Jeff R. Call, DMD, FAGD, FICOI Dix C. Densley, DDS, FAGD, FICOI |
Join us in welcoming Dr. Thorn Simnitt! |
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Posted on 11/13/2015 by Dr. Call |
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If you are experiencing a toothache or other dental health problem, you should certainly contact your dentist to set up an appointment, but what should you do to manage the pain in the meantime? While grabbing a bottle of Tylenol or Advil may be an effective option, there are also home remedies that can work effectively while being completely safe. The next time that you feel pain in your mouth, try out one of these options while you are waiting to get in to see your dentist. Try Clove Oil for a ToothacheClove oil has long been known for its uses as home remedies, and its success is attributed to the eugenol that it contains. Eugenol is known for its antibacterial and anesthetic properties, so if you are experiencing a toothache, create a mixture of several drops of clove oil with about &fraac12; teaspoon of olive oil. Moisten a cotton ball and place it near the affected tooth, biting down to keep it in its proper position. Clove oil can be picked up at health food stores and at your local pharmacy. Bite Down on a TeabagBiting down onto a teabag has also been shown to have some benefits when it comes to dental ailments. Biting down on a warm teabag is thought to help with pain, as the tannic acid inside of it will reduce swelling. Likewise, many oral surgeons recommend biting down on a teabag in order to control bleeding after a dental procedure. Suck on a Cough DropMost cough drops contain small doses of menthol or another anesthetic, so in addition to relieving throat irritation, they can also help with minor tooth pain. Be sure to suck on them rather than chewing, and you can also try another cold remedy while you're at it - Vick's VapoRub. Place it on the outside of your cheek by the affected tooth and lay down on that side with a piece of paper towel between your cheek and the pillow. Try a Saltwater TreatmentIf you are experiencing a toothache, you may also want to try to swish out your mouth with a small amount of saltwater for about 30 seconds, as salt water can clean out areas of infection to provide temporary relief. While it won't provide a long-term benefit and you should still follow-up with your dentist, the cleansing effect of saltwater can rid your mouth of bacteria and other germs. Mash Up a Clove of GarlicThis home remedy isn't likely to make you a big hit at a party, but some people swear by the healing power of garlic. Garlic works similarly to antibiotics and can inhibit bacterial growth. To use it, mash up a clove with a pinch of salt, and then apply this garlic paste to the aching tooth. This could temporarily relieve the pain. Home Remedies to AvoidThere are other home remedies that some people swear by when it comes to tooth pain that need to be avoided because they are simply unsafe:
As previously noted, these home remedies are intended for short-term relief only. If you are experiencing a toothache, be sure to contact our office to set up an appointment. |
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