Toothaches are a common occurrence and can quickly become very uncomfortable. A toothache can rapidly develop into head and neck pain which may be one's primary motivation for seeking home remedies or natural soothers. While the best course of action is to book an appointment with your dentist, there are a few things you can do to make a toothache more tolerable.
A toothache can originate from several sources. Sometimes toothaches are the result of mild gum irritation. At the same time, more severe cases can be brought on by tooth decay, an abscessed tooth, a tooth fracture, a damaged filling, infected gums, eruption or removal of teeth, and grinding of one's teeth. Besides causing a constant throbbing ache, toothaches can also initiate swelling around the tooth, bad breath, drainage from the tooth, and fever or headache.
Toothaches are painful because the soft material of our inner tooth is made up of nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. When these materials are infected or exposed, they can be especially painful. Some toothaches originate from around the tooth and, in these cases, may clear up on their own. If you suspect your toothache is temporary, consider eating soft foods while the area heals itself. Here are four toothache home remedies for quick relief.
Cloves are a staple in Chinese and Indian medicine for soothing aches and pains. They are antiseptic and reduce inflammation, making them a highly effective remedy for toothaches. The easiest way to apply clove to your area of pain is by using clove oil. To apply clove oil, either use a cotton ball and press it on the area of irritation or mix clove oil in some water before rinsing your mouth.
Vanilla extract is another temporary soother for toothaches. This extract contains alcohol and antioxidants. Much like clove oil, vanilla extract will, for a short time, numb the pain in the tooth. To apply, use a cotton ball and dab it on the impacted region a couple of times per day.
Drinking peppermint tea or applying a cool, damp peppermint tea bag to the area of irritation can temporarily ease tooth pain. Similar to cloves and vanilla extract, peppermint tea contains soothing materials. Garlic, mashed into a paste, can also provide relief because it has an anti-bacterial chemical called antimicrobial allicin. Apply some garlic to the impacted area for temporary relief.
A saltwater rinse is one of the most common recommendations for toothaches and other dental complications. Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help remove food debris and soothe any swelling in the gums. It can also prevent infection. A saltwater rinse is also recommended for people without toothaches because it is so effective in cleaning the mouth. To create a saltwater rinse, mix two teaspoons of salt in warm water and swish it around in your mouth for one minute.
When other remedies fail, hydrogen peroxide is also an option. Choose a hydrogen peroxide that is a 3% solution to soothe irritation and pain. With two parts water, dilute the hydrogen peroxide, rinse your mouth, and do not swallow the solution. If you cannot access any previous materials, consider using a cold compress of ice wrapped in a towel for half-hour periods.
While some tips listed above may temporarily ease toothaches, it is essential to consult a dentist if the pain and inflammation do not clear within a few days. For further information on relieving and preventing toothaches, meet with your dentist.
Anytime you are looking for a dentist near me, think of iSmile Dental in Langley and we will be happy to support you.