There’s nothing that can ruin a day quite like a toothache. While there are a number of reasons for tooth pain, many toothaches can be soothed or even cured with easy-to-follow at-home remedies.
1. Clove Oil
This isn’t a new remedy for tooth pain, but it might be new to you if you’re not used to using holistic cures. Not only does clove act as an anti-bacterial, but it’s also a mild anesthetic. Add three drops of clove oil to 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil. Soak a cotton ball with the mixture. Put the cotton ball near the aching tooth and bite down.
2. Painkillers
Ibuprofen, aspirin, and other over-the-counter painkillers may temporarily relieve toothache pain while reducing inflammation.
3. Salt Water
Salt can help take down inflammation, which will alleviate toothaches by stopping gum inflammation. Salt water will also keep bacteria from spreading to other areas of the mouth.
Pour a large teaspoon of table salt into a glass filled with warm water. Swish the salt water in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Throughout the day, repeat this as much as needed. (P.S. This can also help get rid of canker sores.)
Keep in mind that if you have a heart condition, don’t use this remedy without first talking to your doctor.
Winter Tooth Woes
Playing in the snow is fun, but all that cold can make your teeth ache. Follow these tips for keeping your teeth feeling as good as they look during the wintertime.
1. When you’re outside, breathe in and out through your nose instead of your mouth. When you breathe through your mouth, the cold air comes in direct contact with your teeth. The quick change in temperature is what causes that tooth pain.
2. Keep a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea nearby when you’re outside in the cold, especially if you’ll be outdoors for a while. By sipping on a warm drink, you’ll warm up your teeth, which will reduce aching. Even hot water will do the trick in a pinch.
3. Up to three times a day, rinse your mouth out with a fluoride-containing mouthwash. Fluoride seals teeth so that cold can’t creep in. If you normally have sensitive teeth, this is a good trick to use year-round.
4. Next time you go shopping, look for a desensitizing toothpaste, which blocks the feeling that people associate with having cold-sensitive teeth.
There’s a lot of information out there about taking care of your smile – brands like Kool Smiles provide helpful information for families to care for their teeth. However, if your toothache persists or starts to affect other parts of your body, like your shoulders or jaw, schedule an appointment with a dentist immediately. If your teeth still hurt after warming them up, that could point to a larger problem, like gum disease or tooth decay.
