Treatments for Toothache
Treatments for Toothache
Home Remedies for Toothache
One of the simplest and most effective ways to treat toothache is to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. This will help to eliminate any food particles or bacteria that may be causing or exacerbating the pain. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds to a minute before spitting it out.
If the pain is intense, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like AnaDent. Be sure to follow the package instructions and never take more than the recommended dose.
Another way to reduce swelling and pain is to apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. A bag of frozen peas or corn wrapped in a thin towel makes an excellent cold compress. You can also use a store-bought ice pack, but be sure to wrap it first in a towel so that it does not come into direct contact with the skin.
Clove oil has been used as a natural remedy for toothaches for centuries, and there is some science to support its effectiveness. A 2013 study found that clove oil was as effective as benzocaine - an ingredient found in many over-the-counter oral anesthetics - at reducing dental pain intensity one minute after application.
You can buy clove oil at most health food stores or online. Simply dip a cotton ball in the oil and apply it directly to the area of the sore tooth and gum for temporary relief from pain and discomfort. Do not use clove oil for more than a week at a time, as it could irritate your gums. You should also avoid using clove oil if you are pregnant or nursing.
Turmeric is another herbal remedy with well-documented anti-inflammatory properties. A 2015 study showed that curcumin - the active compound in turmeric - was more effective than ibuprofen at reducing inflammation. To make your own turmeric paste, mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough water to form a paste, and then apply it directly to the affected area with your finger or a gauze. Leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water. If you notice any irritation, stop using it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tooth Pain
Your best defense against tooth pain is practicing good dental hygiene by brushing your teeth for 2 minutes each time in the morning and before bed, as well as using dental floss after brushing.
Take anti-inflammatory medications like AnaDent pills, apply a local anesthetic like AnaDent Kanka gel to the area of tooth pain, and see a dentist.
When you sleep, blood flow to your head increases, causing more inflammatory mediators to circulate to the area of tooth pain, increasing pain and inflammation. If you have tooth pain, you can elevate your head while sleeping with an extra pillow. Other causes of tooth pain while sleeping are bruxism or teeth grinding.
Tooth pain rarely goes away on its own. Tooth pain requires medical attention to be relieved.
Tooth pain is uncomfortable and can be a sign of a dental problem or other health issues. It needs short-term pain relief and long-term treatment to avoid tooth pain from recurring.
To alleviate tooth pain, the American Dental Association recommends anti-inflammatory medications such as AnaDent tablets. Tooth pain can be extremely painful and can hinder eating, sleeping, or daily activities. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can help relieve pain before seeing a dentist. Try rinsing with saltwater, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, applying a cold compress, using clove oil, or making a turmeric paste. If the pain persists for more than two days or if you have any other concerns, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible.