When you finish eating, do you tend to reach for a toothpick? This tool can be quite handy at removing stuck morsels, but it can actually cause serious harm. It might seem odd that this seemingly innocent act can cause trouble, but it very much can if you aren’t careful. Here’s how they can lead to a dental emergency, and alternatives that are a whole lot safer for your smile.

While you have a visit with your emergency dentist coming up about your toothache, you may wonder what you can do about it right now. You will get a permanent solution soon, but you deserve to find some temporary relief until then. Here are four home remedies that you can try out as you wait for your upcoming dental appointment.