Your head is pounding, your gums are throbbing, and your mouth is sore and tender. You have a toothache. It's important to see your dentist in Irvine-Montclair, California as soon as possible to find the root of the problem. While waiting for your appointment — particularly if you experience a toothache in the middle of the night — these home remedies may provide short-term relief.
How to Treat a Toothache and Relieve Pain Quickly
Despite the advantages of these remedies, keep in mind that they are not replacements for your dentist and daily oral hygiene routine. Moreover, speak with a medical professional before using any of the following remedies, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a health issue that herbal ingredients may impact or aggravate.
1. Salt water rinse
A salt water rinse has long been an effective first-line treatment for tooth pain. Salt water is a natural disinfectant. It helps loosen food particles, debris, and any minuscule residue that may be stuck in the crevices of your teeth. According to a 2016 study, treating a toothache with salt water can also reduce inflammation and heal oral wounds.
To try this method, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Use it as a mouthwash.
2. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
A hydrogen peroxide rinse may help soothe tooth pain and gum inflammation. Aside from killing oral bacteria, hydrogen peroxide may reduce plaque and stop bleeding gums.
This compound is safe for most patients if they use it correctly. However, hydrogen peroxide can be harmful if the concentration is too potent or if a patient uses it too often. Therefore, ensure to dilute the compound properly. Combine 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water. Use it as a mouthwash. Do not swallow the solution.
3. Cold compress
Using a cold compress is one of the most effective ways to relieve a toothache temporarily, especially if trauma is the cause of your pain. This self-care approach to treating a toothache causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict. Reduced pain is the result. The cold feeling against your cheek can also help reduce any swelling or inflammation.
To use this approach, hold an ice pack or cloth-wrapped bag of ice to the affected area for about 10 minutes at a time. You can repeat this step every couple of hours.
4. Garlic
People have been using garlic for its medicinal properties for countless centuries. Garlic can kill harmful bacteria that cause dental plaque buildup, and it can also act as a pain reliever.
To use this method, crush and mash a garlic clove until it turns into a paste. Apply it directly to the affected area. You can also add a small amount of salt.
5. Vanilla extract
Pure vanilla extract contains at least 35 percent alcohol, which can help numb pain. Its antioxidant properties also make it an effective healing agent.
To use this method, place a small amount of vanilla extract onto a cotton ball. Then, apply it to the affected area a few times a day.
6. Clove
People have been using cloves to alleviate toothaches throughout history. According to a study published in the Libyan Journal of Medicine, clove oil numbed pain and reduced inflammation in the mouth and throat. Eugenol — the main bioactive compound of clove — is also a natural antiseptic.
If you want to use this approach, place a small amount of clove oil diluted with 1-2 drops of olive oil or water onto a cotton ball. Apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, you can add a drop of clove oil to a cup of water. Use it as a mouthwash.
7. Guava leaves
The anti-inflammatory properties of guava leaves assist in healing wounds. Their antimicrobial activity also benefits oral health.
For quick, short-term relief for a toothache, chew on fresh guava leaves. You can also add some crushed guava leaves to boiling water. Use the latter as a mouthwash.
8. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass has several healing properties, such as relieving inflammation inside the mouth and preventing infections. Its high chlorophyll content can also defend against harmful bacteria.
While waiting for your dental appointment, you can use wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash to soothe your toothache.
9. Thyme
Thyme has powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can aid in treating toothaches.
To use this method, add a few drops of thyme essential oil diluted with a couple of drops of water onto a cotton ball. Apply it to the affected area. You can also add a drop of thyme essential oil to a small cup of water to use as a mouthwash.
10. Pain medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen may help numb a toothache until you see your dentist. However, consult a pharmacist before taking any pain relievers, and make sure to follow the dosage recommendations.
A Word of Advice
Even though you can try these remedies at home, be mindful of your source of ingredients. All of the items listed above are available at your local health food market or online. Your teeth, gums, and overall mouth area are extra sensitive while enduring tooth pain, so it's especially important to buy these ingredients from a reputable supplier. If you use poor-quality or expired products, you can increase your risk of irritation.
Don't Forget to Book Your Dental Appointment
If your toothache is severe or is the result of trauma or a serious medical condition, you need to see your California dentist to address the problem properly. Most toothaches will require dental services, including but not limited to non-metal fillings and root canal therapy.
In addition, you should visit your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms:
Fever
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Pain when biting down or chewing
Red, swollen gums
Presence of pus or foul-tasting discharge
Pain that persists for days
The bottom line is that a homemade rinse or cold compress application usually alleviates minor irritations, but most toothaches will require your dentist's attention.
If you're looking for some of the best dentists in Irvine-Montclair, CA, call Cunning Dental Group today at (855) 328-6646 or write to us online so we can provide guidance on how to relieve toothaches and prevent future pain.
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