Home Remedies for Toothache

 

By: Temidayo Lawrence

Toothache ranges from mild to severe pain in or around the teeth and jaw. It may indicate a problem with your teeth or gums.
When a tooth hurts, it is important to find out the cause of the pain. From there, you can decide how best to relieve pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
 
Regular salt water rinsing and the application of cold compresses can usually clear up mild inflammation, but more serious toothaches may require dental care. See your dentist if symptoms persist for more than a day or two. They can relieve your symptoms and give you pointers on how to prevent future pain.
 
Also, if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition that may be affected by herbal ingredients, consult your dentist before using any of the following:

1.      Ice pack
Applying ice to the painful tooth can help relieve pain. You can try different versions of this technique. Wrap ice in a towel and apply it to the affected area. Leave the compress in place for 15 minutes at a time. You can also hold ice water in your mouth for a few seconds. However, please do not bite into the ice as it may break your teeth.
 
2. Raise your head
A sore tooth can make it harder to fall asleep, but lying down can make the pain worse because it raises blood pressure in the head. When you sleep, support your head with a pillow or sleep upright in a chair if possible.
 
 3. Over-the-counter drugs
Medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can target inflammation and reduce pain as a result. Alternating acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) may provide better pain relief. Certain gels can also be applied directly to teeth and gums for pain relief.
 
4. Salt water rinse
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water that the mouth can tolerate serves two purposes. The rinsing action helps loosen material stuck between the teeth. And since salt is a natural antiseptic, it can help combat any infection by reducing inflammation. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with warm water and gargle like a mouthwash.
 
5. Flushing with hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide also helps attack inflammation and bacteria. If you use a hydrogen peroxide rinse, mix 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts water. Do not swallow the solution. Please use it as a mouthwash.
 
6. Teabag
You can apply cold or warm tea bags to your teeth. If using used tea bags, make sure they are still warm, not hot after cooling. If you prefer the cold option, place the used tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes before applying it to your teeth.
Peppermint tea is particularly good for toothache due to its bacteria-fighting properties.

 7. Garlic
In addition to fighting bacteria, garlic is also a pain reliever. You can crush the garlic to make a paste and apply it to your teeth. You can also chew fresh garlic cloves or dip a cotton ball in garlic oil and place it on your teeth.

 
To conclude, these remedies can provide temporary relief, but should not be considered a substitute for professional dental care. It is important to see your dentist for more evaluation and treatment.