Toothache is a common dental problem that can occur to anyone without any warning. It is the worst pain that you will ever experience. Mild to sharp shooting pain can be the first sign of a toothache. If not treated in its early stage, it can even lead to the need of extracting the tooth. However, some minor toothaches can be treated by trying out some home remedies.
In this article, we will discuss a few home remedies that can make pain subside for sometime while you wait to see the dentist.
1) Dab clove oil directly on the tooth
Clove oil is an old remedy for toothache. Thanks to the chemical eugenol that the oil contains. This chemical has anti-bacterial and anesthetic properties. For using it for tooth pain, rub few drops of clove oil on the affected tooth number of times till the toothache goes away. Use a cotton ball for applying clove oil. This oil is available at drug stores or any other health food stores.
2) Pop in a cough drop
Cough drops/lozenges usually contains small amount anesthetic effect (menthol or benzocaine) that can help relieve minor pain. Pop on one or two lozenges, dissolve them slowly in your mouth. Do not chew them right away. You can apply a balm externally (on the cheek) to get relief from pair. Common balms are available at drug stores.
3) Gargling with warm salt water
This is an easy and simple way of reducing pain caused by toothache: rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Mix a tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth thoroughly it. This will kill bacteria that is causing the infection.
4) Use a toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth
When brushing, use a toothpaste that is especially made for sensitive teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, the pain might occur because of taking hot or cold food/drinks. Teeth become sensitive when the dentin (second layer of teeth) gets exposed.
When taking hot or cold food/drinks, the pain occurs and it can range from mild to throbbing constant pain. By using a toothpaste that is especially for sensitive teeth, you can to some extent reduce the pain.
5) Tea bags
Tea contains tannic acid. Tannic acid helps reduce swelling and provides temporary relief. A warm and wet tea bag can also be the a home remedy for toothache. See to it that you do not tear it while keeping the tea bag on the tooth that is hurting.