You’ve had a toothache come on suddenly. You want to see your dentist but it’s the middle of the night and you’ll have to wait for an appointment. Fortunately, there are common household items that you can use to help alleviate your pain in the short term. You may not have to look any farther than your pantry. Your dentist has five tips you can use to help if you’re having a toothache in Newark.
1.) Use Ice
If you’re experiencing pain in or around your mouth, ice can help to ease some of your stress. From athletics to joint pain, the numbing effects of ice have been used for generations. Simply put some ice in a plastic bag or a washcloth and hold it to the area causing you pain. Repeat as needed until you start to experience some relief.
2.) Make a Salt Water Rinse
Creating a salt water solution can help to lessen tooth pain and also calm a sore throat. It helps to clear and cleanse your mouth from debris that might be one of the causes of your toothache. To make a salt water rinse, pour a teaspoon of salt into about a cup of boiling water and stir until it dissolves. Wait for the solution to cool and then swish for 45 seconds.
3.) Boil Some Tea
Besides being delicious and filled with antioxidants, some types of tea can actually help to soothe your pain. Peppermint and black teas can help to reduce swelling and cause numbness when applied to your mouth. Simply make a cup of tea, allow it to steep, and then apply the teabag to the inflamed area.
4.) Swish with Hydrogen Peroxide
If you have hydrogen peroxide available or have the means to get it, it can be a useful tool for pain relief, especially if you’re experiencing signs of infection as well. Make sure to get 3% solution, swish with it, and then rinse your mouth out several times with water, as you do not want to ingest it.
5.) Covered a Broken Tooth with Chewing Gum
Broken or cracked teeth can experience some temporary relief by being covered in chewing gum. This can be especially useful if you have a loose or cracked filling. The gum will help to insulate the tooth from particles in your mouth that could irritate it.
Whenever you’re experiencing dental pain, it’s important to see your dentist. These remedies should not be used as a replacement for professional dental care. In a pinch, they can help to lessen your discomfort and keep you feeling better until you’re able to be seen.
About the Author
Dr. Donald Bond loves to get his patients out of pain. He understands just how frustrating dental emergencies can be. He graduated from dental school at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and has since gone on to complete countless hours of continuing education to stay current. He is also a member of the Medical-Dental Staff at Christina Care. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, his team at White Clay Dental would love to help you. The office can be reached by email and over the phone at (302) 444-8985.