Toothache can be very painful, spreading around your mouth and giving you a headache. Book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible but in the mean time, give some of these home remedies a try:
Salt Water Rinse
One of the best ways to relieve tooth ache is to swish warm salty water around your mouth.
- Start with a glass of warm water. Do not use boiling water.
- Mix in one tablespoon at a time of pink Himalayan salt or Celtic Sea salt.
- Continue adding salt until it no longer dissolves.
- Swish the solution for 30-60 seconds then spit it out.
- Repeat 4-5 times per day.
This rinse is especially effective with gum pain and if you have something stuck in between the gums.
Painkillers
Over-the-counter painkillers can effectively relieve dental pain.
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Paracetamol
Ibuprofen for toothache seems to be the most affective. In general, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are best for oral pain relief. Pain medications should only be a short-term option for toothache relief.
Elevation
Elevating your head above your heart can reduce excess blood flow to the inflamed tooth which can reduce swelling and relieve pain. It sounds simple, but this small change can make a huge difference in tooth pain. To sleep with a toothache, keep your head elevated with a wedge-shaped pillow or by stacking several normal pillows.
Cold Compress
Use a cold compress to reduce inflammation that leads to a toothache. It can cause your blood vessels to constrict (tighten) and is extremely useful for helping you sleep.
A bag of frozen peas or a plastic Ziploc bag with half water and half ice work great to keep the toothache area cold and reduce swelling.
Peppermint Tea
According to studies, peppermint tea has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can help numb painful areas. Brew a cup of peppermint tea, let it cool, and then swish it around in your mouth. Add a bit of ice to cool it down faster. Or press the cooled peppermint tea bag against your painful tooth.
