Next time you get a toothache, try these homemade remedies for temporary relief.
Toothaches can be incredibly painful experiences, and if you get one when you’re unable to see your dentist right away, you might wonder how to soothe the pain of the injury. While you can’t treat and remedy the underlying causes of a toothache, you can use some homemade remedies to relieve the pain until you are able to see a dentist. Here are four remedies you can try to help make your toothache feel better.
1. Cold Compress
If the toothache is related to some sort of swelling, holding a cold compress on the outside of your cheek could make it feel better. Make sure to keep the compress against your cheek for 20 minutes, then take it off for 20 minutes, then repeat. The cold helps to numb the area and reduce the effects of swelling and inflammation. It won’t fix the cause of the toothache, but for temporary relief it may do the trick.
2. Clove Oil
You can also use clove oil to reduce pain and swelling from a toothache temporarily. For this, take a cotton ball and dip it in clove oil, then gently rub the soaked cotton ball against the sore part of your tooth and gums. Clove oil contains a natural anesthetic called eugenol which can help temporarily relieve the pain of a toothache. However, it also tastes kind of bad, so it may be unpleasant to try out this remedy.
3. Salt Water Rinse
Another home remedy that may be able to bring relief is using a salt water rinse. Add a couple of teaspoons of salt to a cup of warm water and swish the liquid in your mouth before spitting it out. Hot and cold water could be uncomfortable when you have a toothache in much the same way that it can affect your teeth when they are sensitive. But warm water can help soothe the ache while the salt can help reduce the swelling in your gums.
4. Pain Medications
Over-the-counter medications are available that are specially formulated to treat toothaches. It is critical not to hold the medication against the sore tooth – this can burn the tissue nearby and lead to more discomfort.
All of these remedies are only temporary – they won’t treat the underlying issue. See a dentist as soon as possible to evaluate your toothache and determine a more permanent treatment plan.
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