Toothaches can be really painful. Any remedy that reduces pain until you can see the dentist is a relief.
Common Causes of a Toothache
There can be more than one cause, but common causes include:
- Cavities
- Loose or lost fillings
- Abscess (infection at the gumline)
- Sinus condition
- A cracked tooth
Home Remedies to Relieve Toothache Pain
Here are some natural home remedies to lessen toothache pain until you can be seen:
Clove oil. Clove oil contains a natural anesthetic, which can numb the nerve that is causing pain. Put few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and press the cotton ball against the tooth until the pain lets up. Avoid touching the gums and tongue because the oil can make your gums or tongue sting.
Ginger-cayenne paste. Mix ginger and cayenne in equal proportions, add water and make a paste. Roll a cotton ball in the paste and place it on your tooth. Again, avoid touching the gums and tongue. Leave the cotton ball against the tooth until the pain reduces or for as long as you can tolerate it.
Salt-water mouthwash. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds. Salt water helps clean the tooth area and reduces swelling by drawing out liquid.
Over-the-counter pain relievers. Ibuprofen (such as Advil) is generally more effective for dental pain than acetaminophen, as it reduces inflammation as well as pain. Follow package directions and do not apply aspirin directly to the gum — this can cause tissue damage.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Home remedies provide temporary relief only. If you have severe pain, facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, seek care immediately — these are signs of a serious infection. Visit our emergency dental care page for more information, or call us at (512) 806-7740.
At Hutto Hippo Family Dental, Dr. Han Nguyen and our team are happy to answer any questions you have about dental care and do our best to accommodate patients with emergencies who are in pain.