If you’ve been suffering from toothache, you have one thing to worry about – relief. Whether the pain is sharp and intermittent, or dull and constant, toothache can be more than an unforgiving annoyance; It can ruin your entire day or keep you from sleeping at night.
Wanting to get rid of the pain as soon as possible, you may be wondering if there are any home remedies. Of course, you want to protect your oral health, so a visit to the dentist is a must if you have problems with your teeth or gums! But until you see a dentist in St. Petersburg, Florida, try some of these home remedies to ease the pain.
Twelve home remedies for toothache
Toothache can occur for many different reasons, including tooth decay, gum irritation from food and drink, tooth breakage, chewing, tooth extraction, tooth abscess, and more. Despite all these possibilities, the most common cause of toothache in people is irritation of the nerve at the root of the tooth.
Many of the methods below can help reduce inflammation in the mouth, kill harmful bacteria, or soothe minor problems. Most of these types of dental problems are preventable with regular flossing, fluoride toothpaste, and 6-monthly dental cleanings.
These tips are not a complete cure for the toothache that is causing you so much pain. Tooth decay can spread to the nerves, causing sensitivity to hot and cold, which can turn into pain and throbbing if left unchecked. If you have a severe toothache, you need immediate treatment. Contact your dentist to make an appointment.
Please note: If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition that prohibits the use of herbs, consult your doctor before use.
- Ice
Toothache
Applying ice to the affected area of the tooth can help relieve the pain. You can try different variations of this technique. Wrap the ice in a towel and apply it to the affected area. Leave the compress on for 15 minutes at a time. You can also try holding ice water in your mouth for a few seconds at a time. But don’t bite the ice because it can break your teeth. - Keep your head up
It can be difficult to fall asleep when you have a toothache, but lying down can make the pain worse because of the increased pressure on the head when you lie flat. Sleep with your head on a pillow or, if possible, sleep upright in a chair. - Over-the-counter medications
Medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen help reduce inflammation, so they are effective pain relievers. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can help relieve pain. Some gels can be applied directly to the teeth and gums for pain relief. - Rinse with salt water
Rinsing your mouth with salt water serves two purposes. The act of brushing can help remove substances stuck between the teeth. Also, because salt is a natural antiseptic, it helps fight any infection by reducing inflammation. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt with warm water and use it as a mouthwash. - Rinse off the hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is useful in fighting inflammation and bacteria. When using a hydrogen peroxide rinse, mix three percent hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water. Do not swallow the solution. Use it as a mouthwash. - Tea bags
Cold or warm tea bags can be applied to the teeth. If using a used tea bag, make sure it’s cooled so it stays warm, not hot. If you prefer the cold option, put the used bag in the freezer for a few minutes before applying it to your teeth.
Peppermint tea is especially good for toothaches because of its antibacterial properties. However, this method should not be used regularly as tea can stain your teeth.
- Garlic
Garlic is antibacterial as well as pain reliever. Crushed garlic can be used to make a paste that can be applied to the teeth. You can also chew fresh garlic cloves or soak a cotton ball in garlic oil and put it on your teeth.