3 SIMPLE REMEDIES FOR TOOTHACHES

Regardless of why you’re experiencing pain in one or more teeth, a toothache is no fun. It’s even more stressful when the pain sets in while the dentist is closed for a holiday weekend or you’re far from home on vacation. Knowing how to reduce the pain while you’re waiting to see the dentist can make the difference between severe pain and moderate discomfort.

COMMON TOOTHACHE CAUSES

Most toothaches respond to the same home remedies, so it’s not necessary to diagnose the cause on your own. However, there are a few very common causes of sudden and unexpected toothaches, including:

Erosion of the protective enamel on the tooth’s surface

Cavities that are penetrating deep enough to reach the roots

Damage to the tooth, such as a chip or crack

Tooth grinding during the day or as you sleep

Infections in the gum or inner pulp of the tooth

Abscesses in the gum or even the cheek and jaw tissue

3 SIMPLE REMEDIES FOR TOOTHACHES

None of the following remedies for toothaches will permanently fix your pain problem. Yet they are effective enough for fighting off pain during the middle of the night or while you’re driving to the dentist. They’re also easy to make with materials you already have at home, or which are available at any 24 hour supermarket.

SALTWATER RINSE

Grab a salt shaker and a cup of lukewarm water to attempt one of the easiest home remedies that works well for practically any oral health problem. Mix just half a teaspoon of salt, any kind will do, into 8 ounces of slightly warm water. Stir until all of the salt is dissolved. Rinse your mouth gently with sips of the salty water and spit it out after about 30 seconds of rinsing. Go through the entire cup of water and you should feel less severe pain. You can repeat this process a few times a day as needed to control the pain.

CLOVE OIL

You may not have oil of clove sitting in your cabinet, but even if you don’t, it’s easy to find at practically any grocery store as a flavoring for cookies and cakes. Try looking for it in the dental aisle of a pharmacy as well. Swab a few drops of the undiluted oil directly onto the tooth and gum that is causing you pain. An ingredient known as eugenol offers localized pain relief and the oil is safe for your oral tissues. In testing, this natural ingredient was found to be just as effective as topical benzocaine for toothaches. For lasting relief, add two to three drops to a cotton ball and tuck in your mouth around the tooth.

APPLYING ICE

Finally, a few ice cubes or an ice pack from the freezer may be your best option. This is the easiest home remedy because you can find it at a gas station on a deserted highway or late at night. Wrap the ice or ice pack in a soft, clean cloth and press it to the part of your face closest to the toothache. Ice is best when the pain is radiating into your sinuses or causing neck pain. You can target much larger areas of soreness. Cycle on and off of the ice for 20 minutes at a time, taking a break of at least an hour every three uses. This prevents skin damage from cold exposure. Experiencing a toothache right now? As you prepare these home remedies, go ahead and get in touch with us here at Dobson Ranch Dental Care.