Tooth pain can be intense, but many safe home remedies will make this common ailment easier to bear until you can get to a dentist. Experiment with these easily available products and simple lifestyle adjustments to see what works for you.
Easily Available Products for Tooth Pain
1. Take Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen or naproxen sodium are usually the top choices for dental pain because of their powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Most people can take these safely for up to 10 days unless a doctor or dentist gives other instructions.
2. Use any pain reliever as directed. Disregard any advice you may hear about crushing aspirin or other pain relievers and rubbing them on your gums. This can cause damage. Oral pain relievers need to be taken orally.
3. Gargle with salt water. Even if this feels uncomfortable at first, salt water will soothe irritated gums and promote healing. Mix a little salt in warm water and swish gently. You may find the taste unpleasant but resist the urge to rinse afterwards.
4. Drink water. Dryness is one common trigger for dental nerve pain. Drink plenty of water so you stay well hydrated.
5. Apply chewing gum. If you have an exposed dental nerve, pick up a package of any sugar free gum. Wrapping a little of it around the damaged tooth will help shield it from air and other irritants.
6. Rub on natural oils. Clove oil is an ancient remedy for tooth pain. Prolonged use may cause adverse side effects, but many dentists approve of it as a temporary measure. Peppermint oil works in a similar way.
7. Check out your drugstore dental aisle. Some people report positive results using mouthwash, toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth, and temporary filling kits. The same is true for gels that contain Benzocaine or other topical anesthetics.
Simple Lifestyle Adjustments for Toothaches
1. Apply heat or cold. Heat packs or bags of frozen vegetables wrapped in a washcloth can be held over the sore area. You’ll need to find the temperature that works for you. Just avoid extreme heat or cold that could damage your skin or aggravate an exposed nerve.
2. Sleep with your head elevated. Keeping your head up helps prevent additional blood from pooling in your gums and increasing sensitivity. Sleep in a lounge chair or use plenty of pillows.
3. Meditate. Meditation will train your mind to endure pain with more patience. If you’re a rookie to the practice, try just focusing your mind on another body part.
4. Relax your body. Your body naturally tenses up if you’re going through a difficult time. Hot baths, yoga, or massage may be soothing and distracting.
5. Avoid tobacco. All tobacco products irritate the tissues in your mouth. Plus, the sucking action used with a cigarette or even a drinking straw increases blood flow and puts more pressure on the sore area.
6. Limit snacking. Keeping your mouth clean of food particles will go a long way towards helping you stay comfortable. Try to eat fewer times each day. Immediately afterwards, brush and floss thoroughly.
7. Cut down on sugar. Sugar is especially harmful to your teeth. Cut out the sweets temporarily. Satisfy any cravings with sugar-free gum or tea sweetened with sugar substitutes.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help prevent tooth pain. Fortunately, if you’re already in pain, there are a variety of safe home remedies that often provide relief until your dentist can treat the underlying cause.