Toothache Relief: Home Remedies vs. When to Call the Doctor
By Dr. Jane Collins | February 18, 2025
There are few things more distracting than a relentless toothache. Whether it's a dull throb or a sharp jolt, tooth pain demands your attention. While the only permanent cure for a toothache is professional dental treatment, there are ways to manage the pain until your appointment.
However, relying too long on home remedies can be dangerous. It's crucial to know the difference between managing discomfort and ignoring a serious problem.
Effective Home Remedies (For Temporary Relief)
These methods can help reduce inflammation and dull the pain while you wait for your dentist appointment:
- Salt Water Rinse: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and swish gently. This helps clean the area and reduce swelling.
- Cold Compress: Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes at a time. This numbs the area and reduces inflammation.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen (Advil) is often effective because it reduces inflammation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also help with pain. Always follow the label instructions.
- Clove Oil: A tiny dab of clove oil on a cotton ball applied to the tooth can provide temporary numbing relief (thanks to eugenol, a natural anesthetic).
What NOT to Do
- Do NOT put aspirin directly on your tooth or gums. This is an old myth and can cause severe chemical burns to your gum tissue.
- Do NOT ignore the pain just because it goes away. If the nerve dies, the pain might stop, but the infection is still there and spreading.
- Do NOT use sharp objects to pick at your teeth. You could damage the gum or scratch the enamel.
When to Stop Home Care and Call the Dentist
Home remedies are a bridge, not a cure. You need to see a dentist immediately if:
- The pain persists for more than 1-2 days.
- You have a fever or earache (signs of spreading infection).
- You notice swelling in your jaw or face.
- It hurts to open your mouth wide.
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