What should I do if I have a toothache? This is a common question many people wonder about. If you don’t have an emergency dentist you can rely on, you may ask yourself the same thing. While getting in for treatment sooner rather than later is best, you may not be able to address the problem immediately. Instead, while you wait, try the following three easy home remedies to achieve much-needed relief.
Rinse Away the Pain & Inflammation
Dentists tend to recommend various rinses you can perform at home to help reduce inflammation and discomfort. The choice is yours as to which one you choose:
- Saltwater: Helpful when disinfecting your mouth, it also loosens anything that might be stuck between your teeth. You simply mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle and rinse your mouth before spitting it out.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: This effectively eliminates bad bacteria while also healing inflamed and bleeding gums. You need to mix 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water to dilute it. You can then swish it around in your mouth before spitting it out.
Use a Baking Essential to Numb the Pain
While there are plenty of store-bought products that can help alleviate and numb tooth pain, you can avoid the trip to the store and look in your pantry for vanilla extract.
Containing alcohol to numb any pain, it’s also a great antioxidant. While you will need real vanilla instead of the imitation kind, you dab a small amount on a cotton ball and apply it to the pained tooth. You can do this a few times each day.
Tea to the Rescue
If you need to numb the pain or provide your gums with some form of relief, peppermint tea bags are a great option. After allowing it to steep, let it cool down before applying it to the aching tooth. You will want the bag to be a little warm.
If you prefer, you can also place a used tea bag into the freezer for a few minutes. This will cause it to cool down quickly and provide a slight chill. Similar to a cold compress, you can apply it to the tooth to numb the pain.
You can effectively manage your tooth pain while you wait to see your emergency dentist. All you need to do is see what you have in your refrigerator or pantry that can help.
About the Author
Dr. Christopher Patrino has over 25 years of experience in dentistry. Combining his interests in science and art, he believed dentistry was the ideal profession, as it allowed him to pursue his passions and help others. When a dental emergency occurs, Dr. Patrino and our team believe in efficiency and superior results. If you or a loved one has a severe toothache that is causing immense pain, contact us at (813) 831-8588. We’ll provide helpful tips for you to use while you wait to see us.