A toothache is one type of pain that can make a person stop in their tracks. Eating and drinking become painful, and worsening pain can make breathing difficult when there are nerve issues.
Unfortunately, you may not be able to see a dentist right away. For example, if your toothache starts near the end of the day, over the weekend, or on a holiday, the dentist's office might be closed.
If this is the case for you, trying a toothache remedy at home might help you feel better until you get to the dentist. Depending on the cause of your toothache, here are the top seven remedies to try.
Hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial agent that can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It can also help bleeding gums heal. You should only use it diluted, so mix it with water at a ratio of 1:1. Swish it around your mouth and spit it out. Never swallow hydrogen peroxide.
A warm salt water rinse can disinfect the mouth while helping to remove tiny debris that might irritate the painful area. This toothache remedy helps to reduce inflammation and helps with healing. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water. Always spit it out. You can use this several times per day. While this method won't fully relieve nerve pain, it can reduce the inflammation that can make the pain worse.
Using a peppermint tea compress can help to soothe your gums and numb the painful area. Steep the teabag in hot water and allow it to cool down a bit before applying it to the toothache. Alternatively, freeze the brewed tea bag for a few minutes and apply it cold.
Using pure vanilla extractis a good toothache remedy because it can help reduce tooth pain due to the alcohol content. You can't use imitation vanilla extract because it doesn't contain any alcohol. You can use your finger or a cotton ball to dab vanilla extract on the affected area or apply a couple of drops right on the tooth. This method is one of the fastest ways to relieve tooth pain. It usually works in under five minutes.
Garlic has antibacterial and medicinal properties. It can relieve pain and kill the bacteria that lead to plaque that causes tooth decay. Simply crush garlic to form a paste and put it right on the area of your gums that's painful. You can add a pinch of salt to the paste to help alleviate inflammation. Another option is to chew on a fresh clove of garlic using the affected tooth.
Clove oil contains a natural antiseptic known as eugenol. It can help to reduce inflammation and can numb the area. You have to dilute natural clove oil with a carrier oil that's safe to use orally. Two of these are jojoba or sunflower oil. Once you dilute the clove oil, you can dab it on the affected area using a cotton ball. An alternative method of using clove oil is to place one drop of the oil into the water and use it as a mouthwash.
Hot or cold compresses may work to alleviate pain. You may not be able to use this toothache remedy if the pain is due to a nerve.
It's a good idea to contact your dentist to find out if they have any suggestions. As you review these ideas, be aware that you should avoid any that have an ingredient that you're allergic to. You should also be careful if you have any chronic health conditions or are taking any medications. It's always better to err on the side of caution.
Some toothaches require help from a dentist. You should contact your dentist immediately if you've had trauma to the tooth. Some treatments that are possible may be time-sensitive.
If the toothache doesn't subside with over-the-counter pain medications and at-home toothache remedies, you should also contact your dentist. Call your dentist right away if you experience any of these signs in conjunction with a toothache:
Once you're at the dentist's office, they'll work to determine the cause of the tooth pain. Treatment depends on the cause of the tooth pain.
Emergency care is often necessary for tooth pain resulting from trauma. Severe pain that doesn't go away despite an at-home toothache remedy also signals the need for emergency care.
A toothache is something that you shouldn't ever try to ignore. You can sometimes prevent it from happening by taking care of your oral health. Be sure you follow a brushing and flossing routine to keep your teeth healthy. Regular visits with your dentist can also help you find out about potential problems before they cause a toothache.
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