Toothache can be a debilitating and excruciating experience, often requiring medical treatment to fully resolve. However, there are some home remedies that may offer temporary relief from toothache.
This article will discuss several of these remedies which include cold compresses, rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, applying cloves and taking over-the-counter pain medication. It is important to seek medical advice if the toothache persists beyond a few days or if it is accompanied by fever or swelling.
The effectiveness of home remedies for relieving toothache varies from person to person depending on the cause and severity of the issue. Cold compresses help reduce inflammation in the area affected by the toothache due to its cooling effect. Salt water gargles can also provide relief as salt helps draw out moisture and bacteria from the affected area.
Additionally, rinsing with hydrogen peroxide helps kill bacteria associated with gum disease which could be contributing to the pain. Applying cloves directly onto the affected area can also numb it temporarily due to their numbing properties. Finally, taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and provide short term relief for milder toothaches.
Key Takeaways
– Cold compresses, salt water gargles, hydrogen peroxide, and cloves are effective home remedies for toothache relief.
– Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can also manage toothache pain.
– It is important to seek medical advice if toothache persists beyond a few days or if accompanied by fever or swelling.
– The effectiveness of home remedies varies from person to person depending on the cause and severity of the issue.
Use a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the affected area can provide an immediate source of relief for those suffering from toothache. Cold temperatures help to numb painful sensations in the teeth, and also reduce swelling and inflammation.
To apply a cold compress, simply wrap an ice pack or frozen vegetable bag in a cloth and hold it against the cheek on the side of the pain for up to 10 minutes at a time.
Another option is to purchase numbing gels which are specifically designed for relieving toothache. Numbing gels can be dabbed onto cotton swabs before applying them directly onto the affected area in order to provide quick relief from pain.
Gargle Salt Water
Gargling with salt water may provide short-term alleviation of a toothache. Salt has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the swelling caused by an abscessed tooth or gum infection, thus providing temporary relief from the pain of a toothache. To use this remedy, one must mix half a teaspoon of salt in an eight ounce glass of warm water and gargle it for 30 seconds before spitting it out. One should repeat this process several times in order to get some relief from the pain.
In addition to using salt water, another home remedy that can be used to temporarily relieve toothache is dilute vinegar or numbing gels. Diluted apple cider vinegar helps kill bacteria while its acetic acid content acts as a disinfectant and helps reduce inflammation in the surrounding area, resulting in reduced discomfort. Moreover, topical numbing gels are available over-the-counter which contain ingredients like benzocaine that numbs the affected area when applied directly on gums and teeth. These remedies can help soothe pain until one can visit their dentist for professional treatment.
| Remedy | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Water Gargle |
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| Dilute Vinegar/ Numbing Gels |
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Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide
Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide is another method that can be used to alleviate the discomfort associated with an abscessed tooth or gum infection. The use of a 3% solution of this compound, when mixed with equal parts water, can provide temporary relief from the pain and other symptoms like swelling. This can also help reduce any bad taste sensation in the mouth due to the infection.
To achieve the best results, patients should brush their teeth using hydrogen peroxide before rinsing it out with the mixture. Doing so will help remove plaque build-up and kill any bacteria that may be causing further inflammation. Additionally, gargling for 30 seconds after brushing will help eliminate any remaining bacteria in the mouth and reduce inflammation even more.
While this remedy does not necessarily cure toothache or gum infections, it has been known to provide some temporary relief from symptoms while waiting for professional medical treatment.
Apply Cloves
The application of cloves to an abscessed tooth or gum infection can provide a comforting sensation. Clove oil has been used for centuries to treat toothaches, and is still widely used today as a natural remedy for minor toothache relief. Clove oil is known to contain properties that are both anesthetic and antiseptic. It helps reduce inflammation and numbs the area, reducing pain temporarily.
Cloves may be applied in several ways: either by using clove oil or by grinding whole cloves into a paste and applying directly to the affected area. For those who cannot tolerate the strong taste of clove oil, it is recommended that they use alternative methods such as mixing ground cloves with honey, salt, or other toothpaste alternatives such as baking soda or coconut oil before applying it to the affected area.
This mixture acts as an analgesic and can help numb the pain quickly while also disinfecting the affected area from any bacteria related to the infection.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
Taking over-the-counter pain medication is an effective way to manage toothache pain.
Common medications used for this purpose include ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin.
Each of these medications has their own unique properties that make them well suited for addressing dental discomfort.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a common over-the-counter medication used to provide temporary relief from toothache. It belongs to the class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation and pain.
The recommended dosage of ibuprofen for adults is 200–400mg every 4–6 hours, not exceeding 1,200mg in 24 hours. However, it is important to note that this dosage should be adjusted according to age and weight for children.
Ibuprofen has side effects such as stomach pain, upset stomach, heartburn, nausea or vomiting. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies.
Taking ibuprofen with food can reduce the risk of side effects and help maximize its effectiveness.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is another commonly used analgesic to provide relief from toothache. It has the ability to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as combat fever.
In general, it is considered a safe medication and its side effects are mild; however, when taken in high doses, it can lead to liver toxicity.
Therefore, when taking acetaminophen for a toothache or any other condition, individuals must adhere to the dosage guidelines provided by their doctor. It is also important to manage any potential side effects by informing your doctor of any unusual symptoms that may arise while taking this medication.
Aspirin
Following acetaminophen, a common home remedy for soothing toothache temporarily is aspirin.
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
This can be helpful in providing relief from the discomfort of a toothache due to dental hygiene issues or gum disease.
It is recommended to take one regular strength tablet (325 milligrams) every four hours as needed for relief, but no more than 4 doses should be taken in 24 hours.
If you have any other medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or kidney problems, it is important to ask your healthcare provider before taking aspirin.
Conclusion
Toothaches can be quite debilitating and affect everyday life. Fortunately, there are some home remedies that can provide temporary relief.
A cold compress has been known to reduce inflammation and offer numbing sensations that subdue the pain.
Gargling with salt water may help reduce swelling in the gums while rinsing with hydrogen peroxide can help cleanse away bacteria for a more sanitary mouth.
Cloves have also been used as a natural anesthetic, providing a reprieve from throbbing toothaches.
For those seeking stronger relief, over-the-counter pain medication might be just what is needed to take the edge off and make it bearable until professional dental care can be acquired.
It is encouraging to know that these simple steps may help alleviate intense suffering like a ray of hope piercing through clouds of despair.
