A toothache can bring discomfort to your teeth and the areas surrounding them such as the jaw and gums. Tooth decay, infection, broken fillings, or receding gums are some popular causes of a toothache. If your tooth pain carries on for 2 days or more, it may be time to visit Dr. Vlahos Dentistry in St. Catharines for treatment. However, there might be a wait before you can visit your dentist, or they may be unavailable for a few days. In this case, we have some home remedies that can help relieve your pain.
Apply an Ice Pack
Using an ice pack can aid in easing the tooth pain you’re experiencing. This is especially the case if the toothache is caused by injury or swollen gums. You can do this by holding an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies against the area outside of the mouth where the tooth pain is radiating from. After a few minutes, you should experience some relief, as the application of cold upon the affected area constricts the blood vessels. This, in turn, slows the flow of blood to the affected area, which helps numb the pain and reduces the swelling.
Salt-water Mouthwash
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water is also an efficient way to relieve pain from a toothache. This helps loosen debris in hard to reach areas of the mouth and between teeth, which reduces swelling and boosts healing. This is even recommended as a remedy to relieve sore throats. Saltwater rinse is made by using a glass of warm water and adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt. Stirring the water allows the salt to dissolve in the water and thereafter is ready for use. You should swish the water around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. You should repeat this process a few times for maximum relief.
Garlic
Garlic has been used throughout history for a variety of medicinal purposes. It contains the compound allicin, which is a powerful antibacterial source. Crushing up a fresh clove of garlic and mixing it with salt and applying the mixture to the affected tooth can aid in relieving tooth pain.
Aloe Vera
Another one of our home remedies involves the use of aloe vera gel. It’s extracted from the succulent plant’s leaves and has been actively used to heal burns and small cuts. Nowadays, it is even being used in gel form to clean and soothe gums. Aloe vera has natural antibacterial properties and can assist in destroying bacteria that cause tooth decay. To relieve pain from a toothache, you can apply the gel to the painful area of the mouth and massage it gently into the gums.
Painkillers
This may seem like the typical option for pain relief, however, it is one of the home remedies that proves to have instant effects. Painkillers that can be bought over the counter such as acetaminophen, Benadryl, and ibuprofen, can relieve pain from a toothache temporarily and at a faster rate than the above-mentioned home remedies.
Dentist Near You
These home remedies provide people experiencing toothaches with temporary relief and should only be utilized until you are able to see your dentist. If serious dental pain is not treated in a timely manner, it can lead to serious oral issues such as gum disease or a dental abscess.
If you have any questions about the toothaches you are experiencing, please call Dr. Vlahos in St. Catharines and we will be happy to answer them for you.