Toothaches are awful! You can eat despite having a sore in your mouth. But toothache is different; you must chew and grind the food. Having a toothache can make eating difficult; you never know how bearable the pain will be after the last pain.
Saltwater Rinse
Warm salt water can relieve inflammation in the gums and surrounding tissues. Inflammation is frequently associated with toothaches, which contribute to swelling and discomfort.
The saltwater rinse helps to soothe inflammatory tissues, alleviating pain and tenderness. Bacteria can infect the tooth or surrounding gums, causing pain. Rinsing with saltwater helps to disinfect the mouth by lowering bacterial load and allowing healing.
How it works
Materials: salt, warm water, and a measuring spoon.
- Use a measuring spoon to accurately measure half a teaspoon of salt.
- Heat some water until it’s warm, but not too hot. Lukewarm water is perfect for this purpose.
- Pour the half teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
- Stir the saltwater mixture until the salt is completely dissolved.
- Take a mouthful of the saltwater mixture and swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds to a minute.
- After swishing, spit out the saltwater into the sink.
You can repeat this process several times a day, especially after meals or whenever you feel discomfort in your gums.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is known for its ability to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. This makes it effective in combating the underlying causes of toothaches, such as bacterial infections and inflammation of the gums.
How it works
Materials: Hydrogen peroxide solution, water, glass or cup, and measuring spoon or cup
- Start by diluting the hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water to achieve a safe concentration for oral use.
- Use a measuring cup or spoon to accurately measure the desired amount of hydrogen peroxide and water for the rinse.
- Take a mouthful of the diluted hydrogen peroxide solution and swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds.
- Spit it out into the sink after swishing to avoid swallowing it.
You can repeat this process several times a day, especially if you’re experiencing persistent toothache discomfort.
Note: However, be sure not to overuse hydrogen peroxide rinse, as excessive exposure can potentially damage oral tissues.
Peppermint
Peppermint contains a substance called menthol, which can make the area around a painful tooth feel numb. This can help reduce the feeling of pain for a little while. Also it has oils that can kill some of the germs in your mouth.
How it works
Materials: Peppermint tea bags or peppermint oil, warm water, glass or cup, measuring spoon or cup (this is optional).
- Heat some water until it’s warm, but not too hot.
- If you’re using peppermint tea bags, dip one or two bags in a cup of warm water for a few minutes to infuse the water with peppermint flavor. If using peppermint oil, add a few drops (usually 1-2 drops per cup of water) to warm water in a cup or glass.
- Stir the water to ensure the peppermint flavor is evenly distributed.
- Take a mouthful of the peppermint-infused water and swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Spit out the peppermint infused water. Then you can repeat this process several times a day.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda has natural antiseptic properties, meaning it can help kill some of the bacteria in the mouth. It can also help reduce inflammation, which is often associated with toothaches.
How it works
Materials: Baking soda, water, small bowl or a cup, and a clean finger or a cotton swab.
- In a small bowl or cup, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
- Once you have the paste ready, use a clean finger or a cotton swab to apply it directly to the gum around the painful tooth.
- Gently massage the baking soda paste into the gum using circular motions.
- Allow the baking soda paste to sit on the gum for about 5 minutes to allow it to work its magic.
- After 5 minutes, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove the baking soda paste.
- Repeat several times a day.
Cold Compress
A cold compress helps to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the affected area. This can reduce inflammation and swelling, which are common causes of toothache discomfort. The cold temperature of the compress can also numb the nerves in the area, providing temporary relief from pain
How it works
Materials: Ice pack, and clean cloth or towel.
- Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and seal it.
- Wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth or towel to protect your skin from direct contact with the cold surface.
- Hold the cold compress against the cheek on the side of your mouth where the toothache is located. Press it gently against the skin, but avoid applying too much pressure, as this can worsen the pain.
- Keep the cold compress in place for about 15 to 20 minutes. This allows enough time for the cold temperature to reduce inflammation and numb the area.
- Repeat every few hours.
Conclusion
The remedies we discussed, such as saltwater, hydrogen peroxide, peppermint, baking soda, or a cold compress, can provide temporary relief from toothache discomfort. However, these are not lasting solutions. It’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible to find out what’s causing the pain and receive appropriate treatment. Ignoring a toothache or relying solely on temporary remedies can exacerbate the situation over time.
