How to Relieve Tooth Pain

If your mouth is sore and/or tender, you are likely scrambling for ways to stop tooth pain. An effective way to stop tooth pain is to visit the dentist as soon as possible. However, your dentist might not be available in the hours after your tooth pain sets in. Thus, you can be proactive and follow these steps to alleviate the pain until you receive professional treatment.

Tips to ease tooth pain

Rinse With Warm Salt Water

The first step that one can take is to rinse the mouth out with warm salt water. It is beneficial to do this regardless of whether you can visit with your dentist in the next hour or if it will take upwards of a couple days. Swish the water around for at least half a minute before spitting it back out. Do not swallow the water.

In terms of how much salt to use, it is generally prudent to combine half a teaspoon of table salt with eight ounces of water. It might also help to lightly floss around the tooth in question to remove those small bits of food lodged between the teeth and gums.

Apply a Cold Compress

If the tooth pain is causing swelling, go ahead and place an ice pack on the cheek where swelling shows. This compress will reduce pain, especially if the tooth is chipped or loose. Swelling might also indicate there is an abscess. An abscess can lead to an infection so be sure to have your dentist identify the root cause of your tooth pain.

OTC Pain Relief

You can temporarily stop tooth pain with an OTC pain relief.  Dentists advise acetaminophen for youngsters.  Adults can choose an over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen.  If you select aspirin for pain relief, be sure to swallow it rather than applying it directly to the tooth.

Clove Oil

Clove oil is an all-natural remedy to stop tooth pain.  Also referred to as Eugenol, clove oil combats infection thanks to its antioxidant, antibacterial and anesthetic properties.  Clove oil reduces tooth pain and proves quite soothing. You can rub it directly against the sore tooth.  Alternatively, you can soak a cotton ball with clove oil and press it against the gums and teeth.

Use Mouthwash or Clove Oil

Both mouthwash and clove oil can help to ease some tooth pain.  Swish it around in your mouth and it just might temporarily stop your tooth pain. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and lightly press it to the sore tooth avoiding contact with other parts of the mouth. It is important to note that this is a temporary relief and not a permanent solution.

Ice

Fill up a ziplock bag with ice, seal it, wrap a cloth around it and hold it to your cheek where the tooth hurts. The cold temperature numbs the pain. However, it should not be directly applied to the painful tooth. A tooth inflamed due to a toothache is sensitive to cold and warm temperatures so the direct application of ice will only heighten the pain.

Call us at (414) 888-4000 for more information from Eastside Dental or to schedule an appointment in our dentist office in Milwaukee.