Toothache generally has two main causes. The first is when a cavity compromises the inside of the tooth and exposes a nerve ending that is still alive to the air. The other cause occurs when the fibers that hold the tooth in its housing become infected (in this case we speak of an abscess). It is also possible to relieve pain with home remedies, but only a dentist can actually solve the problem at the origin.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. Rinse your mouth with warm water
One of the first things to do is to make sure your mouth is clean and that there is no annoying food residue on the painful area. Water that is too cold or too hot can harm your mouth, so make sure it's lukewarm.
Use the floss gently between your teeth. Using dental floss allows you to eliminate food and bacteria that may still be present in the mouth. However, do not use too thick floss near the affected area, as it may cause more pain and bleeding
Step 2. Take over-the-counter pain medications
Sometimes the best way to overcome pain is to reduce it with medication until you can see a dentist. Most pain relievers are effective against toothache, but if the pain is really severe and the medication is not working, you should see your dentist quickly.
- Aspirin is particularly useful for jaw joint problems in adults.
- Children and teenagers should only be given paracetamol, not aspirin.
Step 3. Apply a cold pack to the outside of the mouth or cheek
Its numbing action helps relieve pain. Follow this method in conjunction with taking pain relieving medications until the painkillers begin to take effect.
Step 4. Rinse your mouth with salt water
Salt can kill bacteria and make your toothache more acceptable. It is also effective in preventing the creation of an infection. Mix 1 teaspoon (5 g) of salt in a medium-sized glass (240 ml) of warm water.
Place sips of the solution in your mouth while rinsing and then spit. Make sure you don't ingest salt water
Step 5. Rub the painful area with the oily extract of a clove of garlic and olive oil
Wet a cotton ball in a mixture of a few drops of garlic oil and a small amount of olive oil and place it on the affected area.
Step 6. Apply a warm tea bag
The natural tannins found in tea can help numb pain. This remedy is especially good if the gums are swollen or irritated. Make sure the tea bag is not too hot, otherwise it will make the tenderness worse.
Know that excessive use can stain your teeth, so apply this remedy sparingly
Step 7. Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide
As with salt water, a hydrogen peroxide rinse helps eliminate contaminants and limits the growth of bacteria. It is particularly effective for impacted teeth or oral infections and you can use it on multiple occasions throughout the day as long as you visit a dentist.
However, this method should not replace regular brushing and flossing
Step 8. Apply a type of vegetable to the aching tooth
There are several varieties of vegetables that you can cut and place on the affected area. These can help relieve pain and reduce the risk of infection, but should not replace a visit to the dentist if the pain persists.
- Place a slice of fresh cucumber over the painful area.
- Cut a piece of raw potato and hold it in place on the wound in the mouth. Make sure it's peeled.
- Hold a slice of freshly cut onion in your mouth over the affected area. It is important that it has been freshly cut, so that it releases some of its juice.
Step 9. Chew on some mint leaves
You can chew them or keep a few dry ones on the painful area for them to work. If the tooth hurts too much to chew, you should apply a pulp of dried leaves over the infected area.
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Toothache
Step 1. Brush your teeth regularly
This is really the most important thing to keep your teeth healthy and pain free. If you don't wash them every day and floss regularly, plaque and bacteria build up causing problems like tooth decay and infections.
- A saying goes "floss only for the teeth you want to keep." In fact it is really effective in keeping teeth healthy and in avoiding the factors that cause bacteria. Make sure you use it at least once a day.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, 30 minutes before or after meals. Brushing too early, before or after meals, can damage the enamel on your teeth.
Step 2. Prevent tooth decay with fluoride
You can find fluoride in many natural elements, such as water sources or some vegetables. Do a research and check if the tap water contains it. If not, ask your dentist to prescribe it in the form of tablets or supplements (these are especially effective for children under ten).
Most toothpastes contain fluoride as an active ingredient, but check the ingredients to make sure it's the right toothpaste
Step 3. Eat a healthy diet
The different types of food are of considerable importance in maintaining healthy teeth. Not only that, some foods are more difficult to remove from the teeth or the cracks between the teeth. Pay attention to what you eat if you want to have healthier and stronger teeth.
- Avoid sugars and starches as much as possible. These two substances feed on bacteria, especially sugar.
- If you plan to eat food that tends to get stuck in your teeth, make sure you have dental floss or a toothpick handy.
- Finish your meals with a salad or an apple, as both have an effect similar to a natural toothbrush.
Step 4. Go to the dentist twice a year for a check-up
It is a very important commitment, but unfortunately many people tend to overlook it. The dentist can stop tooth decay in its tracks and reduce problems before they get bigger.
Part 3 of 3: Knowing When to See the Dentist
Step 1. See your doctor if the pain becomes very severe
If pain relieving medications are not relieving the pain, you should definitely get examined promptly, as this could be a problem that requires immediate action.
- This is especially true if you are experiencing extreme pain and swelling.
- If you have a fever it is a hallmark of infection. Simple tooth decay does not cause a fever.
Step 2. See your doctor if you still have pain after an extraction
If you suffer from toothache even on the second or third day after the extraction, then you need to see a dentist within 24 hours. This is called "post-extraction alveolitis" and sometimes occurs when the tooth cavity is exposed to air.
Step 3. See a doctor if a broken tooth is accompanied by pain
This could be due to a traumatic injury; in this case you need to seek medical help as soon as possible. Circumstances such as the ingestion of a tooth or the loss of a permanent tooth are considered dental emergencies.
Warnings
- If you take cloves several times a day for months you could cause permanent nerve damage. Therefore, if the pain continues for more than a week, see a dentist.
- Do not drink never alcohol if you are taking painkillers.
