Every once in a while you will probably end up experiencing a toothache. Toothaches are no fun, and can be aggravating to experience but too minor to warrant a visit to the dentist. If you do have a serious toothache or enough pain that is persistent, you should visit a doctor. Severe toothaches can be a sign you need dental treatment. For the minor toothaches previously mentioned, there are several things you can do at home to relieve your pain.
Clove oil. Oil of clove is an ancient remedy that the FDA no longer recommends due to questions about its effectiveness, but it can’t harm you to try. Some people say they feel better after applying a mixture of clove oil and olive oil due to the eugenol in the clove oil which acts as an aesthetic and antibacterial medicine. To make this mixture yourself, mix two or three drops of clove oil and ¼ teaspoon of olive oil and dab a cotton ball in the mixture. But the cotton ball where the pain is, and bite down to keep it in place. But make sure not to sleep with the cotton ball in your mouth, which can actually hurt your teeth.
Cough drops. Cough drops aren’t exactly a DIY, but they can be useful in relieving minor tooth pain. Most cough drops contain some anesthetic and can relieve light pain. Suck on the cough drop to make the most of it (don’t chew), and wait for the ingredients to kick in.
Clean your teeth. Some minor toothaches are caused by trapped food particles that result in irritation. Try flossing, rinsing out your mouth with water or mouthwash, and even an interdental brush (the ones that are thin and prickly). These methods may remove the food from between your teeth and prevent you from going to the dentist just so they can remove that last bit of popcorn.
Hot tea. Some people claim that applying a hot tea bag to the tooth in question helps relieve pain. Tea contains tannic acid, which can help with swelling and ease any irritation. Be careful, however, that the tea bag isn’t too warm. Too much heat can actually make your gums more sensitive and bleed.
Ibuprofen. If you have swelling in your mouth, it may be a sign of a tissue or gum problem. Still, for an at-home temporary fix you can take an anti-inflammatory medicine like Advil or Motrin to give relief. Swelling and pain, however, are usually signs that your mouth will get worse and needs to be checked by a dentist. If the pain persists after the pill wears off, call your dentist immediately.
These are some at-home remedies to help with dental problems, but if any of these conditions feel serious or hurt to the point that you believe a short-term solution is not enough, you may need to visit a dentist. These remedies are also only designed to be used once or twice, so if you find yourself having these problems often it is probably a sign of a mouth disease or problem. If you want to diagnose a toothache or worry you have a dental issue call our offices today so we can schedule an appointment for you.