SOMETIMES WHEN WE get a toothache, there are hours or more standing between us and the help of the dentist or endodontist. Here are a few easy home remedies to make that time as pain-free as possible.
Swish warm salt water. Salt water is excellent for fighting an infection. It reduces inflammation, fights bacteria, and speeds up healing. Simply add half a teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water and stir. Just make sure to spit it out instead of swallowing it!
As an alternative to salt water, rinse with a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Rinse thoroughly and spit it out. Don’t swallow hydrogen peroxide!
Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Dentists recommend acetaminophen for children. For those who prefer aspirin for pain relief, only swallow it. Do not apply it directly to the sore area. This particular folk remedy can actually do more harm than good to the inside of the mouth. Pain-relieving gels like benzocaine can help by numbing the area for a short period. Another option that works a similar way is clove oil, which can be rubbed directly on the painful area.
In the first 24-36 hours of a toothache, a cold compress can be wonderful, especially if one cheek is swollen. The swelling could also mean you have an abscess, which is a compartment of pus around an infected dental root. An abscess can cause serious infection in your jaw and other teeth. Signs include fever and red gums. Ice against can also help. Holding an ice cube against the gums numbs the area.
There are a few alternative remedies to try aside from these standard options, They aren’t proven to work and certainly won’t make the underlying problem go away, but they may help it feel better in the short term.
No home remedy is a long-term substitute for necessary endodontic treatment. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, either go to the general dentist, who may refer you to us if the problem needs root canal therapy or schedule an appointment with us directly. Don’t hesitate; endodontic problems don’t go away on their own!
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