Quickest Ways to Relieve a Toothache

Toothaches can happen for all kinds of reasons: tooth decay (probably the most common cause), gum infection, an abscess, a sinus infection, or even a migraine.

A more obvious reason can be some sort of trauma to the tooth that results in an injury. If this should happen and a nerve is exposed, you’ll definitely know it right away.

Whatever the cause may be, toothaches always seem to happen at the worst possible time—on a weekend, for example, or when you’re traveling and can’t see your dentist. If you experience a toothache that either recurs or won’t go away, you should always make an appointment with your dentist.

In the meantime, there are a few methods you can try that should alleviate the pain, at least for a while.

Brush your teeth. This should always be the first step in trying to get rid of a toothache. Brushing and flossing can remove any bacteria that has built up, and it’s that same bacteria that can cause conditions like cavities and infections to be even more painful.

Try an old-fashioned saltwater gargle. This may be a remedy from your grandmother’s era, but it usually works, at least temporarily. Dissolve 6 to 8 tablespoons of salt in 1 cup water. Once the salt is completely dissolved, rinse repeatedly until the pain subsides. Be careful not to swallow the saltwater.

Create a garlic or onion filling. This works if it’s a cavity that’s causing your toothache. Finely chop a small amount or either onion or garlic, then fill the area of the cavity and leave it in for an hour or so. Both onions and garlic are antioxidants and antibacterial. Either one should help to alleviate the pain until you can get in to see your dentist.

Combine 1 teaspoon water and 1 teaspoon clove oil. Then soak a cotton ball in the mixture, and hold it on the sore tooth for 5 minutes or so. This should temporarily stop the pain. Don’t use close oil directly on the tooth—always mix it with water first.

Try some tea tree oil. Just apply 3 or 4 drops on the sore tooth. The oil, which is an antibacterial, should help alleviate the pain.

Finally, if you’re anywhere near a pharmacy, an over-the-counter numbing gel is almost always effective for a certain amount of time.

Whatever method you choose to stop the pain, remember that covering up the symptom doesn’t make the problem go away. It’s still important to visit your dentist so he or she can find out what’s causing the pain and resolve the issue once and for all.

Robert Milton blogs for jollyvilledental, an Austin TX dentist that offers preventative dental care and cosmetic dentistry services. If you’re in the Austin area, you can find them at Jollyville Dental Professionals, 11672 Jollyville Road, Austin, TX 78759, (512) 918-0005.