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Whether mild or severe, tooth pain can be annoying and interfere with your daily activities. It’s worth noting that no amount of pain is considered normal, even if it’s just a dull ache, so you should always seek treatment as soon as possible. But if you have a severe toothache, what can you do to manage it while you wait to see your emergency dentist? Read on to learn a few home remedies that can help minimize your discomfort in the meantime.
Swish with Saltwater
For some people, this technique alone is enough to reduce the pain into a bearable one. Saltwater is a natural disinfectant, helping clean away any irritating food particles or debris that could be contributing to the toothache. It can also help minimize inflammation and heal any oral wounds. To use this method, dissolve one teaspoon (tsp) of salt into a glass of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit it out and repeat as needed. It’s a simple but effective remedy!
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Is saltwater not cutting it? Try a hydrogen peroxide rinse instead! It can help relieve pain and inflammation, kill bacteria in your mouth, reduce plaque, and heal bleeding gums. Mix 3% percent hydrogen peroxide solution with equal parts water and use it as a mouthwash. After spitting it out, rinse your mouth several times with plain water.
Cold Compress
Everyone knows about this popular (but effective) toothache remedy! Wrap an ice pack or another cold compress in a towel and apply it on your cheeks over the aching tooth for about 15 minutes. The cold helps numb the nerves, alleviate pain, and reduce any swelling and inflammation. You can repeat this technique every few hours for continuous relief.
Peppermint Tea Bags
Not only does peppermint tea have a tasty flavor, but it can also minimize tooth pain! The tea bags can be used to numb pain and soothe sensitive gums. To use this remedy, submerge one peppermint tea bag into a cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. After it has cooled, apply it to the affected area for a couple of minutes and let it work its magic!
Clove Oil
Did you know that cloves are a traditional remedy for numbing nerves? That’s because this spice contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic. Throughout history, clove oil has been used to effectively treat toothaches as it helps numb pain and reduce inflammation. Pour two drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it to the aching tooth until the pain recedes. Make sure you use this method carefully – otherwise, you could end up worsening the pain.
Garlic
Like clove oil, garlic has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy. It can kill plaque-causing bacteria and relieve pain. Do you want to give it a shot? Mash a garlic clove into a paste and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, you can also slowly chew a clove of fresh garlic.
Remember – you should always schedule a dental visit as soon as you feel a toothache coming on. But in the meantime, try the home remedies outlined above for some relief.
About the Practice
At NeoSmile Dental Care, we have everything you and your family need for a healthy smile – all under one roof! We understand dental emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye, which is why we offer urgent dental care so you can receive the relief you deserve. If you have a severe toothache, visit our website or call (215) 643-5220 to schedule an emergency appointment.
