Toothache Remedies

Toothache is a sign that you must see a dentist sooner rather than later. If the pain is excruciating, you can go to the emergency department at your local hospital for toothache pain relief. However, if you are not in excruciating pain, you can try home toothache remedies to relieve or minimise the pain and discomfort until you can see a dentist.

There is over-the-counter medication you can use for dental pain if you tolerate it. Your oral health is essential, so if you can’t get in to see your dentist immediately, ask your GP for more powerful tooth pain relief.  An abscess or tooth decay may cause the pain.

Home Remedies For Toothache

As mentioned, toothache is generally caused by tooth decay, a dental infection, gum disease, an abscess or a broken tooth exposing a nerve. For temporary toothache relief, home remedies may soothe some pain and discomfort. However, always seek the advice of your dentist before trying to find a cure yourself. Sometimes, a simple ice pack can ease the pain.

Now to the home remedies – most people have at least some of the following ingredients in their kitchen cupboards at home, so here are some home remedies you can try to relieve dental pain:

Paracetamol 

Take one or two paracetamol tablets when you have an aching tooth for pain relief. Let it dissolve gradually to help relieve tooth pain. However, before you use this remedy for toothache relief, especially if the patient is under 12,  check with the dosage instructions on the box. Also, don’t confuse Paracetamol with Aspirin. Aspirin is a blood thinner, so it could cause more gum bleeding.

Cloves or Clove Oil

Using clove oil or cloves is an old home remedy for tooth pain that is still in use today and may help relieve toothache. Press a pinch of ground cloves or a few drops of clove oil onto your affected tooth and hold it in place. You can also soak a clean cotton ball in clove oil, apply it to the painful area and leave it to numb pain or until it subsides.

A Teabag

A wet tea bag on your tooth pain may ease discomfort and swelling due to the tannin in the tea. If your tooth is not sensitive to the extremes of hot and cold, dip the teabag in ice water first.

Saltwater Rinse

To mix a saltwater rinse, dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, then rinse your mouth with it every two hours to help ease toothache pain.

Peppermint Tea

You can also try numbing the pain in your tooth using a warm peppermint tea bag or by adding a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to a cup of boiled water and letting it sit for 20 minutes. Strain the tea and allow it to cool before applying by dipping a cotton ball and placing it on your sore tooth. Also, let the tea bag cool.

Chewing Gum

If you’ve recently lost a filling,  chewing gum can act as a quick stopgap to help ease any pain. Place a small, chewed piece of gum over the sore tooth to stop cold air from getting in and irritating the nerve – then call Kensington Dental Care as soon as possible.

Always Seek Dental Advice 

While home remedies may be generally harmless and provide some temporary relief, you should never use them in place of professional dental care. If you can’t get emergency dental treatment immediately, call your dentist and ask which home remedy or over-the-counter pain reliever they can recommend to provide temporary pain relief. Never postpone seeing a dentist about your painful tooth.

Reach Out to Kensington Dental Care Today 

With good oral hygiene, most toothaches are preventable. So brush and floss your teeth daily, and visit your Kensington Dental Care professional every six months for a check-up and to take care of your oral health. Contact us here.