Dental Pain Remedies
A toothache can ruin a perfectly good day. It is important that when you develop a toothache that you get to the root of the pain issue.
This usually involves seeing your dentist or pain specialist to determine the source of the pain and how best to treat it. There are times, however, when pain is prevalent, and the appointment is not soon enough. Please consider some of these remedies for those cases and short-term relief.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water – Salt water is a natural disinfectant and rinsing can also help dislodge food particles that may be causing discomfort. Salt water also has some anti-inflammatory properties.
- Use a cold pack – Placing a cold pack on your jaw over the sensitive area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Use over-the-counter pain medication – Using medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen can help reduce dental pain. Using benzocaine containing gels can temporarily numb the area allowing for sleep.
- Elevate your head – Keeping your head propped up with an extra pillow or two can keep blood from pooling which can cause increased pain and inflammation.
- Use peppermint – Swishing warm peppermint tea in your mouth or sucking on peppermint tea bags has numbing properties in it. Menthol, which gives peppermint its minty flavor is known to be antibacterial as well.
- Use clove oil – clove oil can also effectively numb the area but avoid swallowing it as it is associated with diarrhea, breathing difficulties, burning in the throat and nose if ingested.
- Garlic – Garlic has been shown that it can kill bacteria that cause dental plaque. It is also an effective pain reliever.
If the above remedies are not working to address your particular pain give your dentist a call or call us at Advanced Spine and Pain to discuss treatment options. Don’t be shy. We don’t bite.