It’s almost a law of nature that toothaches pop up when you’re out of town or the dentist’s office is closed. If you’re looking for safe and effective toothache relief until you can get in with your dentist, here are some Hoffman Estates dentist-approved home remedies to help you get by:
Take an Anti-Inflammatory Pain Reliever
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or Motrin are the best for tooth pain. Since most toothaches are caused by some type of swelling, the key is to reduce the inflammation in that area. Always take medication as prescribed. If needed, you can alternate your NSAID with other pain medications, such as Tylenol (especially if a fever is involved).
Apply a Cold Compress for 20 Minutes
Alternating a cold compress on and off the side of your face for 20 minutes at a time can help to safely “numb” various types of dental pain. Plus, it relieves inflammation and can be used alongside of over-the-counter drugs.
Rinse with Warm Saltwater
A tall glass of warm tap water with one teaspoon of table salt stirred in can relieve irritation and discomfort when used as a homemade mouthwash. Rinse with it for several seconds, spit, then repeat the process until you’ve worked your way through the entire glass. Repeat every few hours as needed.
Apply Clove Oil (Oil if Cloves)
Add a few drops of clove oil to a cotton swab and gently dab it onto the tooth or gum that is hurting. Or soak a cotton ball and hold it against your tooth. Clove oil contains eugenol, which is a natural pain reliever. It’s still used in many dental products today.
Floss Around Your Tooth
Some types of tooth pain can be caused by food wedged between the tooth and the gums. Tie a small knot in your floss and gently drag it between the teeth to see if it catches anything.
A Word of Caution
If you’re experiencing severe facial swelling, airway blockage, or aggressive bleeding, head to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, we encourage you to contact our Hoffman Estates dental office to talk through your pain and determine what to do next.
It’s extremely important that you avoid DIY toothache treatments such as placing aspirin next to your tooth. These types of techniques can result in chemical burns and additional tooth damage.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Each of these toothache remedies are safe for adults and children alike. Tooth pain caused by dental infections isn’t something that will go away with time or DIY home treatments. Ultimately, you’ll need to see our Hoffman Estates dentist for a long-term solution. The key is to act earlier, while issues are smaller and simpler to treat. It’s also easier on your budget that way!
Call our dental office today to reserve your next appointment.