Four Easy Home Remedies for Toothaches
Is a toothache getting on your nerves? There are a few things you can try at home to get some relief. The great thing is that all of these DIY treatments use products you probably already have at home so there’s no need to make a special shopping trip for fancy items you have no other use for.
1. Try a Saltwater Rinse
You might be surprised how two things as simple as salt and water put together can be a help with pain management. Fill a cup with about eight ounces of warm water (not hot!), mix in around half a teaspoon of salt, and then use that mixture to gargle and rinse a few times. The saltwater rinse can not only provide pain relief but also reduce inflammation.
2. Use a Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Another type of rinse you can try is a hydrogen peroxide rinse. With this, it’s critical that you take certain safety precautions. You must dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water, using a 50/50 ration. You also should not swallow the rinse. This home remedy is better for adults rather than kids who may accidentally consume the hydrogen peroxide.
3. Apply a Cold Compress
Get a cold compress or cold pack and hold it on the part of your cheek or jaw where you feel the tooth pain. If you don’t have a cold compress or cold pack, then putting some ice in a Ziplock bag or grabbing a bag of frozen veggies and wrapping that in a clean towel should do the trick too.
4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
If you’re open and able to take pain medication, then an over-the-counter option like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help you feel better. Be sure to follow the exact dosage instructions for the medication you choose, and don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you’re unsure if you can and should take something.
If All Else Fails, Visit the Dentist!
If your toothache continues to bother you, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with a dentist. Home remedies can give you relief, but they can’t always get to the root of the problem. With their expert assessment and extra tools like X-rays, they can figure out what’s actually causing the pain since toothaches can be caused by a number of different things.