What is good for toothache?

Toothaches can be a real pain in the…well, you know where. They can make you want to cry, scream or even chop off your own head just to escape the agony. Luckily, there are some natural remedies and over-the-counter products that can provide relief from that painful ache.

Causes of Toothache

Before we jump into how to treat toothaches let’s look at what causes them:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum infections
  • Trauma
  • Wisdom teeth coming in (since when did they become so smart?)
  • Cavities
  • Eruption cysts (no need to call Indiana Jones)

Now that we’ve got an idea of what could be causing our pain let’s get started on tackling it.

Salt water gargle

It may sound like an old wives’ tale but rinsing with salt water actually works! Salt acts as an osmotic agent, which means it pulls out excess fluid and decreases inflammation in the area. It also helps kill oral bacteria that might be contributing to your pain.

Instructions: Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and swish around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out (and try not to swallow). Repeat this process every few hours until the pain subsides.

Cold compress

For those moments where you feel like screaming ‘ICEEEE!’ Frozen style, apply a cold compress to numb the area temporarily. This will help reduce inflammation & swelling by constricting blood vessels thus reducing circulation.

Instructions: Wrap a baggie filled with ice cubes or frozen veggies in a towel and place on cheek near affected side for about 20 minutes at most intervals.

Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers

If home remedies don’t do it then medication retail therapy will have your back(side) too!

There are several types of over-the-counter medications that can provide relief from toothaches (so we can sleep and dream of unicorns again) including:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin

Note: It is important to never exceed the recommended dosage as it can cause other issues which no one wants!

Clove oil

Oh, clove oil – this fragrant essential oil, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…

Clove oil has been used for years as an effective home remedy in dental care. Its active ingredient, eugenol acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent which helps numb the pain.

Instructions: Apply one-three drops of clove oil onto a cotton ball or swab and gently dab it on affected area. You may use repeated times until discomfort subsides.

Tea bags

Don’t be fooled by their small size tea bags contain tannic acid (which explains its bitter taste). Tannic acids have natural healing properties that will help numb your pain & reduce swelling simultaneously!

Instructions: Brewed tea bag should steep for 1 minute then put in fridge. Wait until chilled , apply refrigerated teabag directly onto cheek where you are experiencing most pain for 20 minutes.

Garlic

Garlic is those superheroes whose secret identity is an absolute smelly mess but his heroic powers know no bounds when fighting germs! Raw garlic contains Allicin compound that brings antibacterial properties along with promoting oral health!

Instructions: Peel & crush one-two fresh cloves into paste, mix salt/butter/pepper or simply apply directly then leave inside mouth near affected area up un till twenty minutes before rinsing out w/cold water.

Honey

Just like Winnie-the-Pooh, honey comes to our rescue during emergencies! It’s always ready and willing to extract us from trouble!Due to being rich in microbes- fighting enzymes it makes itself useful in dislodging infectious bacteria that cause pain & swelling.

Instructions: Swallow one teaspoonful of honey every three hours to soothe your toothache discomfort.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla, the flavoring favorite usually associated with ice cream can potentially help subside toothache ache too! It is said that its alcohol content for maintenance purposes may bring relief thanks to serving as a natural anesthetic.

Instructions: Dip cotton ball into 2+ drops of vanilla extract , rinse down before applying then place next to painful area on cheek . Leave for twenty minutes before rinsing out w/cold water.

Conclusion

Toothaches have a way of disrupting daily life leaving us feeling grumpy and unproductive but don’t let them get you down! These home remedies can provide temporary relief until we are able to consult our trusted dentist!

Remember not all teeth issues are solved with simple tricks so always reach out when experiencing problems- dental health is crucial!

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