Toothache is one of the worst kinds of pain you can experience. Unfortunately, several dental clinics are closed right now, due to the Covid-19 crisis. Therefore, not being able to get properly treated in confinement leaves patients in a complicated situation. Luckily, medical research has proved that certain home remedies can help relieve the pain temporarily, until seeking medical intervention is possible again.
Furthermore, the most important thing is to know exactly what the problem is. If the pain is coming from an infection, then antibiotics are a must. And while nothing compares to getting a professional’s help, these home remedies to relieve toothache could help you ease the torture in confinement. PS: these are temporary solutions, and only work for a limited amount of time.
Anti-Inflammatory Meds
Ibuprofen is an excellent over-the-counter medication to treat toothache. In fact, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce the pain in almost all cases. However, consult your dentist on the recommended doses. Some mild toothaches require a small doses every few hours, while in severe cases, they can prescribe a stronger dose every 8 hours. In case you are allergic to aspirin, paracetamol is the next best thing. Important information: don’t place the ibuprofen on the tooth, but rather swallow it with water. It has shown to be most affective this way to relieve toothache.
Cold Compress
Doctors argue that cold is one of the best remedies to relieve toothache. Especially if your cheek is swollen or your gums are red. Although it’s difficult to know exactly what’s wrong without medical consultation, the symptoms of an infection are usually obvious. Applying a cold compress for 20 minutes, few times a day can really help take away your pain. Usually, for enough time of you to fall asleep. Furthermore, if you opt for an ice pack (which is the best solution) do not put it directly on your skin. Instead, wrap it up in a thin cloth and place it on your cheek, right above the area where the tooth is.
Clove Oil
According to medical research, cloves are anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal. Therefore, if you pain is due to an infection or a chipped tooth, then it might work just fine. Moreover, crushed cloves produce an oil which is rich eugenol, a chemical which acts as an anesthetic and antibacterial agent. You will surely notice that it smells like ”a dentist’s clinic.” Apply the clove oil directly to the aching tooth, either through crushing the clove, or soaking a ball of cotton in the oil then leave it for around 2 minutes on the infected area.
Garlic
Garlic is an indispensable addition to cooking in several cultures. it is known to strengthen immunity systems, and also gives a great taste to your food. In addition, garlic has been found to be one of the effective remedies to relieve tooth ache. The Allicin compound in it, ”aids in lowering the activity of bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay and bad breath.” Moreover, once crushed, garlic produces allicin which can help reconstruct your gum’s health and reduce inflammation and infections. You can either crush a piece of garlic and apply it to the infected tooth, or simply bite on it for few minutes until the pain is gone. However, you must avoid leaving it for too long, especially if you have a chipped tooth, as it may get stuck in the tooth and increases infection.
Numbing Gels
Numbing gels you can easily get at pharmacies include an element called benzocaine. Consequently, it helps numb the area, and therefore stop the nerve from releasing pain to your brain. Since it can be applied directly to the tooth and gum, it works instantly in relieving toothache. Furthermore, it has been recommended for people who have braces and feel uncomfortable from the contact with the gums. It has anesthetic functions, and helps numb the area for few minutes.
Salt-Water Rinse
Salt is a natural antiseptic treatment. That’s why it’s often the first thing people try when experiencing mouth related pain. Since it’s accessible, simple and easy to use, it’s considered one of the most effective home remedies to relieve toothache. All you need to do is put 1/2 tablespoons of salt in 8 ounces of warm (not hot) water. Then, swish it for 1-2 minutes inside the mouth, with focus on the affected area. In addition, using a mouthwash after eating and flossing regularly can help remove some stuck pieces of plaque around teeth, which can be the real cause behind the toothache.
Photos: Pixabay, Freepik.
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