If you are experiencing a toothache, every minute of pain can be excruciating. Even if you've already made a dentist appointment, you may have to wait through hours, or even days, of pain. To help reduce the pain of your toothache and make the waiting bearable, use home remedies to treat your discomfort if your dentist approves.
Salt Water
Swish salt water gently in your mouth after eating and before bed to help reduce the pain of a toothache, says Philip D. Corn, director of the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry. Use a mixture of 1 tsp. of salt in 8 ounces of water. Do not swallow the saltwater-- instead, spit it out in the sink.
Dental Floss
Often, a toothache may be caused by a small piece of food that has lodged itself between the gums and the tooth. If you suspect your toothache may be caused by a piece of trapped food, carefully floss around the tooth that is aching. The gums may be very sensitive, so gently run the dental floss between the teeth and the gums to dislodge any food without irritating or piercing the gums.
Oil of Cloves
Oil of cloves is a natural pain reliever that is available at most drugstores and may help reduce severe toothache pain. Apply a drop of oil of cloves directly on the irritated tooth, or saturate a cotton ball in oil of cloves and placing it between the tooth and the cheek. The oil may help numb the pain of a toothache temporarily. Consult your doctor before using oil of cloves to numb your tooth, particularly if you have allergies or other health conditions.
References
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Deborah Tkac; 1998
- Mayo Clinic: Toothache: First Aid
- Medline Plus: Toothaches
