Some tortures are physical, and some are mental. But the one that is both, is dental.” – Ogden Nash
Tooth pain is one of the worst pains known to humans – beyond the obvious ones.
And unfortunately it can come at anytime for any reason, and can vary the level of discomfort from mild to unbearable.
To help you relieve some of the pain, try out some of these tips.
However, we always, and I mean always, recommend you immediately call your dentist as soon as you feel any form of toothache.
If your symptoms are severe, you may have a serious medical condition that only dentists can help you with. So if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book in a consultation immediately:
- fever related to your toothache
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- general pain and swelling of the tooth that lasts more than one or two days
- sharp pain when you bite
- abnormally red gums
- foul-tasting discharge, or pus
For now, let’s look at the top ten tips for a pain free smile.
Tip 1: The “Seawater” Cleanse
A great way to help with a tooth ache is to dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish this around the mouth and spit it out.
The salt acts as a disinfectant and reduces inflammation, while the swishing helps remove any hard to reach food scraps.
Tip 2. Clove Oil
Throughout the ages, clove has been used to numb pain and reduce inflammation, as it contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic.
Either rub it directly on the sore area, of apply to a cotton ball and apply to the infected area. If the taste is to much, you can add the clove oil to water and use it as a mouthwash.
Tip 3. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
If you are experiencing a fever, or a foul taste in your mouth along with pain, you most likely have an infection. The best way to provide temporary pain relief from the infection before seeing your dentist, is by using an anti-bacterial solution, like hydrogen peroxide.
Swish one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with one part water and spit, DO NOT swallow.
Tip 4. Ice trick
Here is a quick magic lesson. Rub a piece of ice between your thumb and index finger until it is numb and feel your toothache dissolve.
This quick trick tricks your brain with pressure points that link your hand with your mouth and by numbing it, you will feel a small relief of pain.
A great way to immediately do something on your way to the dental office.
Tip 5. OTC pain relief
Over the counter options are also ok to use for tooth pain, such as ibuprofen for inflammation. However, please do not listen if someone recommends crushing panadol with the tooth that aches. Only swallow the OTC pain relief medication, as doing anything else may make the situation worse.
Also, for children, most dentists only recommend giving them acetaminophen.
Tip 6. Ice pack
Another quick way to relieve some pain is to numb the area by applying an ice pack or ice cubes in a towel.
As the cold compresses the blood vessels, making pain less severe, it also is great to reduce inflammation. Apply for no more than 20 minutes at a time as you don’t want freezer burn on your face.
Tip 7. Peppermint tea bags
Another secret recipe is peppermint tea bags. After soaking them in water and letting them cool, if you apply on the inside of your mouth near the painful area, the peppermint starts acting as a numbing agent.
Not only does this help with the pain, but it tastes better than other options.
Tip 8. Chewing gum
Just chipped your tooth, or just had a filling fall out, and need a desperate solution before going to the dentist?
By using chewing gum to block the chip or hole, it prevents further acid, food or anything else from either escalating the pain or making the hole bigger.
However, this is definitely no long term solution.
Tip 9. Apple Cider Vinegar
The popular super liquid is apple cider vinegar which has been identified to help with multiple bodily issues. This is true when it comes to pain found in your teeth as well.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for tooth infection and only requires swishing a tablespoon of the liquid in your mouth, making sure you spit it out.
Tip 10. Other natural remedies
Already you have seen many natural remedies that help with toothache. This final tip is just a collection of other natural remedies you can try:
- Garlic – used for centuries to kill bacteria and relive pain. Crush and apply directly.
- Vanilla extract – the alcohol soothes pain and its antioxidants heals. Apply directly.
- Guana Leaves – anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Chew or make a tea.
- Wheatgrass – relieve inflammation and prevent infections. Juice and use as mouthwash.
- Thyme oil – powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Dilute with water and apply directly.
At the end of the day, don’t endure tooth ache for long and seek professional dental help as quickly as possible.