Tooth pain can be a sign of an infection or an abscess, so it should always be seen by a dentist as soon as possible. Tooth pain can also be caused by health issues that have nothing to do with your teeth. For example, the Dentistry Guide website notes that sinus infections often cause tooth pain. If you can't diagnose or treat the problem immediately, there are a number of alternatives to deal with the pain.
Basic Changes and Medication
At the first sign of a toothache, take pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Don't exceed the dosage suggested on the package. If the pain still doesn't go away after taking the maximum dosage allowed, you might have an infection or a more serious problem that requires antibiotics or a prescription pain reliever.
Avoid hot and cold foods and drinks while pain and sensitivity are present. Extreme sensitivity to temperatures can worsen the pain if you're not careful. Avoid brushing too hard if pain is intense, and instead swirl mouthwash in your mouth to clean bacteria without touching the sensitive area directly.
Imagery
Relaxation can help you soothe the pain away or at least ignore it so it fades into the background. You can do this in a number of ways. For example, you can imagine your tooth becoming numb until the pain disappears, or you can concentrate on a time and place where you felt relaxed or happy, trying to relive the feeling of contentment, and imagining away anything that implies pain or discomfort. Deep breathing and meditation can also help you relax and ease the pain.
Alternative Remedies
Oil of clove is a strong pain reliever, according to MotherNature.com. Rather than applying it full-strength to the tooth, Ananda Apothecary recommends mixing it with a little bit of water and then using it as a mouthwash. You can also put a drop of oil on your finger and rub it on your tooth. Another option is to look for diluted mixes that contain oil of clove as an ingredient. The homeopathic remedy belladona can also be used to treat tooth pain. Buy an already-mixed 30X dose and take every 30 minutes until the pain disappears.
Acupressure
The webbed area between your thumb and index finger corresponds to the large-intestine meridian, which connects to your gums and teeth. Applying pressure on this area will help relieve a toothache. You don't need to massage or move your fingers. Simply press at the bottom of the webbing, where your hand joins the index finger. Hold the pressure for about a minute and then release.
The area in the middle of your big toes is another pressure point to relieve toothaches. Massage the sides and bottoms of your other toes as well to provide added relief. You can use your thumb to massage the area or simply apply pressure for about a minute.
