8 Natural Ways To Ward Off Toothache Pain Until You Get To Your Dentist
When you are suffering from toothache pain, you want safe, fast and effective relief. While it's always best to see the dentist when you've got a toothache, this may not be possible after normal office hours. Fortunately, there are ways to safely ward off the dull ache without the use of pain relievers that may cause side effects. While you're waiting for your appointment, try the following to reduce or eliminate your toothache pain naturally:
1. Check for Food Wedged Between Your Teeth
This sounds almost too obvious, but lodged food between the teeth may cause pain, especially when you chew. A hard sliver of cracker may be easy to spot, although a sesame seed is tougher to notice. The simple solution is to gently floss the area of discomfort. Rise your mouth with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide afterward, to destroy bacteria as well as dull the pain.
If rinsing and flossing doesn't provide relief, try using a special device you can purchase at your pharmacy. When used carefully, an interdental brush may be effective. This type of dental instrument is designed to remove plaque and food particles trapped in tight gaps between the teeth.
2. Grab Some Clove Oil and a Cotton Ball
Most health food stores carry clove oil, so keep some on hand for dental emergencies, as clove tends to have a pain relieving effect. Don't apply the oil directly to your tooth or gums, as this may be too strong and cause further irritation. Instead, dab a drop or two of the oil onto a cotton ball. Place the oil-soaked cotton ball directly onto the aching tooth. Leave the cotton ball in place for several minutes or until you feel relief.
3. Use Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another pain-numbing substance. When applied topically, it may help to de-sensitize nerve endings in the tooth. Use the same method of applying with a cotton ball, and take caution not to swallow any of it. Alternatively, you may pour a drop or two on a clean fingertip and massage the surrounding gums.
4. Apply Some Fresh Ginger
Mix some powered ginger with water and apply the paste to your aching tooth or gums. This herb has pain relieving properties when applied directly to the area of discomfort.
5. Try a Turmeric Paste
If you have fresh herbs in your pantry, chances are you have some turmeric. This herb has potent antibacterial properties and is also effective as a topical pain reliever. Simply mix a small amount with a bit of warm water to make a paste. You may apply the paste directly to your aching tooth and surrounding gums. If you prefer, you may apply the paste to a wad of cotton, then place the cotton on the affected area.
6. Reach for a Peppermint Tea Bag
For pain-numbing relief, soak a peppermint tea bag in warm water, then place it on your tooth. Hold this in place for several minutes until relief is felt. Alternatively, you may try rinsing with warm peppermint tea brewed from fresh lea leaves.
7. Mash Some Cucumber
Mashed cucumber applied to the affected tooth may bring some relief. Cucumber tends to reduce blood flow, thus helping to reduce the throbbing pain. If you don't want to mash it, simply place a thin slice on the affected area.
8. Use an Ice Pack
For numbing relief, try using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek. Hold this in place for 20-30 minutes. This may reduce the swelling and dull the pain. Be sure to wrap the ice in a cloth or plastic bag, and never place ice directly on the tooth.
As a final word of caution, the above mentioned advice is meant to provide temporary relief only. A toothache or oral pain should be evaluated by your dentist. You can visit sites like http://www.owocfamilydentistry.com to search for local dentists.