Toothaches can produce some of the most maddening pain in the world. If you have a bad toothache, you feel it every time you move and every time you breathe. You certainly feel it whenever you chew, even if you are trying to avoid the affected tooth.
In the long run, tooth pain is usually caused by an underlying problem that must be fixed by a dentist or doctor. The most common toothache culprit is a plan old-fashioned cavity (i.e., tooth decay), although abscesses (infections of the “pulpy” part of the tooth) and injuries like being hit in the mouth can cause their fair share of toothaches, too.
Naturally, the first step to take when you experience sharp or throbbing pain in one or more of your teeth is to telephone your dentist. Yet even the most conscientious dentist may not be able to squeeze you in right away. While you’re waiting to get the problem taken care of, there are a few home remedies you can try.
First, gently remove any food particles from the aching tooth with dental floss or a toothbrush. Then swish some warm salt water around your mouth to ease the pain and to be absolutely sure that the tooth is not being further irritated by bits of food.
When you eat, be careful not to put pressure on the sore tooth. Try to avoid foods that are either very hot or very cold, as they may increase the pain. Brush your teeth carefully after each meal, again making sure that the aching tooth is free of food particles.
Clove oil, which has both soothing and infection-fighting properties may also help ease the pain. Soak a cotton ball in clove oil, which can be found at most pharmacies or health food stores, and place the cotton ball directly on the aching tooth. (Note: This does not work for everyone. If the clove oil makes your toothache worse, remove the cotton ball immediately and rinse the area with warm salt water.)
Other people have found relief by placing a bag of tea between the infected tooth and the cheek or by holding a tea bag gently between the teeth.
Another simple remedy is to place an ice bag on the outside of the cheek nearest the aching tooth. You can make an ice bag by placing a few pieces of ice in a sealed baggie and wrapping the baggie with a handkerchief or a wash cloth.
If the tooth remains painful, you might want to consider using medications to ease the discomfort. There are several over-the-counter topical products available that contain numbing medications such as lidocaine. The active ingredient of Orajel, a favorite remedy among toothache sufferers, is benzocaine. Orajel is applied directly to the aching tooth.
Other medications are taken orally. There are several over the counter pain relievers that may help ease an aching tooth. These include aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
If your pain is severe, and over the county remedies don’t seem to be helping, you might need to visit the local emergency room for a prescription painkiller. Many of these medications contain narcotics, such as codeine, which can make you drowsy. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you can drive after taking the prescription medications.
Of course, the best thing you can do to cure your toothache is to get to a dentist as quickly as possible. However, if there is a delay in getting an appointment, these ideas can help make you a little more comfortable while you wait.
