Toothaches

Toothaches can be unbearable and can be one of the most painful health problems we can endure. I, for one, cannot tolerate toothache pain and depending on the issue, a toothache can be the beginning of a more serious issue.

Most often toothaches are caused by cavities, but they can occur for several reasons, anytime the nerve in the tooth has become irritated by the inflamed nerves inside the dental pulp it can cause pain.

A broken tooth that exposes the root to air or other matter is another reason your tooth may ache.  A damaged tooth may ache especially when drinking cold drinks or eating something hot.

Home Remedies for Toothaches

A toothache can be a sign of serious dental issues and you should make an appointment with your dental provider as soon as you can. However, there are several home remedies that can be used to relieve symptoms until you can make it to the dentist.

Over the Counter Toothache & Gum Pain Relief

Emergencies always seem to happen at the worst times and the dentist isn't always immediately available to fix a dental problem. Luckily there are products made just for that type of emergency. Oralgel, Anbesol and Dentek have a topical cream made with Benzocaine to relieve tooth pain, sore gums and mouth sores.

Dental Cement Filing Replacement

Dentemp is a product made to temporarily replace lost fillings and can help to smooth over that gaping hole in your tooth until you can get to a dentist. It takes a couple hours to set application before eating, but it can make you a little more comfortable until you can get to a professional.

Salt Water and Baking Soda Rinse

Salt water is known for being very cleansing and baking soda can neutralize acids in your mouth. The two of these ingredients together make a great antibacterial rinse that can help with infection and minimize pain from a toothache.

  • Add 1 cup of very warm water to a glass.
  • Stir in 1/ 2 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt.
  • Stir until dissolved.

When you’ve done the above steps the water will have cooled enough to swish the mixture around your mouth. Swish for 30 seconds, repeating until the salt water and baking soda mixture is gone; rinse your mouth with lukewarm water when you’re done.

Repeat at least three times a day to help with your toothache pain until you can get to the dentist.

Baking Soda and Salt Mixture for Brushing

You can also prepare a mix of baking soda and salt for brushing your teeth. In a small bowl mix together:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/ 4 teaspoon salt

Wet the toothbrush then dip it in the mixture and gently brush your teeth. It’s a good idea to use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Warm Water and Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Mixing warm water with 3% hydrogen peroxide is a simple home remedy for a toothache. All you need to do is mix together:

  • 1/ 2 cup warm water.
  • 1/ 4 cup hydrogen peroxide.

This can help alleviate toothache pain and can be used several times throughout the day, especially after eating and remember not to swallow this mixture. Rinse thoroughly then spit and repeat until gone.

Hold a Tea Bag on Your Tooth

Using a tea bag placed directly on your painful tooth is a more pleasing way to reduce the pain of a toothache.

  • Fill a small bowl with a little water and place the teabag in the dish. Microwave for 25 – 35 seconds, you want the teabag warm.
  • Take the teabag and squeeze out excess water and hold it on the tooth that is bothering you.

Peppermint tea, black and green teas, and clove tea are all good choices as they have some may have astringent properties, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Toothaches are something we all may encounter at some point, but with these helpful tips, we can manage the pain until we can make it to the dentist.

Image courtesy of: jonzki