Your emergency dentist will do everything possible to see you quickly in the event of a severe toothache. This symptom could mean that you have a serious cavity, gum disease, or an infection, and your dentist knows it’s best to treat these conditions sooner than later!
However, you might have to wait a bit before you can go to your emergency appointment. No one wants you to be in pain during that time, so here are some home remedies you can make swiftly and easily – besides taking pain relievers or applying a cold compress.
#1. Tea Bags – Especially Peppermint
A warm or cold tea bag will do; it’s up to your preference and which sensation you feel will most effectively soothe your toothache. Whether you’re going to apply it right off the kettle or let it freeze in the refrigerator, you’ll want to use it first! Otherwise, the herbal leaves won’t be activated when you apply it to your tooth.
Peppermint can help you fight off bacteria and has a slight numbing effect, so if you have this flavor in your pantry, be sure to use it!
#2. Garlic Paste
There are actually a few ways you could use garlic to help with your toothache, but you’d probably rather not chew on a raw clove. Instead, you can grind it into a paste, or simply soak a cotton ball in garlic oil and touch it to your ache. Like peppermint, garlic has anti-bacterial and pain-relieving qualities.
#3. Vanilla Extract
What makes vanilla unique on this list is that it can reduce inflammation. Inflammation is your body’s natural and protective response to harmful agents like bacteria and infection, but it can also apply pressure to your tooth and cause irritation. Pure vanilla extract has the added benefit of containing alcohol, which is a great antioxidant and can help numb your tooth.
#4. Saltwater Rinse
Perhaps the simplest thing you can do is mix about ½ teaspoon of salt into a warm glass of water and swish the mixture around your mouth. Saltwater can disinfect, loosen debris that might be stuck between your teeth and causing discomfort, reduce inflammation, and help your body’s healing process. Now that’s a super solution!
Remember that these remedies are just that – short-term applications to help alleviate your toothache pain and slow bacterial growth. Even if your toothache seems to subside, you should still go to your dental appointment for a diagnosis and permanent treatment. Once you arrive at your dentist’s office, they’ll do all the heavy lifting, so try to relax and let them take care of you!
About the Practice
Our dentists at Crossroads Family Dentistry are warm, friendly people who care about their patients’ comfort and emotional wellbeing during their visits. You’ll see them working to maintain a light office atmosphere to help put patients at ease, even in the face of a dental emergency. They’re also skilled professionals and highly experienced as dentists, so you can trust our team to accurately diagnose your toothache and provide prompt treatment. To contact our office to request a same-day emergency appointment, call 434-841-1704.