Can I Treat a Toothache at Home?

There may be nothing worse than dealing with a toothache. Even mild tooth pain can seem unbearable. While a trip to the dentist may be necessary, there are several things you can do at home to treat a toothache or dull the pain until you can make a dental appointment.

Read More Dental Articles

We dive into the causes behind toothaches, home remedies you can use to treat a toothache and how to know when it’s time to see a dentist.

What Causes Toothaches?

Typically, toothaches are indicative of some type of issue with your teeth or gums. There are several reasons why you might be experiencing tooth pain, such as:

• Food particles stuck in teeth or gums
• Infection in the tooth or gum area
• Tooth decay
• Abscessed tooth
• Cracked or chipped tooth
• Broken filling
• Gum disease
• Tooth trauma
• Teeth grinding
• Sinus infection

Talk to a Pro

What Are Some Home Toothache Remedies?

Tooth pain can reveal itself in numerous ways, including:

• Dull ache
• Throbbing pain
• Swelling in the jaw area
• Swelling of the gums
• Teeth sensitivity
• Headache

No matter what type of toothache you have, it can be extremely painful. It’s likely that you’ll want to find toothache relief as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are a few home remedies you can try to help minimize the pain.

More Related Articles:

• How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
• Do Dentists Offer Payment Plans?
• Everything You Need to Know About Emergency Dentists
• How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?
• How Much Do Dentures Cost?

Brush and Floss

You want to start by thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth. This step can help remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth or in your gums.

Rinse With Warm Water

Next, you can rinse your mouth with warm water or antiseptic mouthwash. Many people also choose to rinse with warm salt water because salt is known to have healing properties. Simply add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water, swish it around in your mouth for 15 to 20 seconds and then spit it out.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

You can also take over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, Advil or Motrin, to help numb the pain and reduce any fever. Be sure to take any medicine as directed on the bottle.

Cold Compress

Some people find toothache relief by applying a cold compress to the affected area for about 20 minutes at a time. This home remedy is especially beneficial if you’re experiencing swelling or the tooth pain is due to an injury.

Clove Oil

Certain spices, such as cloves, are known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat a toothache until you can get to the dentist. You can use clove oil by using a clean cotton ball to apply it to the impacted area or chew on dried cloves and then apply it to the affected area. Some people have found toothache relief using other spices, including garlic, peppermint and thyme.

At What Point Should I Go to the Dentist?

If the tooth pain goes away shortly after rinsing your mouth with warm water, there may be no reason to seek immediate dental care. If, on the other hand, you’re experiencing severe symptoms, such as swelling or a fever, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible.

You should also contact your dentist immediately if your tooth is chipped, cracked or loose; it has fallen out; if you have a loose or broken filling; or if your tooth pain doesn’t subside after taking pain medication. Finally, if your toothache doesn’t go away within twoH days of trying any of the home remedies listed above, it’s time to contact your dentist.

Your dentists can examine your teeth and gums to determine the cause of your toothache. Depending on your specific situation, your dentist may recommend various treatments, including fillings, tooth extractions, root canals or dental crowns or inlays. Your dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic to help fight any infection you may have.

Using home toothache remedies can help reduce pain, at least on a short-term basis. If your toothache persists for more than two days, it could indicate a serious dental problem. Contact your dentist immediately to schedule a checkup.