Proper preventative care, such as brushing and flossing twice daily, can strengthen teeth and gums to help avoid potential dental emergencies. Despite this, it’s possible to have an injury or infection that causes a sudden or severe toothache at an inopportune time.
If you’ve sustained a life-threatening injury, you should head to the closest ER right away. Otherwise, if your throbbing began when your dentist’s office is closed, you might just have to get help when they reopen. Thankfully, there are things you can do to mitigate symptoms until you can be seen. Continue reading to learn three popular home remedies that might help assuage your toothache!
Cure #1: Rinse with Salt Water
Did you know that salt acts like a natural disinfectant in your mouth? It kills off and rinses away toxic bacteria that can penetrate a damaged or decayed tooth or infect your connective tissues. Not only that, but it can also pull extra fluids out of your gums to soothe swelling and alleviate pressure pain.
To do so, mix ½ teaspoon into a glass of warm water and swish it gently around your mouth, then spit it out. Continue until your cup is empty, and feel free to repeat several times a day as needed.
Cure #2: Apply an Ice Pack
Toothaches are infamous for radiating outward and can cause your jaw, cheeks, ears, neck, and head to feel tender. If you’re desperate for some fast relief, try holding a cold compress or ice pack to the side of your face that hurts for about 15 minutes. This creates a temporary numbing sensation that provides a brief (but much-needed) reprieve from the pain.
Alternately, if that doesn’t seem to do much to alleviate the ache, you can try holding ice water in your mouth for several seconds at a time. Remember not to bite into any ice cubes, though, because it could cause additional damage to an already injured tooth.
Cure #3: Dab with Clove Oil
Did you know that clove oil can act as a natural anesthetic? It contains eugenol, a compound found in various plants, and reportedly has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s believed to be so effective that in the mid-1800s, it was widely used in the dental industry as a pain reliever.
Place a few drops on a cotton ball or simply place a drop or two directly onto your tender tooth. You can also try placing a drop or two into a glass of water and using it as a mouthwash to eradicate germs and reduce throbbing.
These tips can help get you through your wait-time until you can reach out to your dentist for an appointment!
About the Practice
At Legacy Trails Dental of Plano, you and the entire family benefit from two dentists who work together to provide a full array of top-quality services. Dr. Azmoodeh and Dr. Romanoff share 20+ years of combined experience and welcome people of all ages. They combine a gentle and friendly approach with state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while providing accurate results intended to last. If you have a toothache and need help, you can request a same-day appointment on the website or call (214) 227-1000.