Teeth Pain

What's good for tooth pain?

Toothaches can range from mild discomfort to throbbing pain, and can occur at any time. It’s best to visit a dentist as soon as possible when experiencing a toothache, as cavities won’t hurt until an infection reaches the tooth’s nerve and may be a sign of a much bigger problem.

However, there are effective and science-backed toothache remedies to use for immediate toothache relief while waiting for an appointment.

What Is a Toothache?

A toothache may be sharp, dull or throbbing pain that is constant or sporadic, says Sharon Huang, D.D.S., founder of Les Belles NYC, a dental practice in New York. The cause can be related to an infected nerve inside the tooth or a gum infection. It can also be a symptom of a heart attack.

“It is very important not to ignore toothaches because this is our body’s way of telling us something is wrong,” Huang says. “Our nerves are sending millions of messages to our brain of an attack, infection or injury and our brain is sending the signal for us to feel pain.”

Why is a toothache so painful? Because the nerves inside your teeth are among the most sensitive in your body, she says. “So when these nerves are irritated or infected, they can cause severe pain,” she adds.

At-Home Toothache Pain Remedies

There are a number of at-home remedies for temporary relief of toothache or pain, but talk to your dentist before taking them. “You should also speak with your dentist before using any of the following remedies if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any medical conditions that might be impacted by herbal ingredients,” says Huang.

Clove Oil

Clove oil, an active ingredient in many dental products, is the best at-home remedy for tooth pain, according to Huang. “It is a natural antiseptic that reduces pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties,” she says. “It also acts as a temporary pain reliever.”

The active ingredient in clove oil can be compared to benzocaine, the numbing ingredient in many dental gels. To use clove oil, she suggests soaking a cotton ball in it and applying directly to the area of the toothache, or rinsing your mouth with it.

Willow Bark

There is some evidence that willow bark can aid in reducing inflammation, which will help with pain relief. “Willow bark contains salicin, which is similar to the main ingredient in aspirin,” says Huang. Willow bark tea can be gargled, or a paste of willow bark powder can be applied to the area causing pain.

Cold Compress

A cold compress can help treat some types of oral pain. “If the origin of the toothache is from trauma, cold compress to the area will reduce swelling and inflammation and give you temporary pain relief,” says Huang. She suggests applying the cold compress or wrapped bag of ice to the affected area for intervals of 20 minutes, and repeating every few hours.

Saltwater Rinse

Rinsing your mouth with salt water can also help with a toothache. “Saltwater will naturally reduce inflammation and improve wound healing,” says Huang.

Indeed, a 2016 study in PlosOne found that short-term rinsing with a saltwater solution promotes cell migration, an important process during wound healing[1]. Huang suggests mixing 1 tablespoon of salt with 1/2 cup of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for around 30 seconds as often as needed throughout the day.

earn the best tips to have the best teeth, check out this product: ProDentim - Text Presentation