Toothache occurs when the dental pulp, which is an extremely sensitive central part of the tooth, becomes inflamed. It can happen for several reasons: a tooth decay, a blow to the tooth or an infection of the gums. Read on to learn how to treat toothache with home remedies and when to see a dentist.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Immediate Relief (Simple Remedies)
Step 1. Take a pain reliever
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen provide effective relief against mild toothache. A throbbing pain prevents you from eating, talking, and sleeping. It is also more difficult to treat a toothache when you are in a lot of pain, so use some over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain.
- Follow the dosage indicated by the doctor or the one written on the leaflet.
- Tylenol is also an effective over-the-counter pain reliever.
Step 2. Apply a cold pack
Fill a bag with ice, cover it with a tea towel or cloth and apply the compress directly to the tooth or cheek in the painful area. The cold will relieve the pain.
Do not put ice directly on the tooth: the pain would increase, often inflamed teeth are more sensitive than usual to changes in temperature
Step 3. Numb the area
Purchase an over-the-counter product to numb the tooth and gums, perhaps in gel. It is useful for relieving excruciating pain for a few hours. This type of gel is applied directly to the affected area and the effect lasts for several hours.
Step 4. Clean your mouth thoroughly
Sometimes toothaches are caused by pieces of food stuck in the tooth that accentuate the pain of tooth decay or gingivitis. If this is the case, brushing your teeth and mouth can help stop the pain and fix the problem.
- Floss around the affected tooth. Make sure the floss reaches the gums. Run it back and forth along the tooth so that it collects any debris that has accumulated there.
- Wash the area with your toothbrush. If the pain is caused by gingivitis, it is one of the best methods of pain relief. Brush your tooth for a few minutes, focusing on the painful area. Keep brushing until that spot is no longer very sensitive.
- Use a mouthwash. Complete the cleansing with rinses to eliminate residues accumulated in the oral cavity.
- Continue to maintain oral hygiene. Repeat this process twice a day, every day, until the pain is gone.
Step 5. Do some salt rinses
Toothache could go away on its own if it was caused by a blow to the tooth or a mild infection. To make healing faster, rinse with warm water and a spoonful of salt. When the salt has dissolved, use the solution to gargle involving the painful area. Repeat these several times a day until the pain is gone.
Method 2 of 3: Medical Care
Step 1. Understand when to see a doctor
If the toothache is caused by a severe infection or a serious disorder, the problem will not go away on its own. You must go to the doctor or dentist if the toothache is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Chills and fever. They can be a sign of a serious infection.
- Secretions. It's best not to risk it, infections can get worse in no time.
- Growing pain that does not go away. This could be tooth decay that gets worse after every meal.
- Pain concentrated on a wisdom tooth. They are often pulled out when they grow crooked.
- Problems with swallowing and breathing.
Step 2. Request a filling
If a cavity has exposed the nerve of the tooth, causing severe pain, the dentist may decide to have a filling to protect the nerve.
Step 3. Request a root canal
In case of an abscess, which occurs when the pulp is infected, it is necessary to create a root canal. The dentist empties the tooth to clear the infection. This is a painful procedure, so it is done under local anesthesia.
Step 4. Have the tooth extracted
In some cases, when it is not possible to save the tooth, it must be pulled. Generally, when the problem concerns a milk tooth, it is better to extract it because sooner or later it will fall out in any case.
- Often, adults require a prosthesis or veneer to hide the missing tooth.
- Generally, wisdom teeth are always extracted. Because they are very large, general anesthesia is often done and healing takes several weeks.
Method 3 of 3: Alternative Remedies
Step 1. Use a few drops of clove essential oil
It is a popular home remedy for relieving toothache pain. Rub a few drops on the affected area several times a day until the pain subsides. You can buy this essential oil at the pharmacy.
Step 2. Try a hard alcohol
This home remedy relieves pain but is not a real cure for toothache. In any case, it is a useful trick to soothe the pain caused by a stroke or a slight infection that would pass within a few days. Pour some whiskey or vodka on a cotton ball that you have to place on the aching tooth.
Step 3. Clean with hydrogen peroxide
This procedure will allow you to clean the area and may help relieve the pain. Make sure you rinse your mouth with water… and absolutely avoid swallowing the peroxide.
- Wet a cotton swab with the peroxide, making sure it soaks in the liquid.
- Then apply the peroxide to the affected area.
- Repeat.
Step 4. Try acupressure to get rid of pain quickly
With one thumb, squeeze on the back side of the other hand where the base of the thumb meets the index finger. Apply pressure for about two minutes. This technique triggers the release of endorphin, the hormone that gives the brain the signal of well-being.
Step 5. Try the Oil Pulling technique
Swirl a teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. This appears to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria present in the mouth. Basically, as you turn it around in your mouth, bacteria are "captured" by the oil and this is how bacteria and plaque are eliminated. After 15-20 minutes, spit the oil into the bin. Be careful not to swallow it and also avoid throwing it in the sink (it could solidify and consequently clog it).
