Tips for Treating a Toothache

Getting a toothache is very common and can occur for a variety of reasons. You can get a toothache if you have a chipped or broken tooth, if you get hit in the mouth while playing sports or during an accident or if you lose a dental filling.

If you are dealing with a toothache, the first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment with your dentist. If you have to wait a few days before you can see your dentist, these tips will make the pain manageable until you are able to see your dentist.

How to treat a toothache at home

Painkillers

The most convenient way to deal with a toothache until you get to see your dentist if by taking over-the-counter medication for the pain. Medication like aspirin and ibuprofen help to reduce the pain and any fever associated with your toothache.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea helps to reduce the pain associated with toothaches because it has numbing properties that help to reduce the pain. The tea also has menthol, which is an antibacterial that disinfects your mouth and also reduces any swelling you might have.

To prepare the tea, you have to put one teaspoon of dried tea leaves in boiling water and let it sit until it cools down. Once the tea has cooled, you can either drink it or swish it around in your mouth and spit it out.

Ice pack

If you do not want to take medication for the pain, an ice pack can be quite effective as well. All you have to do is apply the pack above the swollen side of your mouth for a few minutes and continue doing so until the swelling goes down or the pain goes away.

If you do not have an ice pack, you can make one by wrapping ice cubes in a towel and applying it to your mouth or using a bag of frozen peas. Applying ice to the affected area is effective because the ice constricts the blood vessels, reducing the flow of blood to the swollen part of your mouth, which reduces the swelling and numbs the pain in the process.

Saltwater

Saltwater is a natural disinfectant that can be used to reduce swelling when you have a toothache. Mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water and use the mixture to rinse out your mouth. Swishing the water around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out helps to knock loose any food particles in your mouth that could be responsible for the swelling.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract is effective in reducing the pain associated with toothaches because it contains alcohol, which helps to numb the pain. It also has antioxidant properties that help with the healing process.

Final note

Having a toothache can be a painful experience, especially if you have to wait a few days to see your dentist. Fortunately, these tips will help reduce the pain and swelling until you go in for your next dental appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.