Toothaches occur when the nerves inside the tooth are exposed or irritated, causing mild to severe pain. There are many causes for toothaches, the most common of which are cavities, gum disease and infections. They can also occur due to loose fillings, jaw joint disorders or a cracked tooth.
When a toothache occurs, there are many types of home remedies that can help to soothe and bring about temporary relief before you get it checked by a dentist.
You can take over-the-counter pain relief medication – common brands include Advil, Panadol and ibuprofen – to soothe the pangs. There are also topical medications and numbing agents designed specifically for relieving tooth pain that you can ask your local pharmacist about.
If you prefer a more organic method, you can try a salt water rinse. You may be surprised how this simple method is capable of soothing even the most intense or excruciating tooth pains. Simply dissolve a few teaspoons of salt in water at room temperature and rinse your mouth repeatedly with it. You might experience an acutely painful sensation at first but the pain will generally subside with repeated application of the salt rinse.
You can also try sucking on an ice cube to numb the pain, particularly if the pain is felt in your gums. If you are experiencing jaw pains, applying an ice pack around the area of the jaw can be very effective. Depending on what is soothing for you, you can also try a hot compress for quick relief. However, if bleeding occurs, it is more advisable to use a cold rather than hot compress to allow faster blood clot. Avoid taking aspirin as it can also increase the bleeding.
Other home remedies use common spices and ingredients that you will find in most kitchens. For example, a high concentration of antioxidants which are found in cloves are known to eliminate toothaches while helping to fight against bacterial infections.
Garlic possesses antibiotic and analgesic properties that will help soothe your toothache. If you can handle the taste – and the bad breath afterwards – chewing a few cloves of garlic is considered one of the best home remedies for aching teeth. You can also mix garlic powder with salted water into a paste for applying directly on to your aching tooth for a quick relief.
Of course, prevention is always better than a cure. To avoid the pain and discomfort that comes with a toothache, all you need to do is take simple but regular preventive measures. It begins with practicing proper oral care routines at home like twice daily brushing and daily flossing. You should at least brush once when you wake up and again before bedtime. Flossing, preferably done after every meal, helps to dislodge the food debris that gets trapped between teeth.
Maintaining a healthy diet is also an essential component of preventive dental care. Avoiding food and drinks that are high in sugar content will significantly reduce the negative effects of oral bacteria that thrive on sugar.
Finally, there is no substitute for visiting your dentist every six months for a regular oral examination and professional cleaning. Only then are you able to make sure that your teeth and gums are kept in check – and free from any aches.
At Face Value Dental, we offer a range of Dental Treatment Options that are designed to protect and rejuvenate your smile. If you’re interested to find out more, please contact us on 07 3221 0677 or visit our web page http://www.facevaluedental.com/General-Dentistry.html for more information.