Peppermint helps somewhat because of its numbing properties.
There are few things as bad as getting a really bad toothache during a time you’re unable to visit your dentist. Maybe it’s because you’re on holiday, or your dentist doesn’t book patients with dental emergencies over weekends. Whatever the case, depending on how long you’ll have to wait before you can see your regular dentist, you might have to consider booking an appointment with another one. Severe tooth pain can be caused by problems such as an infection in a tooth and when left untreated, such problems will only become worse. Waiting too long before visiting your dentist is likely to result in a more serious problem that could cause the aching tooth to decay beyond repair.
For this reason, you shouldn’t take any advice for remedying tooth pain as being a permanent solution. Reducing the pain doesn’t treat the cause of the problem, it simply temporarily reduces pain to make the problem more bearable while you’re waiting for treatment. A tooth that has been cracked, or one that has an infection, won’t heal itself through any means of home treatment. Never use any remedy for reducing pain for a prolonged period of time without seeking professional help.
Using a saltwater solution as a mouthwash is another harmless remedy that could help somewhat if the pain is caused by an infection.
With this taken into consideration, feel free to try different ways to relieve the pain while you’re unable to see your dentist. There are many remedies for tooth pain you could try at home.
Natural Remedies In Your Home
If your tooth pain was sudden and you don’t have any real pain medication to treat it, you could try some natural remedies by using things you might have in your kitchen. While there’s no proven science backing the efficacy of these remedies, they’re mostly harmless when done right.
A Peppermint Teabag
You can use a peppermint teabag – either soaked and left to cool or placed in the freezer for a few minutes, but not frozen– and place it on your sore tooth. Peppermint helps somewhat because of its numbing properties. While this method isn’t a particularly effective one, it’s completely harmless and can be used with a variety of other remedies as well.
A cotton ball soaked in whiskey or bourbon isn’t suitable for children and pain relief is short-lived, but it can be used for adults who are desperate.
Saltwater Mouthwash
Using a saltwater solution as a mouthwash is another harmless remedy that could help somewhat if the pain is caused by an infection. Because salt is antibacterial, it could possibly help to slow down the effects of an infection, but it will really only help if the saltwater is able to rinse away the bacteria, which isn’t always possible because infections in the tooth aren’t always exposed enough for this to make any notable difference. Still, it will clean out your mouth and is unlikely to do any harm.
A Cotton Ball Soaked In Bourbon/Vanilla Extract
This method isn’t suitable for children and pain relief is extremely short-lived, but it can be used for adults who are very desperate. To try this, place a cotton ball soaked in bourbon (or vanilla extract if you don’t have bourbon) on the aching tooth. Alcohol has a numbing effect and also has some antibacterial properties, but as you’d know, it can also cause tipsiness. Please don’t use this remedy too much, it could be somewhat helpful when you’re experiencing spikes of worsened pain, but actually it isn’t very effective.
Medically Approved Painkillers
Always use painkillers according to the instructions on the insert of the package or on the box. Never take more than the recommended amount. Another good option for numbing tooth pain is over-the-counter tooth numbing gel.
Over the counter painkillers may give you better, longer lasting pain relief. Ibuprofen is a good choice for toothaches, but if you don’t have any, aspirin or Acetaminophen can also be taken for tooth pain. Just remember, because most painkillers can only be used once or twice daily, they tend to wear off sometimes and you’re likely to have spikes or pain between taking them. Despite this, you should always use painkillers according to the instructions on the insert of the package or on the box. Never take more than the recommended amount.
Another good option for numbing tooth pain is over-the-counter tooth numbing gel. Your pharmacist might be able to give you a numbing gel containing benzocaine to apply directly to your sore tooth. As with any other medication, it’s important to follow the instructions.
