It’s the witching hour, and everyone’s cozily tucked in—except you. The sharp, pounding ache in your tooth has kept you up with seemingly no end in sight.
Here are a few home remedies you can try to help ease your toothache:
- Cold Compress/Ice Pack – Wrap some ice cubes or a bag of frozen peas in a towel and hold it against your aching tooth. The cold helps constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the area and soothing inflamed nerves. As blissful numbness sets in, the constant hammering will finally start to fade. Sweet relief!
- OTC Meds – An over-the-counter painkiller, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, will help dull your toothache. Just don’t place pills directly on your gums, as they can cause a burning sensation. And always remember to do it responsibly. That means taking only the recommended dosage and avoiding aspirin if the affected individual is under 16.
- Warm Saltwater Mouthwash – Alternatively, try swishing some warm water mixed with salt around your mouth. This helps draw out fluid and debris from inflamed tissue around the tooth, easing swelling and pain. The saltwater wash also distracts from the painful sensation pulsing through your jaw. After a few swishes, the warmth should hopefully soothe your toothache.
Although you can probably get some sleep with these temporary fixes, remember that the relief is only temporary. For a lasting solution, be sure to see your dentist in the morning to get your troublesome toothache properly examined and treated.
If you’ve recently been experiencing a persistent toothache, promptly reach out to us to schedule a dental appointment.