If you’re suffering from a toothache, you want as much relief as you can get. Even after you make an appointment with an emergency dentist and buy your OTC pain medication, you could still be in for a day or so where you’re distracted by your tooth. If that’s you, then here are three home remedies you can try before your dental appointment to relieve some pain.
Ginger Cayenne Paste
Starting with a little bit of a kick, applying a ginger-cayenne paste to a cotton ball and holding it to your tooth can have a numbing effect. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper is what makes it so spicy, but it’s also been shown to cut off other pain messages to the brain. Just be careful not to get any on your tongue; the mixture is bound to be hot.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Many times, a toothache is caused by an infection either under the gumline or inside the tooth. This is more likely to be true if your toothache is accompanied by a sour taste in your mouth or a fever. Hydrogen peroxide, a disinfectant, can kill some of the bacteria causing the infection. Simply swish around a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution the way you would mouthwash, then spit it out. Afterward, rinse with water a few times.
Clove Oil
Cloves are rich in a chemical called eugenol, which is a natural painkiller. Put two drops of clove oil onto a cotton ball and place it directly on the affected tooth until you feel relief. You can even use whole cloves; place one on your tooth and bite down slightly, releasing the oil. If you go this route, you’ll have to leave it for around half an hour before the pain will subside.
It’s important to note, however, that clove oil can irritate the soft tissue in the mouth. Apply the clove oil carefully onto the tooth itself, while being careful to avoid the gums and tongue.
It should be reiterated that none of these procedures will cure your infection. Your toothache will not completely go away until the underlying issue is resolved by your dentist. Don’t worry though, with these tips you’ll be able to make it to your appointment with no problem.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Rose approaches oral health as a collaboration between dentist and patient. He can use his vast knowledge of dentistry to give you the tools to make an informed decision. Dr. Rose is a graduate of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and is a proud member of the American Dental Association. He also offers same and next-day emergency appointments, so if you’re in pain, you won’t have to stick it out for long. If you need help with a dental emergency, Dr. Rose can be reached at his website or by phone at (702) 459-8998.