Imagine that a toothache occurs in the middle of the night and you cannot visit your dentist. You will then seek to relieve this pain at all costs.
These home remedies may provide temporary relief.
1. Cold compresses
Sometimes toothache is accompanied by swelling. In this case, a cold compress placed against the cheek (in 20-minute increments, followed by 20 minutes of rest) can calm the sore area. The cold has an anesthetic action, which can relieve dental pain; it also helps reduce inflammation, says Doctissimo .
A cold compress may temporarily soothe you and put you back to sleep, but it won’t fix the root of the problem. If the pain is from a cavity or other dental issue, the situation won’t improve until you go to the dentist.
2. Clove oil
Clove oil can temporarily reduce the pain and swelling associated with a toothache. For this home remedy, soak a cotton ball in a few drops of clove oil. Gently pass the cotton over the teeth and gums that hurt you.
Be careful, it will relieve your pain for the moment, but will not solve the underlying problem. It also has an unpleasant taste, which can make it unpleasant to use.
3. Salt water mouthwashes
If you have a sore tooth and swollen gums, rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can provide relief. Dissolve a few teaspoons of salt in a quarter liter of warm water. Then perform your mouthwash before spitting out the mixture.
When you have a toothache, both hot and cold water can be unpleasant. Warm water, on the contrary, can provide relief. The water will calm the pain, and the salt will reduce the swelling of the gum tissues. As with other remedies, these effects are temporary.
4. Local analgesics for dental pain
To support a toothache, you can take a local analgesic without a prescription , following the instructions in the leaflet. Be careful not to put it in direct contact with the affected area, this could cause burns to the gums and accentuate the feeling of discomfort.
Pain medications can make the discomfort go away until your dental appointment, but like other natural remedies, they aren’t a long-term solution.
When to see your dentist
L’ Assurance Maladie recommends that you have your toothache quickly assessed by a dentist, so make an appointment without delay. Dentists often have slots available for emergencies, it is possible that you can be taken care of the same day. If your symptoms seem to indicate an abscess (fever, swollen face, persistent tooth pain) and your dentist cannot see you, go to the emergency room to be treated.
Prevent toothache
Dental pain can have many causes, the most common being cavities. Fortunately, there are many preventative measures you can take to avoid them. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush, which will be softer and respect your sensitive gums. Also use dental floss, and make regular appointments with your dentist for a check-up. Cavities can then be detected and treated before they cause severe pain.
Natural remedies can help you deal with the pain while you wait for your dentist appointment, but they don’t address the source of the problem.