If you’re experiencing a toothache that has lasted longer than 24 hours, you need to be seen by your emergency dentist as soon as possible. While you wait for your appointment, you may be wondering what you can do to help get some much-needed relief. Here are a few home remedies you can try to relieve pain naturally until you can be treated.
Rinse With Saltwater
Saltwater serves dual purposes: first, it will disinfect your tooth and gently loosen food particles in lieu of brushing. Second, it will also help reduce inflammation. To use, just mix a half teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gently swish it in your mouth. You can rinse your mouth again with warm fresh water after you spit if you don’t like the salty taste it leaves behind.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds a pleasant flavor to your favorite cakes and cookies, but it can also act as a natural numbing agent. Just dab some on a cotton ball or swab and tap it gently on the affected area and reapply as necessary. Keep in mind that this only works with real vanilla extract, not imitation.
Garlic
Garlic can fight bacteria and relieve pain at the same time. To use it for your toothache, mash a clove, try some garlic oil, or chew up a whole clove to experience its benefits.
Tea Bags
Teabags not only make lovely drinks, but they are also the perfect size, shape, and consistency to make a tiny compress. You can either use it warm immediately after brewing or put a used one in the freezer for about ten minutes to apply it cold. Once finished, rinse your mouth well with water to prevent stains on your teeth.
Sleeping Upright
If you must go to sleep before you get to see your dentist, try to do so with your head elevated. When you lie on your back, this puts pressure on your head that can worsen toothache pain.
Remember, any tooth discomfort that lasts longer than 24 hours should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, try these helpful home remedies to ease pain before your dentist can see you.
About Our Practice
At Dent-Care Dental we know that dental emergencies don’t always happen when it’s convenient. That’s why we offer Saturday hours and same-day appointments. We even have on-site crowns and fillings available, so you can get back to feeling better, faster.
If you’re experiencing a toothache for any reason, don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Call us as soon as possible for an urgent appointment at 718-937-6750 or visit our website to book online.