When you have an aching tooth, you may find it hard to concentrate through the pain. If you want to treat the discomfort at home while you wait for your dentist appointment, try one or more of the following home remedies.
Rinse Your Mouth With Saltwater
If you think your toothache is caused by a cavity or cracked tooth, the pain may be caused by a particle of food that is caught in the hole. Rinsing with saltwater could help dislodge the food. Salt is also a natural anti-bacterial agent and could help prevent infection by killing the germs left behind.
In a small glass, mix together a half of a cup of warm water and two tablespoons of salt. Rinse your mouth with the salt water for a minute, concentrating on the painful area. If necessary, repeat one more time to ensure the tooth is cleaned out.
Suck On A Menthol Cough Drop
The menthol in some cough drops has anesthetic properties that are derived from the peppermint plant. As you suck on the cough drop, it slowly releases the ingredient around your tooth, where it numbs the nerves. This provides you with relief from the pain.
When you place the cough drop in your mouth, gently wedge it between your cheek and teeth on the affected side. Do not chew on it, as this could irritate the sensitive tooth. This can be repeated every two hours if you need it.
Use A Wet Tea Bag On The Tooth
The tannic acids in black tea are reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to your sore tooth, a wet tea bag can relieve the discomfort. The tannins also constrict the blood vessels slightly, reducing any swelling caused by the rush of blood to the aching area.
Boil one black tea bag in water for five minutes. Remove the tea bag and let it cool in a small dish for about a half an hour. Place the tea bag over the sore tooth. Bite down slightly but only enough to keep it from falling off of the tooth. Leave the tea bag in your mouth for ten minutes then remove it. If you wish, rinse your mouth with salt water as discussed in the first section. However, wait ten minutes to give the tea time to soak thoroughly into the tooth and surrounding gums.
Rub On Some Clove Oil
Clove oil is a traditional remedy for a toothache. It is said to desensitize the nerve endings to give you almost instant relief from the pain.
Clove oil could irritate gum tissue if it is used full strength. To test your sensitivity to the oil, place a small drop on the back of your hand and wait a half an hour. If you do not see any redness or irritation, you may use it without diluting it. Simply place two drops in the palm of your hand and use a cotton swab to apply it directly to the tooth.
If you find you are sensitive to the clove oil, dilute it with water drop for drop. For example, when you use two drops of clove oil, mix it with two drops of water in the palm of your hand. Then, use a cotton swab to apply it to your tooth.
The above home remedies are only meant to give you some relief from the pain while you wait for professional treatment. You may want to contact your dentist as soon as possible to find out the cause of your toothache so it can be treated based on the diagnosis. Click here for more information.
