It may seem harmless, but a severe toothache deserves quality dental care. The pain could point to an oral infection – something only a dentist can treat. That said, don’t just be passive as you wait for your dental visit. Try some home remedies for toothaches before the appointment; they should ease your discomfort. As for suggestions, your Eugene dentist will gladly offer a few. Here are four things that reduce toothaches from the comfort of your home.
A Cold Compress
Ice numbs all sorts of pains, toothaches included. Applying it makes nearby blood vessels constrict, reducing your discomfort. As such, press a cold compress near the aching tooth.
Should you lack a typical compress, don’t worry. A towel-wrapped bag of ice is a good alternative. If you hold it near the affected area for 20 minutes, your pain should fade. You can then repeat this process every few hours.
Saltwater Rinses
As it turns out, salt water is a disinfectant. This liquid can (and will) reduce irritation from microbes. Plus, it can loosen food bits stuck between teeth. Given these facts, a saltwater rinse is a helpful remedy for toothaches.
To make the salted water, you don’t need much. Simply mix one teaspoon of salt into a glass of water. You can then gargle and rinse as needed. Over time, doing so will reverse your tooth’s inflammation.
Fresh Garlic
If you didn’t know, garlic has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. Its antibacterial traits help it kill harmful bacteria and relieve pain. Therefore, this veggie can be a temporary fix for toothaches.
When using garlic on a toothache, act simply. Crush a clove to create a paste, which should be applied to the affected area. Otherwise, you can slowly chew a bit of fresh garlic.
Clove Oil
Another pantry item for toothaches is clove oil. After all, this spice is a well-known remedy for numbing nerves. Its main chemical compound – eugenol – is a natural anesthetic.
Should you try clove oil, use it carefully. It’ll likely worsen your pain if it gets on your tongue or gum tissue. Instead, just put two drops of clove oil on a cotton ball. You should then place the ball against your tooth until the pain recedes.
Even as you wait on a dentist, home remedies for toothaches can help you manage. So, remember the ones above when you next face tooth pain.
About the Practice
For Beautiful Smiles is based in Eugene, OR. Led by our own Dr. Ben Sutter, our practice provides truly varied dental care. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative work for our patients. At the same time, our office can handle oral emergencies and dental sedation. Whether you need a checkup or help for a toothache, we’re here for you! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (541)-484-1955.