Where to press for relief from toothache

　　Toothache is not a disease in itself. Anyone who has experienced toothache knows exactly how it feels. The most prominent symptom of pulpitis is pain; pulpitis refers to inflammation of the dental pulp tissue. Specifically, pulpitis is an inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infection or toxins invading the pulp—the soft tissue at the center of the tooth. Once pulpitis develops, prompt treatment is essential.

　　Which acupoint provides the fastest relief from toothache?

　　The Hegu (LI4) and Jiache (ST6) acupoints offer the most rapid pain relief for toothache. The Hegu point is located on the dorsum of the hand, in the fleshy depression between the first and second metacarpal bones—i.e., between the thumb and index finger. The Jiache point lies on the cheek, in the depression anterior to the mandibular angle, within the masseter muscle. Applying firm, intermittent pressure to these points can significantly alleviate tooth-related pain. Since toothache is commonly caused by pulpitis, when severe pain occurs, in addition to acupressure, localized cold therapy may also help reduce discomfort. It is recommended to apply a medical-grade ice pack to the corresponding cheek area to ease pain.

　　Pharmacological treatment may also benefit some patients with pulpitis, though its effectiveness varies among individuals. Generally, mild cases of pulpitis respond well to timely and appropriate drug therapy. However, severe cases typically require root canal treatment. For reversible pulpitis, the primary goal is to preserve vital pulp tissue; treatment options include direct pulp capping, indirect pulp capping, and pulpotomy.

　　In daily life, maintain regular, balanced eating habits—avoid spicy, irritating, or overly rich foods, and refrain from binge eating or staying up late. We hope this information proves helpful to you.