It’s time for a solution!

Picture this—you wake up and one section of your jaw just feels off. You floss your teeth just to make sure nothing’s hiding in there, but it doesn’t do the trick. Over the course of the day, the discomfort sometimes grows, making you question if you need to give your dentist a call. We’ve all had days like this.

When dealing with a toothache, it’s completely understandable that you need relief as soon as possible. After all, you’ve got a life to live! If you have any sort of tooth pain, it’s important to call your dentist right away so they can assess whether your tooth pain is a sign of a dental emergency, and then book you a consultation as soon as possible to address your tooth pain. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do a few things at home to provide temporary relief while you wait for that appointment.

As with most things, prevention is key to avoiding toothaches. But life sometimes has other plans. To give yourself some temporary relief, there are several options for you. First, don’t underestimate the power of a cold compress. Second, a saltwater rinse might just be the trick you need! Third, clove oil is a natural option! Fourth, those over-the-counter medications can take the edge off long enough for you to get some stuff done.

Cool Comfort: The Power of a Cold Compress For a Toothache

No matter how hard we try to avoid it, accidents sometimes happen. And if said accident affected your teeth, swelling and pain is not uncommon. If the toothache was caused by some sort of trauma to the tooth, applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can help bring down any swelling and lessen some of the pain. It’s recommended to hold the compress to the affected area for ten minutes once an hour.

If you don’t have an ice pack, throw some ice in a ziplock bag! No ice to be found? You can also freeze a damp towel, or grab a frozen bag of vegetables. Whatever method you choose, be sure to put a towel around it to avoid damaging your skin.

Saltwater Soothe: Gargling for Relief

Though it might sound surprising to some, a warm saltwater rinse can do wonders for a sore tooth! It calms those irritated gums and reduces the bacteria. Just put a few teaspoons of salt in warm (not hot) water, then swish it around your mouth. Be sure to spit it out afterward because your stomach won’t appreciate it very much. You can try flossing around the affected tooth as well to be sure you dislodge anything that could be hiding in there.

Clove Oil Magic: Nature’s Analgesic

Nature’s very own magic trick, clove oil, can help with that pesky tooth pain by both decreasing swelling and providing a numbing relief. To use, pour a few drops on a cotton swab and put a little on the affected area. The relief can sometimes be instant!

Over-the-Counter Options: Choosing Safe Medications

While it’s great to seek out natural remedies for a toothache, those over-the-counter medications can come in handy at times. They’re in most of our cabinets, ready to help us when we need them most. When getting relief from medications such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol, it is imperative that you follow the instructions on the bottle!

Pain happens to us all!

If it has been one of those days, or even weeks, where you are suffering from tooth pain, you might be desperate for relief. Whether you reach for those over-the-counter options or opt for more natural remedies, such as clove oil or salt water, remember to call your dentist and make an appointment. A toothache can be the first sign that something has gone wrong, and you want to be sure you get it taken care of before the problem becomes difficult to solve.

Though you might be tempted to use products that contain ingredients such as benzocaine, it is best to avoid those. According to the Mayo Clinic, benzocaine has been linked to a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia. If at all possible, try some of the other suggested remedies for a toothache, and give your dentist a call!

Whether you’re suffering from a relentless toothache, or are simply in need of your six-month cleaning, you can request an appointment with us online with only a few clicks! We look forward to getting your smile back to its regular, pain-free glory!