Toothaches are more than just a minor inconvenience. A bad toothache disrupts your daily routine and impacts every moment of your day with pain and discomfort. The throbbing pain can make even the simplest tasks seem unmanageable, affecting your ability to eat, speak, and concentrate. If you are experiencing a toothache, it’s important to address it promptly to alleviate the pain and prevent further complications. Here are some ways to relieve toothache pain at home until you can call your dentist.
Rinse Your Mouth with Salt Water
One of the simplest but most effective home remedies for a toothache is to rinse your mouth with salt water. This remedy is beneficial because salt is a natural disinfectant and helps kill bacteria in the affected area. Mix a teaspoon of normal table salt into a glass of warm water and slowly rinse your mouth, focusing on the aching tooth. Do this several times a day to reduce inflammation and alleviate the pain.
Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help remove food particles or debris causing pain in your tooth. This can immediately relieve pain and prevent further irritation.
Try a Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is another potent option for toothache relief because it can kill bacteria and reduce infection. For a hydrogen peroxide rinse, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water and swish it around in your mouth for about 20 seconds. Make sure to spit it out completely and rinse your mouth with clean water afterward to remove any residue. You can also use a mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide.
Use a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek over the painful area can help numb the pain and reduce swelling. Wrap some ice in a cloth or use an ice pack and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time. This can be repeated several times a day to manage the pain.
The cold compress works by causing the blood vessels to constrict, thereby reducing inflammation and the sensation of pain. It’s an ideal method for immediate but temporary relief, helping you manage the pain until you can get proper dental care.
Elevate Your Head
Keeping your head elevated when lying down can prevent blood from pooling in your head, which could intensify the toothache. Use an extra pillow to keep your head up, thus reducing pressure and pain in the affected area. Elevating your head is particularly useful during the night and can help you get some rest despite the tooth pain.
This method won’t cure the cause of the toothache, but it can provide significant relief. When you elevate your head, the distribution of blood flow changes, reducing the throbbing sensation associated with toothaches. It’s a simple but practical step to take, especially when other remedies are not readily available.
Consider Home Remedies
The most effective way to deal with a toothache is to have the root cause of the pain addressed by a dentist. Some patients swear that these home remedies help to provide temporary relief:
Garlic
Garlic is also a pain reliever. It is known for its powerful antibacterial properties and can serve as an effective home remedy for toothache. Crush a garlic clove and apply the paste directly to the affected area or chew on a clove gently. The compounds in garlic can kill bacteria and provide pain relief as well.
Clove
Clove oil is a traditional remedy for toothache because it contains eugenol, which has natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it on the affected tooth. Allow it to sit for about 15-20 minutes to numb the pain.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract contains alcohol and has been known to help numb the pain when applied to the affected area. Dip a cotton ball into some vanilla extract and dab it onto the aching tooth. The pleasant aroma and the numbing effect can offer temporary relief from tooth pain.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains a natural pain-relieving compound called capsaicin. When you apply it topically to the affected area, it can reduce inflammation and reduce your pain. You can mix it with a small amount of water to make a paste that can be applied to where it hurts.
Take Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) can effectively reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the proper dosage instructions on the packaging or consult a healthcare provider for advice. These medications can reduce inflammation and pain, providing temporary relief until you can see the dentist.
Visit an Emergency Dentist
If the pain persists or worsens, it is crucial to visit an emergency dentist right away. Persistent toothache could indicate a more severe issue, such as an abscess, gum injury, or significant tooth decay, which requires professional treatment. Emergency dentists are equipped to handle dental emergencies and provide immediate relief and care, no matter what caused your toothache.
Do not delay seeking professional help if these natural remedies and OTC medications only provide temporary relief. A dentist can diagnose the underlying causes of your tooth pain and recommend effective treatments to resolve the issue permanently. Early intervention can prevent further complications and ensure better oral health. Contact us to schedule an emergency dental appointment to get immediate relief from your toothache.