Much-Needed Relief from Tooth Pain

If you have a toothache, it’s natural to want it to go away. Now. In fact, finding tooth pain relief is probably the only thing on your mind. Toothaches hurt. They’re distracting. And they can keep us from getting a good night’s sleep.

But sometimes, getting to the dentist right away is simply not in the cards. You either can’t get an appointment right away or you are confident that it isn’t anything serious and want to take a home-care approach. But what are the best home remedies for tooth pain relief? The team at Hite Family Dentistry has the inside scoop.

5 Home Remedies for Tooth Pain Relief

Before you try to take care of tooth pain on your own at home, it’s important to make sure that your toothache isn’t a sign of something more serious. For example, if you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms in conjunction with your tooth pain, don’t hesitate to make a call to your dentist or your local emergency dentist. Waiting too long could make the problem worse and lead to more discomfort or even more complex treatment down the road.

• Swelling in the gums or face
• Fever
• Persistent throbbing that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medication
• Sudden, sharp pain while chewing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

However, if your tooth pain feels manageable and you’d like to try a few at-home methods first, there are some simple remedies that may help soothe the discomfort. Here are 5 home remedies to help you find relief until you can see a dentist.

1. Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse is our go-to home remedy for toothache pain. We suggest a warm glass of eight ounces of tap water mixed with half a teaspoon of table salt. Mix well, then sip and swish, and gargle it in your mouth, then spit it out. Do not swallow the rinse. For the best results, rinse with the mixture two to three times a day. Be sure not to overuse it, as too much rinsing can irritate the mouth.

2. Cold Compress

A cold compress is a simple and quick way to help ease tooth pain. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a clean cloth and apply it to the outside of your cheek near the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps numb the area and reduce swelling, providing temporary relief. You can repeat this process a few times a day, but be sure not to apply ice directly to the skin to avoid irritation.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief from toothache discomfort. These medications work by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging, and take care not to exceed the recommended amount. If you have any medical conditions or are taking other medications, consult your healthcare provider before using these pain relievers to avoid potential interactions or side effects.

4. Clove Oil

Clove oil is known for its natural pain-relieving properties, making it a popular home remedy for toothaches. To use, apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball. Then, gently and carefully dab the oil onto the affected area. You can also dilute it with a few drops of carrier oil, such as olive oil, to reduce the intensity. Clove oil contains eugenol, which acts as a natural anesthetic and helps numb the pain, providing temporary relief.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

A hydrogen peroxide rinse can help alleviate tooth pain and improve oral health. To make the rinse, mix equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Swish the mixture around in your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds, then spit it out—avoid swallowing. This rinse helps reduce bacteria in the mouth, which can relieve pain caused by infection or inflammation. Additionally, it can assist with gum health, but it’s important not to use this remedy too frequently to prevent irritation.

Professional Treatments for Tooth Pain Relief

If these home remedies don’t cut it, it’s time to reach out to a local Edwardsville dentist. As we said earlier, sometimes a toothache can be the sign of something more serious. Here are the treatments we might pursue at our Edwardsville dental practice should you have a severe toothache.

1. Dental Examination and Diagnosis

It all starts with a dental examination to identify the cause of your tooth pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. During the exam, common diagnostic methods include X-rays, visual inspections, and probing the gums or teeth. This professional assessment helps pinpoint issues like cavities, infections, or damaged teeth that home remedies might not address.

2. Fillings and Crowns

If your toothache is due to decay or damage, a filling or crown may be needed. Fillings are used to restore teeth with small cavities, while crowns cover larger areas of damage. Both treatments help protect the tooth from further damage and alleviate pain by sealing and strengthening the affected area.

3. Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is often recommended when the tooth’s pulp is infected or inflamed. In this procedure, we will remove the infected tissue, clean the root canals, and seal the tooth. While it may sound intimidating, root canal therapy effectively relieves deep tooth pain and helps save your natural tooth from extraction.

4. Tooth Extraction

If a tooth is too damaged or infected to save, an extraction may be necessary. This procedure removes the problematic tooth to eliminate pain and prevent the spread of infection. After the extraction, your dentist will guide you through aftercare steps to promote healing and manage any post-treatment discomfort. They can also give you options for tooth replacement to safeguard your oral health. 

5. Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal therapy is used to treat gum-related pain, especially in cases of advanced gum disease. Treatments may include deep cleanings and scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Professional gum care not only relieves discomfort but also improves the overall health of your gums and teeth.

See your Edwardsville dental practice for tooth pain relief.

Tooth pain is no fun. If you are experiencing persistent pain or are concerned that you may have a dental abscess or tooth infection, seeing a local Edwardsville dentist—aka Hite Family Dentistry—is the best next step. Request an appointment today to seek tooth pain relief and see how our approach to general dentistry will encourage you to make our dental practice your new dental home.