Whether mild or intense, tooth pain can be unpleasant and distracting. Countless toothache remedies that aim to offer quick relief have been passed over the years. But do any of these home remedies for toothaches actually work?
Take a closer look at common techniques for relieving tooth pain at home and what results you can expect from them.
Common Causes of Toothaches
To understand why these remedies may or may not work, it’s essential first to understand why toothaches occur.[1] Some of the most common causes of toothaches include:
Tooth Decay
When the protective layer of enamel on your teeth becomes worn down enough, you can eventually experience a cavity. That cavity can grow until it exposes your tooth’s highly sensitive inner part, which can ache after contact with hot or cold temperatures.
Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when bacteria-filled plaque and tartar build up around your teeth and gums, leading to an infection of the gum and the supporting structures around the tooth. If left unchecked, the infection can progress enough to cause your gums to recede, exposing the sensitive areas of your teeth. This can result in tooth pain, particularly when your teeth are exposed to hot or cold.
Damaged Tooth
A tooth that has sustained damage is more prone to toothaches because the sensitive area of the tooth has been exposed to the outside world. The sensitivity may occur when drinking cold water or chewing food, but if the damage is significant, it may simply ache.
Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
Some people suffer from a condition known as bruxism, which is characterized by an unconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth, often due to stress. This can occur while you are awake, or it can occur during sleep. If left untreated, the grinding can slowly erode the tooth’s protective enamel and open the door for increased sensitivity, a higher risk of cavities, and a greater likelihood of toothaches.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a buildup of pus around the area of a tooth as the result of a bacterial infection. Symptoms include bad breath, fever, and dental pain. This issue requires the immediate help of a medical or dental professional, so if you suspect you have an abscess, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist immediately.
Common Toothache Remedies That Can Offer Relief
Throughout history, people have developed some strange home remedies for toothache pain. People in the Middle Ages believed it was a worm causing their toothache and would try to coax it out to alleviate their pain.[2] The ancient Egyptians would use a paste made from mice.[3] And some cultures thought cutting your fingernails on a Friday would relieve a toothache for the next week.[4]
As you can imagine, none of these methods are particularly effective. However, specific modern home remedies for toothaches can provide some relief.[5]
Use an Ice Pack
Some of your pain may be caused by inflammation, which ice can help to reduce. Ice can also have a numbing effect that may alleviate a portion of the discomfort you’re feeling. Hold the ice pack or cold compress to your cheek for about 15 minutes, and then repeat after letting the area rest for a bit.
Rinse With Salt Water
Salt can help to clean the area, battle infection, and reduce inflammation. Additionally, if you have something stuck in your teeth that’s causing the issue, rinsing can help dislodge it. You’ll want to take a small cup of warm water, add half a teaspoon of salt to it, and rinse your mouth with this mixture. You can do this several times a day.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If your tooth pain is mild to moderate, you may be able to get some relief from over-the-counter medications. For example, ibuprofen’s anti-inflammatory effects may reduce some pain, but acetaminophen can also be effective. Just make sure you’re careful to take the proper dosage.
There are also numbing agents like Anbesol (benzocaine) that can be applied to the tooth and surrounding area for temporary relief.
Try Cloves and Vanilla Extract
If you’re in a pinch and unable to use over-the-counter medications, you may be able to turn to your kitchen for short-term pain relief.
Clove is antiseptic, meaning it can eliminate bacteria and battle infection. It also possesses analgesic properties, allowing it to aid in reducing pain. Soaking a cotton ball in clove oil and applying it to the affected area is one way to enjoy these benefits.
Vanilla extract may also be helpful due to its anti-inflammatory properties. You might try placing a bit on the aching tooth every so often.
Your Dentist Is the Most Effective Solution for a Toothache
While these home remedies may offer some relief from the symptoms of a toothache, their effects are often temporary, as they typically cannot address the root cause of your tooth pain. That is why the best solution to tooth pain is always to visit your dentist, whether your pain is mild or severe.
Your dentist can diagnose the cause of your toothache and take the necessary steps to treat it effectively and efficiently. If your tooth pain is persistent or severe, it is vital to seek the help of a dental professional as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications.
At Empire Dental Care, our experienced team has proudly provided a wide range of dental services to families in the Webster and Rochester, NY, area. For gentle care you can trust, call us at 585-671-1650 or reach out online today.
Sources:
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10522185/
[3] https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/15-most-bizarre-medical-treatments-ever/2/
[4] https://www.jstor.org/stable/535145
[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache
