If you’ve woken up with a headache, sore gums, and a tender mouth, a toothache is likely at fault. You may want to avoid a trip to the dentist for as long as possible, but sooner or later you’ll have to make your way over to determine the cause of your toothache. Going without treatment or letting your toothache worsen is never the right answer. However, while you wait for your scheduled appointment at Heroes Dental, here are some home remedies for temporary relief of that toothache. With locations in Laredo, Mission, and San Juan, we’re never too far from home. We offer services in general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and orthodontics to fulfill all your needs for a happy and healthy smile. Request an appointment today!
Saltwater Rinse
If you’re in a crunch for time and have no other home remedy supplies available, a saltwater rinse is your best bet. It’s a simple and easily prepared temporary solution for your toothache. Simply mix ½ teaspoon of table salt into eight ounces of warm water. Swish the mixture in your mouth and then spit it out. Try flossing your teeth gently to remove any food bits that may be lodged in your teeth and causing irritation. Rinse a couple more times for safe measure.
Ice and Cold Compresses
A cold compress is a tried and tested method for quick, temporary relief when it comes to soreness and inflammation in your mouth. If your face is swollen and you’re experiencing a toothache, a cold compress can help soothe the pain. Make sure there is no serious underlying issue. If you’ve chipped or loosened a tooth, inflammation is understandable. If the inflammation is accompanied by fever and red gums, a more serious infection may be at play. An ice pack, or ice wrapped in a washcloth, can serve as a handy cold compress. You may feel better rubbing ice on the inside of your cheek or simply sucking on an ice cube. Ice can help numb the achy area and stop the pain signals to your brain. For people with sensitivity to extreme temperatures, a cold compress may be the better option.
OTC Pain Relievers and Anesthetics
Any over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever can provide temporary aid for your toothache. Take your pick of ibuprofen, Tylenol, aspirin, and more, but just make sure to swallow it. The old wives’ tale about putting the pill directly on your achy tooth doesn’t work and may cause more harm than good. The instant relief of tooth anesthetics is delightful, but don’t rely on them to remove the root cause of your pain. Apply an anesthetic that contains benzocaine to numb your mouth and relieve pain around the area of the sore tooth and surrounding gums.
Clove Oil
This completely natural remedy for relieving toothaches is perhaps the most popular among herbal and oil-based remedies. Clove oil can be rubbed directly on the sore area with your finger or with a soaked cotton ball. Be careful not to let the clove oil get on your tongue, or onto another sensitive area of your mouth that may be open to infection, as it may bring more pain than relief.
Peppermint Tea Bags
Just like clove oil, peppermint can be a numbing agent to aid with your toothache. Place a used peppermint tea bag in the cooler for a few minutes for extra cooling potential. Just apply the bag directly to your tooth for at least 20 minutes to experience temporary pain relief. Tooth ache? Don’t forget home remedies #saltwater #rinse #ice #aspirin #cloveoil #peppermint #heroes #dental Click To Tweet
Causes of Toothache
So, what could be causing your toothache? The root cause of your tooth pain may become more severe and exacerbate the pain if left untreated. Here are some conditions that may be at fault:
- Tooth decay, or cavities, includes symptoms like sharp pain when eating or drinking foods at extreme temperatures. Your dentist can help you determine the best treatment for your tooth decay.
- Erosion of the enamel may be the culprit of your sensitive teeth and toothaches. A thinning enamel means less protection for your teeth and more sensitivity, particularly when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. A soft toothbrush and a sensitive-formula toothpaste can help relieve some of the discomfort.
- Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is the grinding and clenching of teeth, typically during nighttime. The constant pressure on the teeth and jaw often results in toothaches, headaches, and jaw pain. A mouth guard may be needed to treat bruxism.
- Periodontitis is a gum infection characterized by inflammation that can damage the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Early detection and prevention is crucial in avoiding serious complications of periodontitis.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ, TMD) caused by injury or trauma to the jaw results in pain in the jaw joint as well as the muscles that control jaw movement. The exact cause of TMJ or TMD may not always be known if injury can be ruled out.
- Inflammation of dental pulp tissue, or pulpitis, is an infection often caused by bacteria that may result due to deep cavities, trauma to the area, or previous oral care repair. This pain originates inside the tooth where the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue are present.
- Sinus pressure is a less common cause of tooth pain and is accompanied by nasal congestion and tenderness around your sinuses. Tooth pain resulting from sinusitis is generally present in the upper teeth only.
- Impacted molars, such as wisdom teeth that have not been removed, may cause jaw pain that radiates into nearby molars and down your neck. Your dentist can provide the best plan of action in dealing with this type of pain.
Don’t delay in treating the cause of your toothache. Request an appointment at Heroes Dentistry to put an end to your suffering. Our team of professionals, as well as our state-of-the-art facilities, are fully prepared to cater to all your dental needs.