All of us have probably experienced a toothache at least once in our lives. And the pain that arises from it can often be unbearable. It gets in the way of our daily routines and hinders our productivity.
Toothaches can be caused by a variety of reasons such as infection, tooth decay, mouth or jaw injury, gum disease, etc. It can also be as simple as having food debris wedged deep between your teeth. No matter what the cause is, here are home remedies that may help soothe a toothache.
Pain relief medication
A quick and surefire way to relieve toothache is to take over-the-counter pain medication. Using medicine such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can quickly relieve toothache. But there’s no guarantee that taking these will eliminate the pain. It may only work within a short time frame, and the aching sensation would recur after a few hours. In those instances, you can take another dose of pain reliever. Or better yet, see your emergency dentist in Salt Lake City immediately.
Gargle with saltwater
Saltwater is a natural disinfectant, that’s why many people find it effective as the first line of defense against toothache and other oral problems. If a toothache is caused by food debris between the teeth, saltwater will do a lot in terms of loosening the food particles and freeing the in-betweens of your teeth from pressure. Saltwater can also help reduce inflammation, which makes it effective in treating oral wounds or injuries.
Simply mix half a tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Use this solution as a mouth wash and gargle. Make sure that you cover the area where the pain is strong.
Apply a cold compress
When cold water is applied to our bodies, the blood vessels in that area constrict and allow our muscles to relax. That’s why cold compresses are effective when treating muscle and joint pain. It’s also a good idea to cool down the part of your mouth where you’re experiencing the toothache. It will help lessen the pain and reduce inflammation.
Simply use a towel to wrap two or three cubes of ice and apply it to the affected area for 20 minutes. This should cause the pain to subside. You can do this again later on if the pain recurs.
Garlic
Garlic has always been traditionally known as a natural pain reliever. It has been scientifically proven to have medicinal properties that help heal several sicknesses and diseases. Not surprisingly, garlic can also be a remedy for toothache.
Garlic can help kill the harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth plaque. It also acts as a pain reliever to soothe the pain. Simply crush a garlic clove and apply the paste to the affected area. If the pain is not too severe to affect your ability to chew, you can opt to chew on a garlic clove as well.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is known for its strong antioxidant properties. This allows it to be an effective healing ingredient. Applying a small amount of vanilla extract to the affected area can help numb it down and reduce the pain.
When you experience a toothache, it’s important to address it immediately. If not, the pain can interfere with your daily activities, especially when it becomes unbearable. Try these home remedies for quick and easy relief. If the pain persists, it’s best to see your dentist.
