How To Get Rid Of Toothache
Toothaches range from mild aches to severe pain and can be very discomforting. We've all been through this turmoil at some time or the other in our lives. Dental pain is even more excruciating since it travels all the way up and around the head. Toothaches are mainly caused when inflammation reaches the 'pulp', the central part of the tooth, which embodies the nerve tips that are highly sensitive to pain. Depending on the cause of a toothache we can turn to several naturals, home as well as medical remedies to cure the ache accordingly.Let's check out some simple useful ways how to get rid of a toothache. But before we do that, it is equally important to know the cause of a toothache.
Some Common Causes Of Toothache
- Tooth cavities/tooth decay
- Dental fracture
- Damaged crowns and caps
- Gingivitis
- Receding Gums
- Weak fillings/broken fillings
- A dental abscess
- Wisdom tooth
- Pregnancy
- Orthodontic treatment (braces)
- Periodontal symptoms
- Bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching)
- Tooth enamel erosion/ acid erosion
- Canker/cold sore
- Dental exposure to extreme temperatures
There are several ways to take care of a toothache and some of the simplest recommended home remedies do work, however, if the pain and soreness persists or increases one should definitely visit a dentist for the appropriate treatment.
How To Get Rid Of Toothache At Home
OTC Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relief pills are an instant help when it comes to a throbbing gum and head due to a toothache. Some common OTC pain relievers for adults are Asprin, Ibuprofen, Diclomol, and Ultracet. While for children dentists suggest Acetaminophen. Paracetamol can also be taken to reduce inflammation. Painkillers must be avoided after intake of alcohol as this can cause damage to the liver and stomach as well as reduce the effect of the drug.
Saltwater Rinsing
Warm salted water rinsing is one of the best things to do to get rid of a toothache though its' not going to give you permanent relief. This can be done by adding 1/2 a teaspoon of salt to a small glass of water and rinsing your mouth, swishing the water around more forcefully than usual then spitting it out. 3-4 times a day can do the trick!
Cold Compress
The good old cold compress is a great way to relieve a toothache and inflammation. You can use an ice pack (icepacks can be made with a bag of ice, frozen peas, corn or sometimes even frozen meat) or even a hand towel dipped in icy cold water. Hold it gently against the affected area on the jaw and repeat the compress 4-5 times. Again this is not a cure or permanent treatment but soothes a toothache nevertheless.
Peppermint Tea Bags
This is another quick fix to subside a toothache. Since peppermint has the same numbing properties as cloves, it eases the pain temporarily. It works best if placed in the freezer for 8-10 minutes before application.
Some Less Effective Remedies
Clove Oil
Warm salted water rinsing is one of the best things to do to get rid of a toothache though its' not going to give you permanent relief. This can be done by adding 1/2 a teaspoon of salt to a small glass of water and rinsing your mouth, swishing the water around more forcefully than usual then spitting it out. 3-4 times a day can do the trick!
Cold Compress
The good old cold compress is a great way to relieve a toothache and inflammation. You can use an ice pack (icepacks can be made with a bag of ice, frozen peas, corn or sometimes even frozen meat) or even a hand towel dipped in icy cold water. Hold it gently against the affected area on the jaw and repeat the compress 4-5 times. Again this is not a cure or permanent treatment but soothes a toothache nevertheless.
Peppermint Tea Bags
This is another quick fix to subside a toothache. Since peppermint has the same numbing properties as cloves, it eases the pain temporarily. It works best if placed in the freezer for 8-10 minutes before application.
Some Less Effective Remedies
Clove Oil
This ancient toothache remedy does numb the pain when applied directly to the affected tooth and gum area. Cloves contain eugenol, a natural anesthetic though can be irritable on the tongue as well as the mouth and give relief for a very short time.
Bourbon Dab-Ons
Bourbon like other alcohols has numbing properties. It can be used by soaking cotton balls in the bourbon and then dabbing the painful tooth. This soothes a toothache for a short while. No kind of alcohol should be used to treat a child's toothache.
Garlic
Another grandmother's remedy for how to get rid of a toothache is using freshly crushed garlic cloves directly on the throbbing tooth and gum area. Crushing fresh garlic releases allicin, an antimicrobial oily liquid. This actually helps fight the infection if any but not so much the pain.
Vanilla Extract
Using vanilla soothes a toothache due to its alcohol content. Again this remedy is only temporary and does not give long-lasting relief. Also should be avoided with children because it has alcohol in it.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinses
This remedy as crazy as it sounds is used by some for relief from toothaches though hydrogen peroxide is primarily known for its cleaning properties. By sufficiently diluting it with water it can be used to rinse the mouth but special caution must be taken not to swallow it. This could lead to intestinal damage.
When toothaches are extremely severe and continuous seek immediate medical attention. Visiting the dentist on time can save your tooth and you from the pain. When you notice the following signs home remedies won't work to cure the actual underlying cause of a toothache. In these instances its best to leave it to the doc.
Signs To Visit The Dentist To Get Rid Of Toothache
High Fever, chills - If you are running a high temperature with a toothache it in all probability means the infection is spreading. Get to the dentist as fast as possible.
A Recent Injury on the face or head - a previous heavy impact to the jaw could cause headaches, nausea, giddiness and if any injury to the teeth, a toothache. in this case, one should not wait for temporary treatments but should hurry to a doctor.