Book an Appointment
Book an Appointment

Five Effective Home Remedies for Toothache Relief in 2024

Dental Designs Clinic Singapore
08 Jul, 2024

Have you ever felt tired of dealing with the throbbing pain of a toothache? Look no further as we dive into the world of effective home remedies that can relieve you. While these home remedies can offer immediate relief, it is essential to remember that they are not a substitute for professional treatment. 

Don't let a toothache ruin your day - try these home remedies for temporary relief and prioritise your dental health with regular check-ups.

What are the possible causes of toothache?

Toothaches can be a real pain and strike us at the most unusual times. Various toothache causes, such as dental cavities, gum disease, tooth infections, grinding teeth and sinus infections may cause it. Understanding the underlying causes of toothaches is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Here's an article on the causes of toothache, for an in-depth read.

 

Common Home Remedies for Toothache Relief

With our hectic lifestyles, we may find it challenging to secure a dentist appointment promptly when experiencing toothache! Fortunately, various home remedies can temporarily relieve tooth pain until a dental visit is possible. These include:

1) Salt water Rinses

This is one of the most common and efficient methods of relieving pain and swelling associated with toothache. This warm salt water solution acts as a disinfectant, helps heal oral wounds, and reduces inflammation.  

Direction of use

  • Mix 1/2 teaspoon of water with a glass of warm water, take a sip and rinse in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
  • Remember to use warm water instead of hot water while rinsing, as hot water may burn your mouth.

warm saltwater

 

2) Cold compress

A cold compress is another standard method of relieving dental pain.  A cold compress can help to ease pain by numbing the pain and reducing the inflammation. This method is especially helpful for alleviating pain after surgical procedures to reduce post-operative swelling. This helps numb the pain and reduce swelling.

Direction of use

  • Place some ice cubes wrapped around by a towel onto the affected area for 15 minutes. Repeat this a few times a day to relieve pain!
  • You can also opt for a cold pack, readily available at your local pharmacy.

cold compress on a table


3) Clove oil

Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic that helps relieve pain and inflammation. It is one of the most used home remedies for toothache. This is a natural remedy for tooth pain due to its analgesic and antibacterial properties. 

Direction of use

  • Dip a cotton ball or swab with clove oil and apply to the area of concern.

clove-essential-oil-bottle-wooden-table-alternative-medicine

 

Related Articles

 

4) Peppermint Tea bags

It possesses natural numbing qualities that can provide relief for toothache.

Direction of use

  • Apply a used peppermint tea bag onto the area of pain for pain relief. Ensure that you do not use a hot tea bag as it irritates the sore area.

 

Tooth-Pain-Remedy-Peppermint-Teabag

 

5) Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide rinse using a small amount can also be used as an alternative solution to saltwater rinses for toothache relief. It's antibacterial properties can help kill bacteria in the mouth and reduce inflammation around an affected tooth.

Direction of use

  • Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide with water and use it as a mouthwash, swishing it around for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Be sure not to swallow the mixture and to dilute hydrogen peroxide before using it.

hydrogen peroxide rinse

Treating tooth decay at home involves good oral hygiene and sometimes professional intervention. Pain relievers are commonly used to ease discomfort but it is important to remember that while these home remedies help relieve toothache temporarily, they are not a substitute for professional dental care.

Tooth pain at night can be particularly troublesome. Here are a few more pointers that could make the night a bit easier before it's time to visit the doctor's in the morning. Elevate your head with an extra pillow to reduce blood flow to the affected area, which can help decrease pain. Additionally, avoid eating cold, hot, or acidic foods before bed. Applying vanilla extract, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, has also been shown to soothe the teeth and gums but more research is needed on this.

 

Conclusion

It is essential to prioritise dental visits and follow the guidance of your dentist for effective and long-lasting relief from toothache. Visiting your dentist is crucial because it ensures proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of your toothache.

While these remedies may provide immediate relief, using them as a long-term solution can harm your oral health. Remember, prevention is always better than cure and maintaining good oral hygiene is vital to preventing toothaches and promoting overall dental health.

 

References

  1.  Alfred D. Wyatt Jr., DMD, Shawna Seed Toothache Relief and Home Remedies https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/home-remedies-toothache March 24, 2024

  2. Leonard A. Cohen DDS, MPH, MS, Arthur J. Bonito PhD, Donald R. Akin MS, Richard J. Manski DDS, PhD, MBA, Mark D. Macek DDS, DrPH, Robert R. Edwards PhD, Llewellyn J. Cornelius PhD| Toothache pain: Behavioral impact and self-care strategies https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2008.00068.x 04 March 2009