Toothaches can be painful and annoying. They generally arise due to poor oral health and hygiene. If not treated at the right time, the pain can get worse, which affects your overall health and well-being. Some common reasons behind toothaches are untreated cavities, periodontal diseases, sinus, tooth decay, tooth fracture, development of cysts, etc. The nerves of the tooth are among the most sensitive in the body. When these nerves are irritated or infected by bacteria, they cause severe toothache. The toothache brings along several symptoms like swelling around the tooth, severe headache, fever, bad mouth odor, etc.
The following remedies are suggested by Thornton dental center:
Apply a cold compress: If you have swelling and tooth pain, the best remedy is to use a cold compress. Apply an ice bag or put some ice and wrap it in a towel to the affected side of the face. This will constrict the blood vessels in that area which will lessen the pain. Apply the cold compress for 15-20 minutes every few hours to ease the pain.
Rinse with salt water: Along with using over-the-counter medicines, the best way to get rid of a toothache is to rinse with warm salt water. It will provide temporary relief and will clean the infection, if any. Do not swallow the saltwater after rinsing. Salt water acts as a natural antibacterial agent. It also heals oral wounds and reduces inflammation.
Hydrogen peroxide rinse: Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide mouthwash helps in reducing plaque and periodontitis. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water and rinse thoroughly. Do not swallow the water after rinsing. It reduces inflammation and pain.
Oral pain medication: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can reduce minor toothaches. Similarly, using numbing gels containing benzocaine also helps to reduce the pain for longer hours. If the toothache is severe, then visit a dentist.
Clove: Clove is a natural remedy to treat toothache. Make a paste of cloves and apply it to the tooth. Eugenol, the main component of clove, acts as an analgesic and numbs the area so that you do not feel any pain.
Dealing with toothache causes a lot of discomfort. Some toothaches can go away by following simple health remedies, while some can be severe and need professional dental help. It is important to get it treated immediately, as ignoring it will lead to more serious issues like abscesses, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
