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It can occur at any time, whether it is mild or severe. It's vital to visit a dentist as soon as you feel a toothache. Cavities will not cause pain until an infection has reached the nerve of your tooth. This could indicate a bigger problem.
You can relieve toothache pain while you wait for your appointment by using effective remedies backed by science.
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What is a Toothache?
Sharon Huang, D.D.S., founder of Les Belles NYC, New York, defines a toothache as a constant or sporadic sharp, dull, or throbbing discomfort. The pain can be caused by a gum infection or a tooth nerve that is infected. This could be a sign that you are having a heart attack.
Huang says: "It is important not to ignore toothaches as they are the body's warning that something is wrong." The nerves transmit millions of messages to the brain from an infection, injury, or attack. The brain signals us to feel pain.
Why do toothaches hurt so bad? She says the nerves in your teeth are among the most sensitive in the body. She says that the nerves of your teeth can be infected, irritated, or cause severe pain.
Home remedies for toothaches
Speak to your dentist about home remedies that can help relieve toothaches. Consult your dentist if herbal ingredients could affect you if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or a patient with any other medical condition.
Clove Oil
Huang says that clove oil is a great home remedy for toothaches. Many dental products contain clove oil as an active ingredient. She claims that clove oil has anti-inflammatory, bacterial, and natural antibiotic properties. It reduces pain and inflammation. It is also a temporary pain reliever."
Clove oil is a natural numbing agent. It contains a similar active ingredient as benzocaine. This ingredient can be found in dental gels, and it is also used to numb the pain. She recommends that you soak cotton balls in clove oil and then apply them directly to the area of toothache or use it as a mouthwash.
Willow Bark
Willow bark has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation. Huang claims that willow bark contains salicin, which is similar to the main ingredient in aspirin. Willow bark tea or powder can be directly applied to the painful area.
Cold Compress
Certain types of mouth pain can be treated with cold compresses. Huang claims that applying a cold compress to the affected area will reduce swelling, inflammation, and temporary pain. She suggests applying a bag wrapped in a towel or a cold compress to the affected area every 20 minutes.
Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater can be used to relieve toothaches. Huang claims that saltwater reduces inflammation and speeds up wound healing.
A study published in PlosOne in 2016 showed that short-term rinses of a saltwater solution promote cell migration. This is a crucial process in wound healing [1]. Huang suggests mixing one teaspoon of salt with half a cup of warm water. The solution can be swished around the mouth for 30 seconds at any time.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
You can also use hydrogen peroxide and water to reduce tooth pain. Huang suggests that it is an alternative to a saltwater rinse. Hydrogen peroxide is available over the counter, and water is mixed in equal amounts. The solution should not be swallowed. Swish the solution in your mouth for one minute, and then spit it back out.
Oil or tea bag with Peppermint
Peppermint oil is a pain reliever. In in vitro research published in the European Journal of Dentistry, it was discovered that peppermint oil is one of three oils that are effective intracanal antiseptics against oral pathogens. It can effectively stop the growth of bacteria [2].
Huang suggests applying a tea bag of peppermint to relieve toothaches. She recommends "chilling it" by placing the steeped tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes and applying it directly to the painful areas. Apply a few drops of the tea to a cotton swab.
Thyme
Huang claims that thyme has powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties. A 2016 study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that thyme oil had "powerful" properties against bacteria and fungi [3]. Huang suggests putting thyme oil on a cotton ball and applying it directly to the area. Add a few drops to water for mouthwash.
Garlic
According to some studies, garlic may also reduce pain. Huang claims that garlic cloves are antibacterial and antimicrobial. Crush or chew the clove to get the allicin benefits. She says that garlic powder will not have the same therapeutic benefits.
Topical Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relief products include creams, gels, liquids, and swabs. Huang says that these treatments contain several active ingredients, including benzocaine, which temporarily numbs an area.
Pain medication over the counter
Huang says anti-inflammatory medications like Advil or Motrin can reduce dental discomfort by reducing inflammation.
Recent studies show that Advil and Tylenol combined are just as effective as opioids in treating toothaches. Experts agree that with the rise in opioid addiction, it's nice to have an over-the-counter alternative. Talk to your dentist for the recommended dosage.
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Why you should see the dentist
Huang advises that you should not ignore a toothache if it does not go away on its own. " Homemade remedies provide only temporary relief. Your dentist should first identify the root cause of your toothache before recommending the appropriate treatment.
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Bill Dorfman, D.D.S., a Los Angeles Dentist, says there are various treatments for toothache, depending on the cause.
Root Canal: A root canal is the only option if the nerve of the tooth has died. As the nerve becomes necrotic, it is removed. Untreated, this can cause a serious infection. The tooth is filled with inert material, so it doesn't have to be extracted for years.
Extraction: If a tooth is severely fractured or there has been so much bone loss that it cannot be saved, he says It must be extracted.
Antibiotics can temporarily relieve tooth pain if you have an infection. Pain usually returns to abscessed tooth sufferers two weeks after the last antibiotic. You can use this time to finish the treatment. If you take more than one dose, the problem won't be solved. However, it can lead to an increase in antibiotic resistance. This can reduce the effectiveness of future infections.
Teeth Splinting can be helpful if you are experiencing pain due to mobile teeth.
A dental night guard can be prescribed if you experience pain or discomfort from grinding your teeth. This will help protect your teeth and prevent grinding.
