A toothache can be unpleasant and downright agonizing. These at-home remedies will help ward off the pain until you can visit a dental health professional.
Toothaches can happen unpredictably with numerous possible triggers. While a visit to the dentist is the best way to resolve a toothache, sometimes you’re unable to see a dentist right away. Rather than helplessly suffering and crying in pain, there are a few home remedies that can help alleviate pain and discomfort until you can seek professional help.
1. Keep your head elevated
Lying flat causes blood to rush to your head, which increases your head’s blood pressure and intensifies the tooth pain. Keeping your head upright can prevent toothache-related pain from increasing.
2. Pain medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can offer some relief by targeting inflammation. Benzocaine gels, which can be directly applied to teeth and gums for instant numbing and pain relief, may also be available at your local pharmacy.
3. Ice compress
A cold compress can help reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain associated with toothaches by causing local blood vessels to constrict. Wrap a bag of ice or an ice pack with a towel, and apply it to the affected side of your face for 20 minutes at a time.
4. Salt water
Natural disinfectants like salt water can heal wounds, counter inflammation, and disinfect your teeth and gums. Along with healing the swelling and pain of your toothache, a salt water rinse can also loosen particles that are stuck within the tooth. Mix a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, and use it as a mouthwash — swish it around your mouth, then spit it out.
5. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide relieves toothache pain by targeting inflammation, killing bacteria, and healing bleeding gums. Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with water using a 1:1 ratio, then use it as a mouth rinse. Be extra careful to avoid swallowing any!
6. Peppermint tea bag
Along with having antibacterial properties, peppermint can numb pain and soothe sensitive gums. Let a used peppermint tea bag cool until it’s warm, then apply it directly to the affected tooth. You can also put the used teabag in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it first for a cooler option.
7. Clove oil
Cloves contain eugenol, a natural antiseptic that can numb pain and reduce inflammation. Dilute a drop of clove oil into a teaspoon of water or a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil. Then, dab a cotton ball into this mixture and apply it directly on your aching tooth. You can also add a drop of clove oil into a small amount of water, and use it as a rinse.
8. Vanilla extract
Because it contains alcohol, vanilla extract can numb pain. Vanilla extract is also anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, which gives it healing qualities. A few times a day, apply some vanilla extract onto a cotton ball or your clean finger and put it directly on your tooth.
9. Guava leaves
Guava leaves are known for boosting your immune system, as they are both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. You can brew tea with the leaves, cool it down, and use it as a rinse — alternatively, you can chew the guava leaves for instant relief.
10. Garlic
Garlic can combat bacteria, which helps fight pain and reduce infection. Crush a fresh garlic clove to a paste and apply it to the affected area, or slowly chew a fresh clove of garlic. If you’re using a fresh garlic paste, make sure to only leave it for a few hours and never overnight, which could result in garlic burn.
After At-Home Toothache Care…
These at-home remedies can help you quickly feel some temporary relief from your toothache. However, they’re not a replacement for professional dental care, especially when a toothache becomes a dental emergency. If you’re experiencing tooth or gum pain, schedule an appointment with Espire Dental as soon as you can.