If it gives you a tooth ache when you can’t see your dentist — like in the wee hours of the morning — chances are that you will despair a little looking for relief. To temporarily relieve yourself, try one of these home remedies for tooth pain.
1. Cold compresses
If your tooth pain manifests along with swelling, hold a cold compress over your cheek (put it on for 20 minutes and then rest another 20). This may give you some relief. The cold helps desensitize the affected area, relieving tooth pain; But it also reduces swelling and inflammation, Johns Hopkins Medicine explains.
Cold compresses provide temporary relief and help you fall asleep again, but they do not attack the root of your tooth pain. If you have a cavity or other dental problem, it won’t fix until you can see your dentist.
2. Clove oil
Clove oil can be used temporarily to decrease pain and swelling that occurs along with tooth pain. To apply this home remedy for tooth ache, dip a cotton ball in clove oil and let it absorb a few drops. Then gently rub the cotton ball over the sore area of your teeth or gums.
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic,what makes this remedy work. However, clove oil only helps lessen tooth pain; but it does not cure the underlying problem. Clove oil does not taste good, so you should know that this remedy can be somewhat unpleasant to try.
3. Rinses with saline water
If your tooth hurts and your gums are swollen, rinsing your mouth with warm, salty water may give some relief. Add a couple of teaspoons of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth and then spit it out.
Both cold water and hot water can cause discomfort when you have tooth pain, but warm water is soothing. Warm water helps relieve pain, and salt helps decrease inflammation in the gingival tissue. Again, these effects are only temporary.
4. Medications for tooth pain
To tolerate tooth pain, you can take pain relievers according to the package directions. It is important that you do not put the medicine on the sore tooth as it could burn the surrounding gingival tissue and cause even more discomfort.
Painkillers can help you tolerate pain while you wait for your dentist appointment, but like any other home remedy, they are not a long-term solution. If you take pain medication and don’t seek treatment, your tooth may worsen.
When to see a dentist
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that a dentist assess tooth pain right away; so we recommend that you make an appointment as soon as possible. Dentists often make spaces available for emergency patients, so you probably get an appointment the same day. If you have any symptoms of a dental abscess – such as fever, swelling of the face, or unrelenting pain in the tooth – and your dentist is unable to see you, go to the emergency room for treatment.
Tooth pain prevention
Although dental disorders that can cause tooth pain are diverse, cavities are usually the most likely cause. Fortunately, there are many things you can do at home to protect your teeth from decay. Brush your teeth twice a day with Colgate Sensitive Pro Alivio toothpaste , which is specially designed for tooth sensitivity. And don’t forget to floss. It is also important that you visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups. If you develop cavities, it can be detected and treated before it gives you severe tooth pain.
Home remedies for tooth pain help you tolerate discomfort as you wait for an appointment with your dentist, but they do not eliminate the root of the problem.