A toothache is mild to severe pain that occurs in or around the teeth and jaws. A toothache can have very varied origins, from a food residue in the gum to a broken tooth, it is usually the consequence of a bacterial infection that causes cavities. The dental pulp is one of the most sensitive areas of the body, it is a soft material full of nerves, tissues and blood vessels. The nerves of the pulp are very sensitive, when irritated or infected by pathogens (which are common in the mouth), they can cause severe pain.
A toothache can completely ruin a day, prevent us from concentrating, playing sports or keeping us up all night.. If you have a toothache, your concern is one and it is clear: get relief. Some toothaches are sharp and come and go, while others are dull and constant.
Toothaches considered minor and more frequent are due to a temporary irritation of the gums or a small fissure and can be relieved at home. But, if they don’t get better on their own and last more than a day, they need to be treated by a dental professional, who in addition to relieving the suffering treats the underlying dental health problem, but what can we do before arriving at the dentist to alleviate the pain? pain? In this article we leave you with a series of tips, offered by the best dentists, to treat your toothache at home efficiently and safely.
- We recommend you read: “Toothache: what are the causes and how to relieve the symptoms?”
How to remove a toothache?
The first thing is that if you experience oral pain, may be a sign of a more serious dental health problem and should be addressed immediately, pain is a mechanism in our body that alerts our brain that something is not working properly. Pain in the mouth area can have different causes, it can often indicate cavities, be a damaged filling, a broken tooth, a gum infection, or a dental abscess.
The first objective when facing a toothache should be to determine the cause, to address it correctly and quickly. For example, an abscessed tooth can be very dangerous and cause serious complications if not treated right away. If the pain is accompanied by a fever, red and swollen gums, or a red, swollen lump in the mouth that is pus or blood, it may be a bacterial infection and should be treated with medication. When a tooth is broken or chipped, the face or jaw may swell and the mouth may taste unpleasant or salty. It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible if he experiences any of the symptoms listed above or the toothache does not go away or worsens over time.
Toothaches commonly come from cavities or small breaks and there are some strategies that can be followed at home to help minimize pain, until we can be seen by a dental health professional. If you think your toothache is due to a small crack or cavities, you can use the following methods to relieve the pain before you get to the dentist’s office.
1. Take painkillers
There are many over-the-counter pain relievers that help reduce toothache, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Most people can use them to help reduce a toothache that is between mild and moderate levels of pain. The recommended dose and the frequency with which it should be taken can be found on the medication. The dosage must always be respected. If the toothache is severe and does not go away, it is important to see a dentist before taking stronger painkillers.
2. Rinse with salt water
Salt water is a natural cleanser that acts as an antibacterial agent., can help reduce inflammation of the teeth and gums. It can also help remove any food or debris that may have gotten stuck between your teeth or at your gum line. A salt water rinse is a very simple and common home remedy for a toothache, as well as helping to naturally clean your teeth and gums.
3. Apply cold
To relieve the pain, cold compresses or ice can be applied, especially if it has been caused by a blow. The application of cold helps combat the symptoms of inflammation, helping the contraction of blood vessels. The simplest way is to apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area for 20 minutes every few hours, within a few minutes the pain and swelling should be relieved.
4. Raise your head
This method is mostly useful at nightIf the pain prevents you from sleeping, you can try raising your head. The pooling of blood in the head can cause more pain and swelling. For some people, propping their head up with an extra pillow or two can relieve pain and help them fall asleep.
5. Rinse with hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide)
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly known as hydrogen peroxide. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a serious gum infection known as periodontitis. Whose main symptoms are gum pain and bleeding, in some cases it can cause the teeth to loosen from their sockets. A recent study showed that rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide on a regular basis can help reduce plaque bacteria and the symptoms of periodontitis. Although it is always advisable to consult with the dentist if this is the right method for us.
Water should always be used to dilute hydrogen peroxide before mouthwashing, and the solution should be stored away from heat and light. This solution should be shaken in the mouth and not swallowed. This remedy is not recommended for young children, because they could accidentally swallow the mixture.
6. Mint tea bags
Mint has many health benefits; mint tea bags are a frequently used home remedy to relieve and soothe sore gums. You can use warm or cold bags, although you should always let it cool down a bit after making the tea. After preparing a mint tea, the bag used is kept and should be allowed to cool slightly before applying it to the sore spot. In the case of applying cold, it should be put in the freezer for about two minutes, and also applied to the place of pain, the tooth or the gum.
7. Garlic
Garlic commonly used in cooking is used by some people to relieve toothaches and cavities. Far from being a magic bullet or unsubstantiated, several recent studies have shown garlic to be effective against infections. It works as a natural anti-inflammatory, in addition to having other benefits for our body: it helps the immune system by increasing defenses, improves the cardiovascular system, prevents the formation of plaque in the arteries, reduces hyperlipidemia (excess fat in the blood) and prevents tension. high blood pressure, among other important benefits for general health. Specifically with regard to oral health.
The main component of garlic, is allicin, which is a strong antibacterial agent capable of fighting bacteria in the mouth, responsible for toothaches and cavities that cause pain. While some people may not like the taste of raw garlic or the smell it leaves in the mouth, chewing it and leaving it near the tooth can help relieve pain.
9. Vanilla Extract
Real vanilla has antioxidant properties and can be used as a healing agent, as well as containing alcohol, which can help numb pain. Therefore, vanilla extract is a good healing agent. It is important to use natural vanilla extract, rather than synthetic vanilla, as the latter does not contain the same ingredients.
To combat the pain, apply a small amount of vanilla extract to the affected area, directly with your finger or with the help of a cotton ball. This method can be applied several times a day to treat the painful area.
10. Clove
The nail that we use for cooking and is a fundamental ingredient of Indian food and its typical dishes such as curries, has been used for centuries to relieve symptoms of some common conditions such as the flu, headaches, colds and fever. It works as a natural antipyretic and analgesic.
Clove contains mostly eugenol. Eugenol can help numb the affected area and relieve pain symptoms. The results of a clinical trial on dental patients indicated that it can be used to reduce pain and swelling after tooth extraction; Patients who applied eugenol to their gums and sockets after a tooth was extracted showed less pain and swelling than people who did not use eugenol after the minor procedure.
You can use the cloves by putting them directly, putting a few in your mouth, or making a paste of the cloves and applying it directly to the tooth (or using a tea bag). This method is not a good idea for young children, as they could ingest too much cloves. The nails can be sharp and cause pain if swallowed.
11. Guava leaves
Guava leaves also have anti-inflammatory properties and they can help in the treatment of pain, but they are not as well known in Western countries, the tree is native to tropical America.
In addition to inflammatory properties, guava leaves help heal wounds, and can also be used in oral care to fight bacteria. Chewing fresh guava leaves or adding crushed leaves to boiling water works as a kind of mouthwash that has antimicrobial properties.
