When you have a toothache, one of the first things you should do is contact your dentist to ask for an emergency appointment. Hopefully, they will be able to fit you into their schedule within a few days (or less). They may recommend root canal therapy or another treatment to address the problem and end your pain.
In the meantime, though, what can you do to take the edge off of your discomfort? Try these easy home remedies:
Clove Oil
The primary chemical in cloves is eugenol, which acts as a natural anesthetic. To use clove oil to dull a toothache, place just a couple of drops on a cotton ball. Hold the cotton against the tooth until you feel a reduction in pain. Be mindful that you should not use a dropper to directly apply clove oil to a tooth. It could end up dripping onto your gum tissue and causing irritation.
Salt Water
Swishing with salt water can reduce inflammation and ease oral discomfort. Simply dissolve one teaspoon of table salt into a cup of boiling water. Once the mixture cools enough for you to tolerate it in your mouth, swish with it for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat several times a day or as needed.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea has bacteria-killing properties, and it may provide a degree of numbing as well. You can steep fresh peppermint leaves in hot water for about 20 minutes before swishing the water around your mouth. It is also okay to steep a peppermint tea bag for a few minutes, and then apply the warm bag to your tooth.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract can do more than make your baked goods taste delicious — it can also dull toothache pain and encourage healing. Simply place a few drops of vanilla on a cotton ball and apply it to your tooth. Also, be sure to use a genuine product, not imitation vanilla.
Cold
A cold compress can slow down blood flow to your aching tooth, thereby reducing swelling and providing a degree of pain relief. Wrap some ice in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. You can repeat this process every few hours.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen both work to reduce inflammation and can provide pain relief. Try alternating between them to enjoy the best results. You might also make a quick trip to your local pharmacy to see if they have any oral analgesic gels that you could apply directly to your tooth.
A toothache can disrupt your life! The best way to end the pain is to visit a dentist, but in the meantime, the above remedies might help.
Meet the Practice
The experts at Aveni Dental Professionals are proud to offer general and emergency oral health services in a welcoming environment. If you are struggling with a toothache, we can provide guidance on pain management and schedule you for an appointment ASAP. To learn more about us and our services, get in touch at 508-217-7454.