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Mouth Pain Is Nothing to Smile About

Most everyone has experienced the misery of a throbbing toothache. Bleeding gums can also cause distress. Fortunately, there are options available for those searching for relief. 

Chew on this

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. By age 34, more than 80 percent of us have had one or more cavity. 

Healthline.com finds that between 15 and 20 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 have severe gum disease.

The nation, in fact, spends more than $124 billion a year on dental care costs. 

Understanding the causes

Oral health has been linked with other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The CDC states it’s also tied to high-risk behaviors, including the use of tobacco, and eating and drinking foods and beverages high in sugar.

According to WebMD, jaw and mouth pain are often signs of stress. A dentist can help identify the source of jaw discomfort, which is often caused by a toothachesinus problems, or gum disease

Getting relief

For a bad toothache, swish warm, salty water in your mouth. Mix one-half teaspoon table salt to eight ounces of water. You can also turn to over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.

If your face is swollen, put an ice pack on your cheek. Swelling could also mean you have an abscess, which can cause serious infection. 

OTC anesthetics can help, too. Apply pain-relieving gels and liquids directly to the sore tooth and nearby gums for a numbing sensation. 

Soak clove oil on a cotton ball and dab it against the tooth and gums. You can also chew a piece of garlic.For bleeding gums, rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide. Increasing your intake of vitamin C and vitamin K and drinking green tea can bring relief, as well.

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