If you’ve ever needed help with a toothache, you know the nagging, distracting pain that can bring tears to your eyes.
When you have a toothache, all you want to do is: Make. It. Go. Away. There can be a variety of causes of toothache, so finding the root cause (no pun intended, we promise) of your pain is vital. The pain often indicates a more significant issue, such as a cavity, crack, abscess, or infection.
Until you can get into the dentist’s chair for an exam, here are five things that can help with a toothache by reducing swelling and killing bacteria in your mouth.
5 Remedies for Help With a Toothache
1. Mouth Rinses
Mix ½ teaspoon salt with 1 cup of warm water or 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with ¼ cup water and gargle like a mouthwash for 10-12 seconds. Either rinse acts as a disinfectant and will temporarily help with irritation in the mouth and ease the pain of a toothache.
2. Ice Can Help With a Toothache
Placing an ice cube or ice pack at the source of your toothache can help numb it and reduce any swelling you might have. Be careful not to leave ice directly on a tooth or gums if you experience sensitivity to it. Do not chew the ice for relief.
3. Peppermint Tea Bags
Brew a cup of peppermint tea and remove the tea bag from your cup. Once the bag has cooled slightly, you can apply it directly to your gums to help soothe the pain and kill any bacteria in the area. If a cold tea bag sounds better, put it in the freezer before applying it to your toothache.
4. Essential Oils
If you have essential oils in your home, peppermint, clove, or frankincense are the best oils to apply to a toothache. Dab a cotton swab with the oil you choose and apply it directly to the area where you have pain. You could add three drops of essential oil to a cup of warm water and gargle, being careful not to swallow it. Although some say they find relief this way, these treatments are no substitute for a dentist’s exam and advice.
5. Over-the-Counter Medications That Can Help With a Toothache
You can combine the above natural remedies with ibuprofen to reduce swelling to find help with a toothache. An oral numbing gel can be purchased at most grocery stores. Then apply to your toothache for a temporary break from the pain.
These are methods to help you find relief while experiencing a toothache—not a replacement for visiting your dentist regularly. These short-term solutions can give you a break from the pain that comes with a toothache that can so easily ruin your day or disrupt your sleep.
Contact us to make an appointment, so we can help you uncover the cause of your toothache. We’ll educate you on ways to avoid the issue again and discuss a treatment plan for any problems that need further attention.
Our biggest goal is to help you find help with a toothache and maintain a healthy mouth to avoid future toothaches and dental disruptions to your life. No one likes visiting the dentist, but it sure beats living with a toothache.