If you are experiencing tooth pain, it’s always best to see your dentist if possible. However, if you can’t get in to see your dentist right away, you may turn to a home remedy to try and ease the pain. A toothache can be a very painful and uncomfortable feeling to have, especially at night when you are trying to get some sleep. Luckily, there are many different home remedies you can try that will help stop the pain of your aching tooth. We’ll share these home remedies with you to let you know how to relieve your tooth pain.
8 Home Remedies for a Toothache
There are many different approaches you can take for a toothache pain reliever from your home before seeing a dentist. Especially if the pain persists for more than two days, it’s best to get the affected area of your mouth checked out by a professional. In the meantime, here are eight home remedies that can help relieve your tooth pain.
Over the counter (OTC) oral medication
Any time you want pain relief, choosing an over-the-counter medication to take is always a fast way to get rid of the pain. It’s the same when it comes to dental pain. Taking a pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil can help reduce your pain and serve as an anti-inflammatory. We recommend that you stay within the dosage that is listed on the label always. If your toothache is severe, please contact your dentist to be prescribed stronger pain medications at their discretion.
Apply a cold compress to the affected area
To help ease the pain of a toothache, applying a cold compress can be a good solution. Take a bag of frozen vegetables or make your own bag filled with ice to place on the affected area. Place a piece of cloth over the cold compress as direct ice can potentially burn your face. Do this in 20-minute intervals until the pain has gone away.
Rinsing your mouth with saltwater
A very common home remedy for a toothache is to use a saltwater rinse. Since salt is a natural antibacterial, this can also help to reduce pain and inflammation. Just be sure to not swallow the saltwater rinse and rather spit it out after swishing for 30 seconds or more.
Peppermint tea bags
Peppermint tea bags have some numbing properties that can help temporarily relieve your tooth pain. To use this, allow a tea bag to cool down and then place it on your tooth for a more warming sensation. You can also do the opposite of placing the used tea bag in the freezer to allow it to really cool down and then place it on your toothache.
Use a few drops of clove oil
Clove oil has been used for hundreds of years as a natural treatment for toothaches. A few drops of clove oil is able to effectively reduce any inflammation and pain you have. Use a cotton ball to apply a small amount and then directly place it on your tooth that’s hurting. If you think the oil is too strong, you can dilute it with a little bit of water as well.
Hydrogen peroxide rinse
A simple rinse that will help promote oral health and reduce plaque is a hydrogen peroxide rinse. One part hydrogen peroxide to two parts water and swish around in your mouth for 30 seconds then completely spit out. This can relieve tooth pain and help reduce tooth decay.
Make a thyme mouthwash
Thyme is able to help eliminate bacteria which can be helpful for your toothache. Get a thyme essential oil and add a few drops of it to water. Put this mixture in your mouth and thoroughly swish around for at least 30 seconds and then spit out.
Try out garlic
Garlic has been around for years as a medicinal treatment for bacteria. It’s also a very common household item that many people will have in their homes on any given day. In order to use it for your toothache, chew on a clove or allow it to sit close to your tooth that is aching for optimal results. This may only be a good treatment for some as garlic has a very strong flavor and can be unbearable.
If you are still experiencing tooth pain after a couple of days persistently, please contact Derksen Dentistry and we will be glad to help you out.