There are three in-mouth causes of toothache pain. The first is tooth decay from inadequate dental hygiene. A toothache may result from a tooth abscess, or infection or from trauma to the mouth. Or your toothache may result from pain that's moved, or radiated, from other body areas. Earache pain can also be felt in teeth, and sinusitis, or sinus inflammation from infection, can migrate to a tooth.
Interim Treatments
While you're waiting to see the dentist, home treatments may temporarily relieve your pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends over-the-counter pain medications, with physician approval. You can also try an ice pack on top of the affected site, and you may practice relaxation techniques to manage the pain. In case of severe tooth pain, you may want to ask your primary care physician if prescription pain medication is appropriate.
Salt Water Rinse
Dr. William P. Maher of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry recommends mixing two or three teaspoons of salt into lukewarm water, and swishing the water over the tooth repeatedly. You may find that the salt draws out fluids that are causing the swelling. The salt water also helps to clean the area around the affected tooth.
Home Topical Remedies
Some home topical toothache remedies call for herbal oils, extracts, or pastes to be applied to the tooth. Herbal oil treatments call for clove oil, oregano oil or vanilla extract to be gently rubbed on the tooth. Try herbal pastes as another option: pepper powder and clove oil, mustard oil and turmeric powder, or bay berry bark with vinegar. Finally, rub a garlic clove on the tooth for pain relief.
HomeToothache Drinks
Choose a toothache drink made from juices or herbs. Wheat grass juice, found in health food stores, may be effective. Another option is to boil 1 cup of water with a pinch of salt and 5 grams of peppermint. Let the mixture cool and drink it as needed. If you'd prefer to gargle, swish hydrogen peroxide in your mouth after every meal. This will help to remove bacteria and germs from your teeth. You can also swish with approximately 1 tablespoon of biotene mouthwash.
Other Toothache Tips
Don't use a toothpick on your aching tooth, as the pick will only make the pain worse. You may also want to stay away from sweets or desserts until your problem is resolved. Although a heating pad might make your mouth feel better, don't use the pad if the tooth is infected. It's possible the heat will spread the infection, make your pain worse, and cause your face to swell.
