How to Relieve a Toothache at Home: Temporary Relief for Toothaches

There may be nothing more frustrating than having a toothache. While it is almost always an indication that there is something wrong that only an experienced dentist can help with, at certain times you may be in a bind. Perhaps you cannot get to the dentist immediately and you want a way to treat your toothache in the meantime. Read on to learn how you can do so. Please be sure to also call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment with your dentist.

There are many over-the-counter treatment options

There are a number of over-the-counter pain medications that may help you. For example, you could take an anti-inflammatory, such as Ibuprofen, or a pain medication like Tylenol. There are also benzocaine gels, like Orajel, that can be bought over the counter. Just be sure that you use these medications as directed.

Salt water gargle

Salt water can be very effective in a number of ways. It can clean out infections, can get rid of food debris, and can temporarily relieve pain. Mix a small amount of salt in with water (most prefer to use warm water for this but cold is fine if you prefer it) and swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds. You can repeat a few times if needed.

Try a peppermint tea bag

Many believe that peppermint has numbing effects. Others swear that all you have to do to significantly reduce swelling in the tooth and pain is to take a peppermint tea bag, dampen it, and freeze it for a few minutes. Once it is plenty cool, apply it to the hurt tooth and keep it there for 20 minutes.

Clove oil can work in specific situations

Clove has a natural anesthetic that has been used for centuries. Called eugenol, it can numb anything it comes into contact with. You could take a few drops of the oil, put it on a cotton ball, and use it to numb the painful tooth. Note that this is likely to only help for a few minutes. You also must be careful not to let the clove oil come into contact with sensitive areas of your mouth as it could make the pain worse.

Use a hydrogen peroxide rinse

The process of using a hydrogen peroxide rinse is the same as the salt rinse – it helps clean out the affected area. That said, hydrogen peroxide does more than just clear out the bacteria – it actually attacks it. This is a much stronger treatment and should not be used on children. Make sure that you are not swallowing any hydrogen peroxide.

You can complete this option by mixing three percent hydrogen peroxide and water. Then swish in the mouth for 30 seconds. If the pain is bad enough that you are immediately considering this, the most drastic option, then we strongly recommend contacting a dentist as soon as possible. make a