How do you treat tooth pain at home?
Suffering from tooth pain can be an absolute nightmare. If you have dental pain that’s killing you, it’s an indication that you’re suffering from tooth decay and/or gum disease. This could lead to tooth loss if it’s not treated. You need to get in to see a dentist as soon as possible. But if you need to wait a little bit, then you need to learn how to stop tooth pain fast at home.
Here are a few effective home remedies for tooth pain:
Saltwater Rinse
Instead of heading to Google to try to find out how to stop tooth pain fast at home, what you need to do is head to your kitchen. Stir a half teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Swish a bit of it around your mouth, spit it out, and repeat. Doing this a couple of times a day will dull your discomfort and may also clean the irritated area around the tooth.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
A good alternative to a saltwater rinse is hydrogen peroxide, which will be just as effective. If you have this in your medicine cabinet, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Then follow the same instructions as with saltwater. This can reduce inflammation and cleanse the tooth.
Cold Compress
A cold compress will relieve all sorts of pain. The best solution is to purchase a cold compress that’s been specifically designed to relieve discomfort, but a bag of frozen vegetables will work, too. Wrap the compress or veggies in a towel and press them to the side of your face in 20-minute intervals.
Warm Compress
Warm compresses are very therapeutic. You can buy one at the store or make one yourself by pouring uncooked rice into a clean sock and tying it off. Then, stick it in your microwave for 2–3 minutes and apply the compress to the painful area. The heat will interrupt the pain signals that are moving from your mouth to your brain.
Anti-Inflammatory Meds
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are quite effective, too. These include ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications will help relieve the pain, but they shouldn’t be used in lieu of professional treatment for too long. At some point, the pain might become too great, so you need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Topical Pain Relievers
Pain relievers come in a few different forms. All of these can be purchased without a prescription and will temporarily relieve tooth pain. These topical pain relievers usually contain benzocaine, which will temporarily numb the part of your mouth that’s been affected. They should work long enough for you to see a dentist.
Garlic Cloves
This natural ingredient is known the world over for its many medicinal properties. What you’ll want to do is crush a few garlic cloves into a paste and then apply it to the affected area. It will kill any bacteria and help numb your teeth. Some people like to add a little salt to the paste, so feel free to try that as well.
Peppermint Tea Bags
People are often surprised to discover that peppermint will help relieve tooth pain. Start by brewing a cup of peppermint tea. While the tea bag is still warm, apply it to the affected area of your mouth. If you don’t like the sensation of heat, then you can stick the tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes before applying it to your face. Either way, this can be very soothing.
Clove Oil
Clove oil’s key ingredient is eugenol. This is a natural antiseptic used to sterilize wounds. For tooth pain, dab a small amount of clove oil onto either a cotton swab or ball. Then, apply it to the tooth and surrounding area. Clove oil can be a bit potent, so you may want to dilute it with a small amount of water or combine it with a different oil such as olive or almond oil.
Contact Dr. Ferullo to Learn How to Stop Tooth Pain Fast at Home
Dr. Ferullo has shown many patients how to stop tooth pain quickly at home. If you have any questions about any of the tips listed above or would like to schedule an appointment, call our St. Petersburg dentist office at (727) 822-8101 today.
