When it comes to toothache pain relief, there are countless old wives' tales about alleged solutions. Some believe applying clove oil to the affected spot will provide relief. Others are adamant adding a small amount of bourbon along with a cotton ball will reduce the pain. Some such home remedies might prove helpful for certain patients. However, there is no guarantee at-home methods will permanently reduce pain. Below, we take a look at a few home remedies and other solutions for toothache pain relief that will help keep you comfortable until you can visit the dentist for professional treatment.
A saltwater rinse will clean the infected space, jostle debris loose and reduce pain. All it takes is a quick swishing of a little bit of salt water for half a minute. Repeat this swishing a couple times. The salt's cleansing effect will eliminate bacteria and/or festering pus. Though saltwater is safe for the teeth and gums, it is important to note this is not a permanent solution. If necessary, obtain a painkiller to reduce the pain. If the pain is absolutely unbearable, visit an emergency dentist for immediate treatment.
Cloves have an all-natural anesthetic known as eugenol. This anesthetic numbs the pain of anything it contacts. Drip one or two drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and lightly press it to the tooth in question. Clove oil will numb the site of the pain, providing short-term pain relief. Try to keep the clove oil away from the sensitive portions of your mouth as it has the potential to induce pain in areas like the tongue.
Similar to salt water, hydrogen peroxide functions as an aid for cleansing the mouth. This oral health solution is more effective than saline as it attacks bacteria instead of merely rinsing it. Combine equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). Swish this concoction in your mouth for half a minute. You will likely experience temporary pain relief. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide helps combat gingivitis to boot. This is important as gingivitis has the potential to cause a toothache.
Just be sure to spit the hydrogen peroxide back out. Do not swallow it as ingestion can lead to intestinal discomfort. Furthermore, you should carefully combine equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide so you do not feel a burning sensation in your mouth as a result of an excess of hydrogen peroxide.
People commonly use wet tea bags to soothe sensitive skin. Peppermint contains numbing properties like cloves that minimize pain. Press the cold and wet peppermint tea bag to the throbbing pain. Alternatively, you can place the tea bag in the freezer for a couple minutes and tightly press it to the tooth for upwards of 20 minutes.
Though the options outlined above will reduce your pain, your toothache probably won't completely dissipate. Do not lose sight of the fact that home remedies are merely stepping stones to professional dental work. If you wait too long, the problem will likely worsen and end up costing you more money. Visit the dentist as soon as possible.
Call (954) 493-6556 to schedule an appointment with Smiles by Julia in our Fort Lauderdale dental office.
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