A toothache can be difficult to treat, but there are many methods that you can attempt to try and ease the pain before you are able to go see a dentist.
Numbing gels are available for purchase over-the-counter at most drugstores, but there are more natural remedies available if thoughts of numbing gels are not for you.
One of the most common traditional remedies is to use clove oil. Take only a few drops of the oil onto a q-tip or cotton round and put it on the tooth that is giving you pain. This should help reduce the level of pain in a similar way to certain numbing gels.
Gargling salt water can also help to alleviate some of the pain associated with a toothache. Mix approximately one teaspoon of salt with warm or boiled water and gargle/swish it around your mouth for close to 30 seconds. This rinse will help reduce possible swelling and also helps to clean out any debris in the mouth.
Ice and cold compresses can also help to numb swelling and pain. Apply it to the area of your mouth that is aching and hold it there for 15 to 20 minutes and it will eventually numb the area enough that you won’t feel as much pain.
A more “out there” method of treating a toothache is to create a paste made of ginger and cayenne. Be sure to mix equal parts of each spice with water to make a paste and saturate a small ball of cotton in the mixture. Take the cotton ball and put it on the tooth – It will cause a burning sensation, but this helps to numb and alleviate the toothache pain. Remember to avoid getting it on the tongue or the gums as best you can.
It is important to go to a dentist when you have a toothache is it could be a result of a serious condition or problem that needs to be addressed. After consulting with a dentist you should also switch to using a brush with softer bristles and toothpaste directed towards sensitive teeth.
Featured Image: DepositPhotos/yacobchuk1