Toothaches are a bummer—you can’t help but think about anything else when you’ve got that nagging pain. From a cavity to a broken tooth to a general pain-in-the-butt ache, relief is a necessity. While you’re sitting around waiting for your dentist appointment, there are a couple of things you can do to ward off the pain and hopefully survive until the appointment.
First, let’s talk about over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen (which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs) are often recommended because they help reduce both pain and swelling. They tend to work better than opioids for dental pain, so they’re a solid first option. Just make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label.
Cold treatment is another trick that works. A cold compress on the side of your face that’s hurt can minimize swelling and dull the pain. You can wrap ice in a towel and push it against your cheek for 15-20 minutes every few hours. It may not cure the issue, but it can make a big difference, particularly when you’re in desperate need of sleeping.
Sleeping with your head propped up another night also works, believe it or not. By sleeping in this position, you can stop blood from rushing towards your head and worsening the pain. A couple of extra pillows should help.
If you prefer more natural remedies, clove oil is worth considering. The eugenol, which is the active ingredient, has both numbing and antimicrobial qualities. You can wet a cotton ball in clove oil, blot out excess, and hold it against the sore tooth for 10 seconds or so. It’s a temporary solution only, but it may provide some relief until you can see a dentist.
Another easy and effective treatment is saltwater mouth rinses. The salt can combat bacteria and decrease inflammation. Simply combine one-half teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, swish for a few seconds around your mouth, and then spit it out. It’s a simple solution to keep the area clean and alleviate some discomfort.
If the pain is caused by a cracked or fractured tooth, it may be particularly severe. Avoid hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods, as they may irritate the exposed dentin layers of the tooth. Eat softer foods to prevent the situation from worsening.
For severe pain, numbing gels that have benzocaine or lidocaine can provide temporary relief by anesthetizing the area. Just put a little on the affected area, but use them with caution, particularly for children.
Lastly, do not overlook good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth gently with a soft brush and flossing daily can keep things clean, avoid additional damage, and alleviate some of the pain. Following brushing, a warm saltwater rinse may also be comforting.
These suggestions may relieve the pain for a while but do not forget to consult a dentist to attack the root of the problem. Toothaches are usually symptoms of underlying causes that require professional attention.
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