A toothache or tooth pain is most often caused when the nerve to a tooth is irritated, but there are numerous other reasons for a person to experience tooth pain such as dental infection, gum disease, plaque, dental decay, injury, cracked teeth, poorly placed fillings or crowns, failing or leaking fillings or crowns, loss of a tooth (including tooth extractions), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea etc. However, one can prevent the majority of dental problems through basic oral hygiene home care.
What Causes a Toothache?
Toothaches occur from inflammation of the central portion of the tooth called pulp. The pulp contains nerve endings that are very sensitive to pain. Inflammation to the pulp, or pulpitis, can be caused by anything that has contact with the tooth. Common causes of tooth pain are the following:
- Dental cavities/tooth decay
- Temperature sensitivity -- hot or cold liquids or foods
- Hot or cold air
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Orthodontic movement -- braces
- Abscessed tooth
- Impacted wisdom tooth
- Pregnancy
- After a crown, a tooth will sometimes become sensitive after a crown is prepared or cemented.
- Gingivitis
- Periodontal disease
- Gum recession -- exposure of the tooth root that was covered by gum or bone
- Tooth fracture
- Acid erosion
- Damaged or broken fillings or crowns
- Cold sore or canker sore
How to Stop a Toothache with Home Remedies!
If you are unable to have your toothache examined right away by a dental professional, you’re still likely seeking relief from the pain. Luckily, many items you can find right in your home can help!
1. Clove oil
Cloves are a traditional remedy for numbing nerves; the primary chemical compound of this spice is eugenol, a natural anesthetic. Pouring the oil on the aching area can actually worsen the pain if you get it on sensitive gum tissue or on your tongue. Instead, put two drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and place it against the tooth itself until the pain recedes. In a pinch, use a bit of powdered clove or place a whole clove on the tooth. Chew the whole clove a little to release its oil and keep it in place up to half an hour or until the pain subsides.
There are some other oils that contain pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that also can be used to temporarily reduce toothache pain. Methods of the application can be rinsing your mouth with a small amount of oil combined with water, or applying the oil directly to a cotton swab or cotton ball.
Here is a list of oils that can be used for tooth pain relief:
- Sunflower oil
- Sesame oil
- Oregano oil
- Nutmeg oil
- Tea tree oil
2. Swish some salt water
A teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of boiling water makes a pain-killing mouthwash, Swish it around for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Saltwater cleanses the area around the tooth and draws out some of the fluid that causes swelling.
3. Brush with the right tools
Use a toothpaste that’s designated “for sensitive teeth.” If you have a problem with shrinking gums, this could relieve a lot of the pain you probably experience from hot or cold foods.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Head to the bathroom of your house and find this common ingredient to help with pain relief. Use hydrogen peroxide by itself or diluted in water, simply gargle it and spit!
5. Turmeric
You might find this spice in your spice rack or pantry, but turmeric utilizes antiseptic and antibacterial properties that aid in relieving pain. Make a paste using this spice and water, then apply to the tooth. Raw turmeric can also be ingested.
5. Peppermint Leaves, Peppermint Extract, Or Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is known for its ability to reduce swelling and soreness, so it’s no wonder there are so many ways you can utilize it to help with a toothache! If you have fresh peppermint leaves, you can chew them to help with the pain, or if they are dry, simply hold them against the tooth.
If you have peppermint extract on hand, soak a cotton ball or a Q-tip in it and hold it on the affected tooth for a brief time.
Finally, you can use peppermint in tea with just a few dry leaves in a cup of warm water. Simply steep them for 20 minutes and swish some in your mouth.
6. Tooth Pain Relief Is In Sight!
Again, all of the above are temporary methods of toothache relief that can be achieved with household items and are not intended to replace a dental check-up to diagnose the cause of the pain. Dental offices take emergency cases very seriously, and we are no exception, so if you have a dental emergency, please don’t wait to call your local dentist.
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