The Best Ways to Deal With a Toothache

A TOOTHACHE is never fun, and sometimes it’s not possible to get straight to the dentist or endodontist, but here are a few tips on managing the discomfort in the meantime.

Swish With Salt Water

One of the best home remedies for a toothache is a warm saltwater rinse. Mix half a teaspoon of table salt into eight ounces of warm water. Swish it around, then spit it out. (Do not swallow! Salt water is good for combatting infection but we aren’t built to drink it.)

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin will help relieve the pain of the toothache. However, don’t apply aspirin directly to the sore tooth. This is a folk remedy that may do more harm to the inside of the mouth than good.

Another good option in the first 24-36 hours is a cold compress, especially if there’s swelling in the cheek.

None of these remedies is a substitute for endodontic treatment, so make sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.