Tooth pain can happen during the night or almost any other inconvenient time. The severity of the pain can hinder sleeping, eating, working, or attending school. If you have a toothache, your top priority is to get rid of it as soon as possible instead of waiting to see your dentist. Fortunately, these eight home remedies for tooth pain can help bring relief until you see your dentist.
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Causes of Tooth Pain
There are a variety of causes for a toothache. A piece of popcorn stuck between your gum and tooth can cause pain and swelling that resembles the same symptoms as an abscessed tooth. Depending on the cause, the ultimate treatment can vary from something as simple as flossing your teeth to a more complicated oral surgical procedure.
The causes of a toothache include:
· Tooth Decay
· Gum Disease
· Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
· Defective Dental Filling
· Cracked or Chipped Tooth
· Trauma
· Sinus Infection
Eight Home Remedies for a Toothache
Here are eight home remedies for a toothache:
· Cold Compress. You can place a cold compress on your face in the area of the toothache to numb the pain.
· Salt Water Rinse. Rinsing with warm, salt water can dislodge food trapped around your tooth. Salt can also help reduce inflammation by disinfecting the area.
· Keep Your Head Up. Lying down makes the pain worse by increasing blood flow to your head. Try keeping your head elevated when sleeping to reduce your discomfort.
· Rinse With Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and soothes pain. Use one part 3% hydrogen peroxide and two parts water to rinse your mouth.
· Over the Counter Medications. Analgesics such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can bring relief when used as directed. Studies show that alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen can bring significant pain relief.
· Peppermint Tea Bags. Peppermint soothes and can numb some pain. Apply a warm, not hot, peppermint tea bag to the gum and painful tooth. You can also place the tea bag in the freezer and use it cold to bring relief.
· Garlic. Garlic has a long history of medicinal uses due to its antibacterial quality. Raw garlic is most effective since it effectively preserves the active compounds. You can safely chew a piece of garlic or place small portions of it on your tooth.
· Clove. You can apply clove oil on a cotton ball and place it on the painful area. You can also put a drop in a glass of water and rinse your mouth to reduce inflammation and pain.
Follow-Up Care for Tooth Pain
Home remedies can help relieve your pain and allow you to sleep or continue your daily activities. However, pain in your tooth or gums needs a professional evaluation to avoid complications in the future. Early dental treatment is cost-effective and preferred over waiting. A small filling can treat a cavity in its initial stages. However, a small untreated cavity can lead to a more costly root canal, crown, or tooth extraction.
Some tooth pain requires immediate attention and is a dental emergency. You should make an appointment as soon as possible under these circumstances:
· You have swelling that hinders breathing or swallowing.
· You have severe pain that prevents sleep.
· You have persistent pain after two days.
· You have an elevated body temperature.
· You have swelling under your jaw or eye.
· You have tooth pain accompanied by bleeding.
Visit Trident General Dentistry Today
These eight home remedies for tooth pain can help bring relief until you see your dentist. Regular dental checkups can also help prevent tooth pain. Make an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today to stay ahead of your oral health and resolve your toothache.