When you start to feel a twinge in your teeth it's a sign that a toothache is on the way. Tooth pain is undeniably comfortable, and the only absolute resolution is to see a dentist. However, if you're leading a busy lifestyle or appointments are thin on the ground, you'll have to try tackling the pain at home. Here are some ways you can do so.
Rinse With Salt Water
While using salt water may seem like an old-fashioned solution, it's one that works well. When an infection is causing toothache, fluid gathering in the area presses down on the nerve fibres responsible for pain. One way to draw that fluid out is through osmosis. When you rinse the area with saltwater, you're drawing the fluid away and releasing some of the pressure on your nerves. The saline may also combat some bacteria there, which in itself can offer some temporary relief.
Try a Peppermint Tea Bag
Peppermint tea bags can have a mild numbing effect when you apply them to the area where the pain is present. If you want to maximise their benefit, try dampening them and freezing them first. While the mint will act as a topical form of pain relief, the coolness will narrow your blood vessels and reduce inflammation. Essentially, you're numbing the area using two different techniques at once.
Add Garlic Paste
Garlic has powerful antibacterial properties, so it can work towards killing some of the bacteria in your mouth. It's also effective as a mild topical analgesic, which makes it ideal for local pain numbing. Mince some garlic, apply it to the area and keep it in place by biting down on a piece of cotton.
Apply Clove Oil
Clove oil is another old-fashioned form of pain relief for toothache. Its numbing effects are powerful and practically instant. If you have some handy, consider adding a carrier oil such as olive oil onto a piece of cotton, then add the clove after. Bite down on it and you should feel the pain calm down.
Take an Anti-Inflammatory
Sometimes topical methods of tackling pain aren't enough on their own. If you want to help your body combat toothache from the inside, try an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen. As a medication that affects the inflammatory cascade that causes inflammation, it's ideal as a rapid form of relief. If you have an underlying medical condition, ask a professional for advice first.
Finally, always remember that only a dentist can resolve the infection or injury that's causing your pain. Book an appointment with one as soon as you can. For more information, contact a local dental centre, like Queen Street Dental Care.
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