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home remedies for a toothache

Home Remedies for a Toothache

Tooth pain can be unbearable, and while seeing a dentist is always recommended, there are several home remedies that can offer temporary relief. In this guide, we’ll explore the most effective natural remedies and treatments that can help reduce toothache pain, including options for inflammation and infection relief.

Content:

  1. Cold Compress
  2. Salt Water Rinse
  3. Garlic
  4. Aloe Vera
  5. Painkillers
  6. Peppermint Tea
  7. Antihistamine
  8. When to Seek Professional Dental Care

Cold Compress for Immediate Relief

cold compress

A cold compress or ice pack can aid in easing the tooth pain you are 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.

How to use it: Wrap ice in a cloth or use a cold compress and hold it against the side of your face near the painful tooth for 15-20 minutes.

Why it works: Cold temperatures help constrict blood vessels, reducing inflammation and numbing the area to ease the pain.

Salt Water Rinse for Tooth Pain

Saltwater Rinse

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.

A dental clinic in Winnipeg will likely advise you to try this or another one of our home remedies for temporary pain relief before your visit. If this does not work, there are other ways we can teach you how to get rid of tooth pain below.

Why it works: Salt helps draw out the infection and reduce swelling, making it a useful remedy for a minor tooth infection or irritation.

Garlic for Tooth Pain Relief

Garlic fot tooth relief

Garlic has been used throughout history for a variety of medicinal purposes. It contains the compound allicin, which is a powerful source of antibacterial properties. 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. This is one of many effective home remedies for tooth pain you can try.

How to use it: Crush a fresh garlic clove, mix it with a pinch of salt, and apply the mixture directly to the painful tooth.

Why it works: Garlic’s antibacterial properties can help fight infection, while the combination with salt can further reduce inflammation and pain.

Aloe Vera for Tooth Pain Relief

Aloe Vera for Tooth Pain Relief

Aloe vera has natural antibacterial properties and can assist in destroying bacteria that causes tooth decay. It is commonly used to heal burns and small cuts but can also soothe gums and reduce tooth pain.

How to use it: Extract aloe vera gel from the plant’s leaves and gently apply it to the painful area of the mouth. Massage it into the gums for added relief.

Why it works: Aloe vera’s soothing properties help relieve discomfort and promote healing in the gums and teeth.

Painkillers for Immediate Relief

pain relievers

This may seem like the typical option for pain relief, but it is one of the home remedies that proves to have instant effects. Over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen, Benadryl, and ibuprofen can relieve tooth pain temporarily and at a faster rate than the above-mentioned home remedies.

How to use it: Follow the recommended dosage on the package or by your healthcare provider.

Why it works: Painkillers help block the pain signals in your body, providing immediate relief from tooth pain.

Peppermint Tea for Tooth Pain Relief

Peppermint Tea for Tooth Pain Relief

Peppermint has numbing properties that assist in soothing tooth pain. Likewise, menthol, which gives peppermint its minty taste and flavor, has antibacterial properties. Steeping a cup of peppermint tea and allowing it to cool before drinking can help with your toothache. By swishing the tea around in your mouth, you can soothe your teeth and gums and bring down the inflammation.

How to use it: Brew a cup of peppermint tea, let it cool, and swish it around in your mouth to relieve pain.

Why it works: Peppermint’s numbing and antibacterial properties help reduce pain and inflammation.

Antihistamine for Tooth Pain Relief

Antihistamine for Tooth Pain Relief

If your tooth pain is associated with swelling or an allergic reaction, antihistamines may help. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Why it works: Antihistamines block histamine, which is responsible for causing inflammation, helping to reduce swelling and provide temporary relief from tooth pain.

When to Seek Professional Dental Care

Tooth extraction

While these home remedies can offer temporary relief, they are not a substitute for professional dental treatment. If your tooth pain is severe, lasts for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, swelling, or bleeding, it is important to seek help from a dentist as soon as possible. These could be signs of a more serious issue, such as a tooth infection or abscess.

Why Choose Greenwoods Dental?

If you are experiencing tooth pain that doesn’t improve with home remedies, it’s essential to see a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. At Greenwoods Dental, we provide a range of services to address tooth pain, from preventive care to advanced treatments like root canals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.