A toothache is usually a symptom of a more serious problem that can get worse if it isn't treated.
Home remedies for toothaches should never be a substitute for professional dental care, but they can help to relieve pain and discomfort while you wait for your appointment.
What causes toothaches?
Toothaches are a common dental complaint. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), one in six Australians over the age of 15 experiences a toothache in the average year, rising to over one in five adults aged 25 to 44.[1]
Toothaches happen when the hard enamel layer breaks down, exposing the soft pulp in the centre of the tooth which becomes inflamed. Some of the most common causes of toothaches are tooth decay and cavities, damaged teeth or fillings, gum disease and other infections.
How to treat a toothache at home
If a toothache persists for more than a couple of days, or the pain is severe, you should make an appointment with your local dentist. In the meantime, there are various natural and pharmacological remedies you can try to relieve your symptoms, though some are more reliable remedies than others.
Take pain relief medicine
Unless you've been advised not to take certain medications, you may find quick relief through over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Tablets should be swallowed, never applied directly to the tooth or gum as this can damage the tissue.
Anaesthetic gels containing benzocaine can also numb parts of the mouth to relieve soreness, but these are only intended for short term use.
Children under 16 should not take aspirin. Your dentist or doctor may recommend alternatives such as acetaminophen instead.
Rinse with warm salt water
Add half a teaspoon of salt to one standard cup of warm water. Swish it around your mouth and then spit it out. This can offer temporary relief from pain and discomfort.
Apply a cold compress
If your toothache is on either side of your mouth or is accompanied by swelling, placing an ice pack over your cheek could help to ease the pain.
Swelling can sometimes be a sign of more serious problems, such as a tooth abscess or other infection, and should be checked by your dentist as soon as possible.
Rub with clove oil or vanilla extract
Cloves are reputed to have anaesthetic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with pain and infections.
Clove oil can be rubbed directly onto your gum around the tooth or soaked and dabbed using a cotton ball several times per day. If you don't have clove oil, you can make it by mixing two ground cloves with olive oil or vegetable oil.
Vanilla extract is sometimes used instead of clove oil. This may also help to numb pain, and its aroma could help you to feel calm if you're worried about your tooth.
Chew raw onion or garlic
It won't make you popular at parties, but chewing raw onion or raw garlic cloves for a few minutes at a time can reduce the number of germs in your mouth, helping to reduce the spread of infections.
How to prevent a toothache
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to your oral health. You can reduce your risk of toothaches, tooth decay and other dental problems by following good oral hygiene. This means:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing between your teeth every day
- Avoiding sugary and acidic food and drinks
- Not smoking
- Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for your regular check-ups.
- Find a dentist in Perth's Northern Suburbs
If you want to speak to a dentist about any issue with your oral health, get in touch with our friendly team at Ocean Reef Dental Surgery.
Call us on (08) 9307 6700 or make an enquiry online.
[1] AIHW. Healthy teeth [Online] 2016 [Accessed May 2017] Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/dental/healthy-teeth/