Tooth pain can be especially difficult to deal with when you are attempting to sleep but can’t. It is one of the most intense feelings and a tell-tale sign that something serious is underway. If you’ve ever had tooth pain, you will know that it is no walk in the park. Deep tooth cavities, loose dental fillings, or an abscess waiting to pop, tooth pain can appear in a number of disguises.
A toothache should always be evaluated by a dentist but if you are unable to access a dental team immediately, 4Smile brings to you some at-home remedies that can help soothe your tooth pain short-term. Grab these items out of your pantry and ready to say goodbye to tooth pain.
-
Clove oil
Clove is a traditional remedy used for centuries in Eastern medicine to provide quick relief from a toothache. It is mainly used for numbing nerves, relieving pain, and reducing the swelling that stems from a toothache. The primary component of this spice is eugenol, a natural anesthetic. Ir acts as a temporary pain reliever but clove oil needs to be carefully used. Blindly pouring clove oil on the aching area can actually worsen the pain and make your gum tissue and tongue sensitive and tingly. The results from a 2015 clinical trial demonstrated that people who applied eugenol to their gums and tooth sockets after getting their teeth extracted had less pain and inflammation during the healing process.
How to use it?
Put two to three drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and place it against the tooth itself. You will notice that within minutes your tooth pain begins to diminish. You can also use some ground up clove to make a paste and leave it on your tooth for a few minutes. Alternatively, gently chewing or sucking on a single clove and allowing it to rest near the tooth in question is may help relieve pain.
Beware: This remedy may not be suitable for children, as they may swallow the clove oil.
-
Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is rich in flavor and can be used to relieve toothache effectively with immediate results. According to various researches, peppermint contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It can also get rid of tooth pain for a short period of time until proper dental intervention is conducted. Researches also claim that peppermint has been used historically to treat toothache and to soothe sensitive gums.
How to use it?
- Put 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves in one cup of boiling water and let it steep for about 20 minutes.
- After the tea cools, swish it around in your mouth, then spit it out or swallow.
Also, the astringent tannins in strong black tea can help quell pain by reducing the swelling.
-
Saltwater rinse
Warm salt water rinses are a simple, safe, and cost-effective at-home remedy to relieve tooth pain. Gargling regularly with salt water has been demonstrated to have substantial effects in fighting against gingivitis, bad breath, and canker sores. In addition, dentists have been known to recommend a warm saltwater rinse at least 2-3 times a day following a deep cleaning, or extensive dental surgery. The use of salt for oral health has a long history, dating back to some of the oldest medical manuscripts from ancient Roman and Greek civilizations. They recognized saltwater for its anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties. A notable study published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry concludes that a saltwater rinse can also help control plaque collection on teeth and prevent oral diseases.
How to use it?
To use a saltwater rinse effectively, follow these steps:
- Add ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of hot (but not scalding) water.
- Swish the rinse around your mouth for about 10 to 20 seconds, then spit it out.
- Make sure you do not swallow the saltwater as it can be dehydrating.
- Repeat the mouth rinses 3-4 times a day and after you have eaten to clean the mouth.
- You can use a salt rinse after brushing and flossing.
Beware: Prolonged use of saltwater rinse can cause tooth wear, hypersensitivity, and additional pain.
-
Hydrogen Peroxide rinse
Peroxides have been used safely in dentistry since first introduced in 1912 as a treatment for pyorrhea, when used in a controlled manner. Peroxide rinse is a mild antiseptic frequently used to disinfect and clean minor cuts or to relieve minor mouth irritation caused by canker sores, gingivitis, and dentures. Gargling with hydrogen peroxide not only soothes oral wounds but is also an effective bleaching agent and may help whiten your smile. A study published in the Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry indicated that using hydrogen peroxide may also effectively reduce gingivitis.
How to use it?
Follow these steps to safely gargle peroxide:
- Use a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide, commonly found in most drug stores.
- Combine one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water. Your final mix will have a concentration of 1% hydrogen peroxide.
- Take a small mouthful of the hydrogen peroxide and water mixture and gargle it around your mouth for 60 seconds.
- Spit out the solution after gargling.
- Use half water and half 3% hydrogen peroxide rinses up to 4 times a day for the best results.
Beware: Do not gargle the mixture for more than 90 seconds as it can weaken the teeth.
-
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is a safe and effective remedy to get rid of toothache. It is a proven antioxidant and has healing properties. Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which helps numb pain for a short period of time. It is also particularly helpful due to its antiseptic and analgesic properties and may be an effective way to soothe pain until you can visit a dentist for a professional evaluation and treatment.
How to use it?
To use this dab a small amount (two to three drops) of vanilla extract onto your finger or a cotton ball. Apply it directly to the affected area a few times per day.
Beware: It should not be used by children due to its alcohol content.
Remember that these home remedies may only provide short term relief. You should visit a dentist as soon as possible to get a professional take on your condition. 4Smile can help you connect with many expert dental professionals to help you get rid of your tooth pain.
