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Experiencing tooth pain often means you have tooth decay. The pain may come and go, but if it lasts more than two days, see a dentist. If left untreated, it could lead to bigger and more expensive problems. In the meantime, here are some easy remedies.
- Mix one teaspoon salt with eight ounces warm water. Swish it around your mouth to remove food particles. It has antiseptic properties and reduces inflammation. You can do this several times a day.
- Mix up a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Use it for mouthwash, but remember not to swallow. It often reduces pain because it kills bacteria, helps heal bleeding gums and reduces plaque. (See also: Things To Do If You Are Bleeding Gums)
- Mix three drops of clove oil with one teaspoon of olive oil or another carrier oil. Soak a cotton swab or ball in the oil, then use the swab or ball to swipe the area bothering you. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes. It has been used since ancient times because it contains a natural antiseptic and a numbing agent called eugenol. Avoid swallowing it because too much could upset your stomach.
- Crush a garlic clove to make a paste. Crushing it activates its allicin, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Add a little salt to increase effectiveness. If the paste is dry, add olive oil. Apply it to your aching tooth and keep it there for at least 30 minutes. Like clove oil, garlic has been used effectively this way since ancient times.
- Soak a cotton ball with full strength apple cider vinegar. Apply it to your toothache. Since it’s acidic it kills the bacteria causing your toothache. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Swish vodka, scotch, brandy or whiskey around your mouth to numb pain and kill germs. Soaking a cotton swab in the alcohol and applying it directly to the tooth may be more effective.
- Hold a cold compress or ice either inside or outside of your mouth on the toothache. It numbs pain and brings down swelling.
If you don’t get relief from these home remedies, you could try an over-the-counter pain-relieving dental gel. You could also take paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. Eating only soft foods and avoiding chewing on your affected area may help.
If additional relief is needed, you could try a medication containing codeine. Codeine belongs to the opioid family. It’s effective at treating pain because it uses the same brain receptors as endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers. Several types of codeine medications are available. Dentists often prescribe it to treat pain after oral surgery. Visit Prescription Doctor to find the best medication for you.
Treating toothache at home until you can see a dentist is okay as long as pain and symptoms are manageable. But if any of these occur, see a dentist right away:
- Pain that can’t be alleviated with painkillers.
- Swollen cheek or jaw.
- High temperature, red gums, or a bad taste or pain when you bite.
If the area around your eye or neck is swollen or you’re having difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, see an emergency doctor right away. (See also: 5 Essential Habits to Maintain Healthy Gums and Teeth)
About The Author:
Sumeet Manhas is a T-Shaped digital marketer and freelancer on Up work where he talks about digital marketing case studies, tips, techniques, and more. Helping startups with digital marketing is what he loves.
