Few things are worse than a horrible toothache. Your tooth might be tiny, but it can send radiating pain across your face and neck. When you’re experiencing this type of discomfort, you may feel desperate to try anything that will relieve your pain. But do those old, down-home remedies actually work? Actually, some of them can be quite effective at numbing discomfort – temporarily. You still need to contact a dentist for restorative care before the pain gets worse and your tooth is damaged beyond repair.
At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud offers a wide range of treatments for a toothache. Of course, the right option for you will depend on the cause of your toothache and the overall health of your tooth. And, though she will get you in for an appointment as soon as possible, Dr. Glud will also provide guidance to help you minimize your pain before you come into the office.
Contact our Lombard, IL, office for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Cold Compresses
A cold compress or ice pack will constrict blood vessels and temporarily slow blood flow to the area. In turn, this will numb your mouth and reduce swelling.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are great ways to manage the pain of a toothache. If your child is experiencing dental pain, make sure you use an appropriate dosage for his age and weight. Check with your pediatrician for more information.
Saltwater Rinse
When you were a kid, your mom may have told you to gargle with warm saltwater for a sore throat. It turns out, this works to relieve toothache pain, too. Plus, the salt can help to combat oral bacteria. To try it, dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and swish for thirty seconds.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Similarly, a hydrogen peroxide rinse can alleviate pain and fight bacteria. To make a mouthwash, use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and mix it with an equal portion of water. Rinse your mouth thoroughly before spitting. Never swallow hydrogen peroxide.
Topical Gels and Sprays
At your local drugstore, you can buy many topical products specifically designed to alleviate oral pain. Most of these contain benzocaine, which numbs the area. Be aware that benzocaine can cause a life threatening condition called methemoglobinemia. This complication is extremely rare. Nonetheless, the FDA warns that benzocaine products should not be used in children under age 2.
Garlic
Garlic not only fights off vampires. It can also fight oral microbes, thanks to the compound allicin. When you chew a whole or crushed garlic clove, you may experience pain relief. You can also make a paste to put over the affected tooth. Be aware, however, that this can have serious (though not permanent) consequences for your breath!
When should you see a dentist for a toothache?
These home remedies are only meant as a temporary measure. If you have severe pain or a toothache that lasts more than two days, contact your dentist. You should also call us if you experience a fever or earache in conjunction with your toothache.
Contact Dental Care of Lombard
To experience quick pain relief, contact our office today. Send us a message online or call (630) 629-5700.
