How to Relieve Toothache

Toothaches occur when the highly sensitive area inside the tooth, known as the dental pulp, becomes inflamed. Several factors can contribute to tooth pain: cavities, a strong impact to the tooth, or gum infections. Read the following article to learn more about how to relieve a toothache at home or decide if a visit to the dentist is necessary.

Take Pain Relievers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Aspirin and Ibuprofen can quickly and effectively alleviate mild pain. A toothache can make it difficult to eat, speak, or sleep. It can also interfere with treatment, so over-the-counter pain relievers may be helpful.

• Always follow the recommended dosage on the packaging, or as directed by your doctor.
• Tylenol is also an effective pain reliever.

Cold Compress. Place ice cubes in a food storage bag, wrap it in a thin cloth or paper towel, and apply it directly to the aching tooth or the outside of the cheek near the tooth. The cold temperature will help relieve the pain.

• Do not apply the ice directly to the tooth, as this could intensify the pain, especially when the tooth is sensitive to hot or cold due to inflammation.

Apply Numbing Gel. You can purchase a gel designed for numbing the gums and teeth to ease the pain for a few hours. Directly apply the gel to the affected area to reduce the discomfort.

Thoroughly Clean Your Teeth. Sometimes tooth pain is caused by food particles stuck between the teeth, which can worsen existing issues like cavities or inflammation. If this is the case, proper oral hygiene can help alleviate the pain.

• Use dental floss to clean between your teeth. Gently slide the floss all the way down to the gum line and move it back and forth to remove food particles.
• Brush your teeth around the painful area. If the pain is due to gum inflammation, this method is one of the best ways to relieve it. Continue brushing until the pain subsides.
• Rinse with mouthwash. Finish cleaning your teeth by using mouthwash to remove any remaining food particles.
• Be consistent. Follow these steps twice daily and keep doing so even after the pain decreases.

Rinse with Saltwater. If the pain is caused by a tooth impact or a mild infection, the pain will usually subside on its own. To speed up the relief, create a mouthwash solution using warm water and a tablespoon of sea salt. Once the salt dissolves, use the solution to rinse your mouth, focusing on the affected area. Repeat this process several times throughout the day until the pain lessens.

Know When to See a Doctor. If the toothache is caused by a severe infection or deep cavity, the pain will not go away on its own. You should visit a doctor or dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Fever and chills. This could indicate a serious infection.
• Pus. Again, do not risk allowing the condition to worsen.
• Worsening pain that doesn’t subside. Tooth decay can become more severe after meals.
• Wisdom tooth pain. Many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed if they are misaligned and cause discomfort in the mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Dental Fillings. If a cavity has exposed the nerves inside the tooth and is causing pain, the dentist may recommend filling the cavity to prevent further irritation to the nerves.

Root Canal Treatment. If you have an abscessed tooth caused by an infected dental pulp, a root canal procedure may be necessary. The dentist will clean the inside of the tooth to remove the infection. Since this procedure can be painful, a local anesthetic will be applied before starting the treatment.

Tooth Extraction. In cases where the above methods are ineffective, the best option may be tooth extraction. Primary teeth are often extracted because they will eventually fall out anyway.

• Adults who undergo tooth extraction will typically receive a dental implant or crown afterward.
• Wisdom teeth often need to be removed in most cases. Due to their size, patients are usually given general anesthesia, and recovery typically takes about a week.

Use Clove Oil. This home remedy is believed to treat or at least relieve tooth pain until it heals naturally. Apply a few drops of clove oil to the painful tooth several times a day until the pain subsides. Clove oil can be found at most pharmacies.

Use Alcohol. While this method won't cure the toothache, it can help numb the pain. It's a useful trick when the pain is caused by a mild impact or a minor infection that will heal on its own in a few days. Soak a cotton ball in whiskey or vodka and apply it to the painful tooth.

Clean Your Teeth with Hydrogen Peroxide. This method can help clean the teeth and ease the pain. Remember to rinse with water afterward, and never swallow peroxide.

• Dip a cotton swab in hydrogen peroxide solution, ensuring it's fully soaked.
• Apply the peroxide to the painful area.
• Repeat as needed.

Try Acupressure to Relieve Toothache. Use your thumb to press a point on the back of your other hand, where the thumb and index finger meet. Press for about two minutes. This technique helps release endorphins, hormones that bring relief and comfort to the brain.

Oil Pulling. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Many people believe this method helps reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. When you swish the oil, bacteria get "trapped" in it, and harmful plaque and germs are removed. After 15-20 minutes, spit the oil into the trash. Do not swallow the oil, as you would be swallowing the bacteria, and avoid spitting it into the drain to prevent clogging.