Toothache? 5 Tips for Tooth Pain Relief Before Your Next Dentist Appointment

Dentist-Approved Home Remedies

If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know it’s the kind of pain that can disrupt your entire day—or week. Eating becomes uncomfortable, focusing is impossible, and getting a good night’s sleep can be challenging.

While the best long-term solution is to schedule an appointment with a trustworthy dentist, sometimes you need quick tooth pain relief to get through the day. Although these offer only temporary relief, you can try a few simple toothache remedies at home using things you already have.

Rinse with warm salt water.

A saltwater rinse is one of the most accessible and effective toothache remedies. Salt acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to reduce bacteria and inflammation. It also rinses away food particles that may be stuck between your teeth.

Mixing this healing concoction is simple. Take an eight-ounce glass and fill it with warm water. Put one teaspoon of salt into the glass and mix it well. Swish the solution in your mouth for about 30 seconds and spit it out.

There is no restriction on how often you can use this mixture. Consider rinsing after every meal and up to five times daily. The more frequently you do it, the better your results may be.

Use a cold compress.

A cold compress is another convenient and dependable remedy. Applying it to the area can provide relief for a throbbing toothache. The cold numbs the area and reduces the sensation of pain. It also constricts blood vessels, limiting the inflammatory substances that can reach the injured tissue.

Making a cold compress is simple. Wrap a few ice cubes (or a bag of frozen veggies) in a towel—never apply it directly to your skin or gum tissue—and place it on the outside of your cheek in 20-minute intervals.

You may benefit from a cold compress if you have visible swelling around a tooth. You may feel some relief quickly, but it is a short-term solution. It is important to see your dentist to ensure there is no underlying damage.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are readily available at most drugstores in Minnesota. These medications offer fast day or nighttime relief and temporary pain management, but you must follow the dosage instructions.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). You may know it as Advil or Motrin. This medication relieves pain and reduces pain inflammation, which is helpful if swelling accompanies your toothache.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, or Tylenol, is not an anti-inflammatory, but it’s a great pain reliever. Some people can’t take NSAIDs due to conditions such as stomach ulcers or allergies. Acetaminophen provides an alternative pain reliever to Ibuprofen.

Aspirin

Aspirin does help manage pain, but it is not recommended for toothaches. If this substance comes into contact with the teeth or gums, it can cause irritation and more discomfort.

Apply clove oil or a numbing gel.

Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for tooth pain. It has an active ingredient called eugenol, which has antibacterial and sedative properties. You can use this oil to help with discomfort by mixing one drop with a teaspoon of a carrier oil, like olive oil. Apply the mixture to the sore area with a cotton swab, but be careful not to get it on your gums or swallow it.

Another remedy you can use is an over-the-counter numbing gel. These products often contain ingredients like benzocaine, which temporarily numbs the area around the tender tooth. Popular brand names are Orajel and Anbesol. They provide short-term relief, but you must follow the instructions and avoid swallowing the gel.

Avoid trigger foods and drinks.

One way to alleviate your toothache is to avoid certain foods and beverages. Some of them can make the pain worse.

Any hot, cold, or sugary foods can aggravate a toothache because they irritate exposed nerves or inflamed areas. To minimize discomfort, avoid ice-cold drinks and hot soups. Extreme temperatures can cause the tooth to throb or sting.

Steer clear of sugary snacks and beverages. The sugar can leak into small cracks or cavities and worsen the pain. Skip crunchy or sticky foods that require extra chewing or might get lodged near a sensitive tooth.

Instead, stick to a soft diet of lukewarm foods. Try eating yogurt, scrambled eggs, or mashed potatoes. Drink through a straw to bypass the sore area, and rinse your mouth with water after eating to help maintain a clean mouth.

These seem like minor adjustments, but they may help you get through the day with less pain while you are waiting to see a Buffalo family dentistry team.

If you have a toothache, we’ve got your back.

Your tooth pain doesn’t have to slow you down. Try these temporary solutions for relief while you wait for professional care. Whether you need help with discomfort or it’s time for an oral hygiene appointment, schedule with Dental Care Associates of Buffalo. Our Buffalo, MN, dentists are just a phone call away! Contact us, and we’ll help you find relief.