Pain is one method the body uses to indicate that something is wrong. You might have pulled a muscle in your back lifting a heavy box or accidentally burned your hand while cooking. If you've ever had a toothache, you know tooth pain is no fun. If you're unable to receive dental attention right away, you can try some tooth pain home remedies.
Tooth Pain Causes
Unfortunately, there are numerous ways that you can wind up with a toothache. Worn-down tooth enamel or a recessed gumline can expose the tooth's dentin (the layer of hard tissue located under the enamel). This makes your teeth sensitive to cold and hot liquids or sugary drinks.
Cavities are another common pain trigger. Once the sensitive nerves in your teeth are exposed, an act as simple as biting something hard could be painful.
If you bite down on something too hard, you could have a cracked tooth. Trauma from an accident can also crack a tooth. A severe enough crack could expose the tender nerves that reside deep in your teeth.
Sometimes dental work that was performed to fix one problem can cause another problem. Fillings and crowns can become loose or cracked, resulting in tooth pain.
Your first inclination to relieve a toothache might be a cold compress or over-the-counter pain medication. But there are other methods you can try.
1. Clove Oil
Clove oil works to relieve pain and reduce the swelling that stems from the toothache. Clove oil is effective because it contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic. It acts as a temporary pain reliever. Soak up a few drops of clove oil in a cotton ball, then gently rub it over the affected teeth and gums.
Clove oil may soothe your pain, but beware that it doesn't have the most pleasant taste.
2. Salt Water Rinse
Try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water if you have a painful tooth and swollen gums. Simply add a couple of teaspoons of salt to a cup of warm water. Once you've swished the mixture around your mouth, spit it out.
Salt water rinse can also help control plaque collection on teeth and prevent oral diseases.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Like salt water, a hydrogen peroxide rinse can relieve pain and swelling in the mouth. In addition, it can help kill germs, reduce plaque and heal bleeding gums. Using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash may reduce gum problems.
Before using this rinse, make sure that you correctly prepare the solution. Mix 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water. Swish it around your mouth, but don't swallow it.
4. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has been used historically to treat toothaches. This essential oil has anti-germ properties that may reduce tooth pain, making it a popular choice for those seeking short-term toothache relief until dental help is available. Use a cotton ball to apply a few drops of oil to the affected area.
Remember that tooth pain home remedies only provide temporary pain relief. Always consult your dentist if you're suffering from tooth pain, as they will be able to conduct a thorough dental examination to discover the root of the problem and find a solution.
