Are you dealing with a toothache? Sometimes they can feel like the worst pain in the world. It is best that you schedule an appointment with your dentist is soon as you can for emergency treatment in order to get to the bottom of it. However, there may be a little bit of time between now and when you get to the practice. The good news is that there are some steps you can take at home in order to reduce the amount of pain that you’re feeling. Try one of the following remedies to get some temporary relief.
Saltwater
A good first step to take when you have a toothache is rinsing with saltwater. It is a natural disinfectant and can help to wash away food particles that are lodged between the teeth. When you rinse with saltwater, you are also helping to reduce inflammation in the mouth and heal oral wounds. In order to make a saltwater rinse, mix about a half teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
Cold Compress
When you use a cold compress, the blood vessels in the area constrict. This helps to numb some of the pain that you are feeling. Cold temperatures help to reduce both inflammation and swelling. If your toothache is a result of trauma, this is especially helpful. Wrap a bag of ice with a towel and place it on the affected area for about 20 minutes at a time.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Using a hydrogen peroxide rinse can help to kill bacteria, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. Just be sure that you don’t swallow it. To make this rinse, mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water.
Clove Oil
Cloves are used to numb nerves. They contain a compound called eugenol which is a natural anesthetic. Drip about two drops of oil onto a cotton ball and place it on the affected tooth. You could also chew on a whole clove in order to release the oil. Keep this in place for about a half hour.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea has a nice flavor and numbing properties. Take about a spoonful of dried peppermint leaves and add them to a cup of boiling water. Steep for about 20 minutes. Once this has cooled, swish it around your mouth. You can also use peppermint teabags. Just apply a used teabag onto the area after it cools down.
Thyme
Thyme has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can help with toothaches. Apply a few drops of thyme essential oil as well as a few drops of water to a cotton ball. Apply this to the affected area.
Until you are able to see a dentist about your toothache, give some of these remedies a try. You may just find one that gives you some relief.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for over 25 years so far. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina and has completed over 600 hours of continuing education courses. Currently, he is a member of the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association. If you have a toothache, he would be happy to help you get to the bottom of it. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Conway, visit his website or call (843) 488-4357.