Toothaches are can be a very painful condition. Because they are common, it’s easy to think that you have to just put up with the pain, but there are many ways to find relief.
At the very least, you’ll want to apply cold or warm compress to your face or even put some ice on your cheek to reduce the swelling which gives you some relief. But if the pain is really bad you might consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
If the pain continues, make sure you seek out professional dental help as it may be a sign of a more severe underlying condition.
At the first onset of tooth pain, try out one of these 7 at home remedies to find relief.
1. Ice Pack
Ice is one of the most common remedies for toothaches. Ice helps to reduce the swelling in the face around the tooth, relieving some of the pressure caused by tooth decay. Ice also helps to bring down your temperature, which helps reduce the swelling in the face. Ice also tightens up the blood vessels around the teeth, which temporarily helps to relieve some of the pain by constricting the blood flow to the affected area.
2. Saltwater Rinse
Some people have reported that a saltwater rinse is a great way to soothe a toothache. Saltwater helps to clean out the mouth and it also helps to draw a lot of the impurities out of the mouth. If you’re not a fan of the taste of saltwater, it’s a good idea to have a bottle of water nearby to rinse your mouth with.
3. Clove Oil
Clove oil is a great way to reduce the pain from a toothache as it contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds as well as natural anesthetics. Apply a few drops of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it on the area where you have a toothache. Be careful not to apply too much as this may make the area around your mouth numb.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. For a toothache, you would do well to dilute tea tree oil with a little bit of water. Apply the mixture directly to the toothache to find relief.
5. Peppermint Oil
Although peppermint oil is well known for its use in toothpaste, it also contains an ingredient that is well known for its ability to help reduce the pain from a toothache. Dab a couple of drops of peppermint oil directly to the toothache to relieve some of the pain.
6. Cayenne Pepper
For a toothache, you can also apply a bit of crushed cayenne pepper to a cotton ball and apply it to the area. The cayenne pepper is said to stimulate certain nerve endings, which helps to relieve pain. Be careful not to put too much cayenne on the cotton ball, as this may cause your mouth to burn.
7. Antibiotics
Although you should always seek out professional dental help for anything more than a toothache, there are cases where antibiotics may be necessary. For example, if you have an infection in your mouth that’s causing pain, antibiotics can help.
Warning Signs Of A Serious Oral Health Condition
Although there are times where home remedies may be enough to resolve the problem, there are some cases where seeking help right away is important. For example, if you feel tingling in your teeth or feel loose teeth, it’s best to seek out professional dental help right away.
1. Toothache
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s best to try out one of the above remedies right away, before the pain gets worse. Once the pain gets worse, you’ll probably want to seek out professional dental help, but if you can catch it early, you can try out one of the remedies above and hopefully get some relief.
2. Tooth Abscess
When you have a toothache that doesn’t go away or gets worse, you may have an infection in your tooth. When this condition is left untreated, it can lead to an abscess. An abscess is a painful infection in the center of the tooth. It’s important to get this condition treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the rest of the body and become life-threatening.
3. Sinus Infection
If you have a severe toothache that also comes along with a runny nose and a headache, it could be a sign of a sinus infection. When the sinus cavities fill up with bacteria, it can cause a severe infection. To relieve some of the pressure from the sinus infection, you can use a cold compress, or even apply a damp cloth to the area to help alleviate some of the pressure.
4. Ear Infection
Sometimes a toothache can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as an ear infection. If the pain from your toothache radiates up to your ear, it may be a sign of an ear infection. If you feel pain in your ear, make sure you seek out professional dental help right away.
When To See A Dentist
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may want to visit a dentist right away. For example, if you have a toothache that doesn’t go away after a few days you should visit a dentist right away. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you’ll develop a more serious underlying condition. If you have a toothache and you’re experiencing other symptoms such as a runny nose and a headache, you should also seek out professional dental help.
Conclusion
Toothaches can be a very painful condition, but they don’t have to be. With the right treatment and a little time and patience, you can find relief and lessen the chances of developing a more serious underlying condition. It’s always best to seek out professional dental help for anything more than a toothache, but if you can catch it early, you can find relief at home.