum

It does not reach the nerve and it burns a white chemical ulcer into the gum, so you arrive with two problems. The same goes for whiskey and clove oil straight from the bottle.

Sleep propped up

Lying flat raises the pressure in the tooth, which is why toothache peaks at night. An extra pillow helps more than it should.

The signs that mean call now

Swelling that spreads into the cheek or under the jaw, a fever, difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth: these need seeing the same day, and swelling near the eye or throat is a hospital visit rather than a dental one.

Call (734) 555-0184 before ten in the morning and we will usually see you that day. Painkillers are a bridge to an appointment, not a treatment.