Toothache can be incredibly painful and disruptive to our daily lives. There are many possible causes of toothache, from tooth decay to gum disease, a cracked tooth, or even a sinus infection.
While it’s always best to see a dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause of toothache and receive proper toothache medication and treatment, a few home remedies can serve as effective toothache pain relief in the meantime.
Home Remedies for Toothache
Home remedies for toothache are natural tooth pain relief treatments that you can use without needing a prescription or professional supervision. They are typically used to treat minor ailments.
Salt Water for Tooth Infections and Toothache
One of the simplest and most effective toothache remedies is to rinse your mouth out with warm salt water. Salt water can help to reduce inflammation and cleanse the area around the affected tooth. To make the saltwater solution, mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with the solution for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat this process several times a day.
Note: This technique is strictly for adults only – children should not use this method.
Toothache Relief Medication
Over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen and paracetamol are effective forms of medicine for toothache, as they reduce inflammation and numb the affected area.
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body. This can help to reduce the swelling and pain associated with toothaches.
Paracetamol, on the other hand, is a mild painkiller that works by blocking the production of specific pain signals in the brain. It can help to alleviate the pain caused by toothache, but it does not have anti-inflammatory properties like ibuprofen.
Note: Children under 16 should not take aspirin. Your local pharmacist can help to advise you on the best course of action.
Pain-Relieving Gel for Almost Instant Tooth Pain Relief
If you are experiencing toothache due to sensitive teeth or inflamed gums, pain-relieving gel such as Orajel Dental Gel can work wonders at providing relief. This medicine for toothache numbs the area by temporarily blocking the pain signals from the affected tooth to our brains.
It’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging when using Orajel or similar dental gels. Typically, a small amount of gel goes a long way. Apply it directly to the affected tooth and surrounding gum tissue using a cotton swab or finger. Try to apply it as close to the affected tooth as possible, and avoid swallowing it!
This can provide almost instant tooth pain relief, taking just a few minutes to work and keeping the area numb for several hours.
Tips for Toothache
If you’re suffering from toothache and are looking for a toothache home remedy, here are some tips for you:
- Eat soft foods like yoghurt, scrambled eggs, and avocado, and try to avoid chewing with the affected tooth.
- DON’T eat sweet, very cold, or very hot foods, as these can worsen tooth pain.
- DON’T smoke, as this can worsen dental problems.
Emergency Relief for Toothache
It’s important to note that while any of these home remedies for toothache may provide temporary relief from tooth pain, they are not a substitute for proper dental care.
It’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible regarding any tooth pain, even if the toothache stops with home remedies. If the pain is severe, your jaw is swollen, or your gums are bleeding, book an emergency dental appointment with us at Oriel Villas.
Check out our page on Dental Emergencies to find out what to do next.