Whether it is a dull, consistent discomfort or a sharp, stabbing pain, toothaches can be inconvenient and downright painful. While your first instinct may be to reach for some over-the-counter medication, the ingredients for fast, effective relief can actually be found in your pantry! Your emergency dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach shares five at-home remedies for a toothache you can use until your appointment.
Swish with Salt and Water
Although simple, dissolving salt in a warm glass of water is a powerful disinfectant that kills bacteria and prevents infection. Plus, it can dislodge food particles, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help heal any oral wounds. To use this at-home remedy, use a ½ teaspoon of salt for every 8 ounces of water. Heat the water until it is warm and then stir in the salt so it dissolves into the solution. From there, swish it around in your mouth for 10 seconds at a time before spitting it out and repeating the process.
Apply a Cold Compress
When an infection occurs, your body sends infection-fighting cells to the affected area through your bloodstream. This can cause swelling, which can be both painful and irritating. To reduce the inflammation, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to constrict the blood vessels and take the edge off the discomfort.
Use Garlic
Whether you love the flavor or avoid it at all costs, its medicinal properties cannot be debated. In fact, it can kill plaque-causing bacteria and act as an effective pain reliever. To use this at-home remedy, crush a clove of garlic into a paste and apply it to the affected tooth. You can also slowly (and gently!) chew a fresh garlic clove to treat the problem area.
Mix Ginger and Cayenne Powder
Although these two spices are known for their heat, they are also potent painkillers. In fact, capsaicin, a chemical of cayenne, can block pain messages from reaching the brain. Therefore, add water to equal parts of ginger and cayenne to make a paste. From there, saturate a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to the tooth. While it may burn, you can leave it on the affected area until the pain subsides.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an antimicrobial agent that can be used to clean wounds and fight bacterial infections. However, it is important to dilute it properly to safely relieve pain without causing your body further harm. Therefore, make sure to properly dilute it by mixing equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide. From there, use it as a mouthwash by rinsing with it before spitting it out.
To treat the root of the issue, you must visit your dentist as soon as possible. However, if you must wait a few days (or even a few hours) until your appointment, don’t hesitate to make a trip to your pantry for some effective at-home relief. That way, you can relieve some of the swelling and irritation until you get the long-term treatment you need!
About the Practice
At Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, each member of the team is united by their mission to make each patient’s experience exceptional from when they first walk in to when they check-out. Therefore, patients can expect a convenient location, ample parking, warm greetings, the latest dental techniques, and world-class service whether it is a routine cleaning or specialty procedure. If you are looking for a dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach to relieve your tooth pain, don’t hesitate to visit their website or give them a call at 904-285-7711.