28 May 6 Natural Treatments for Tooth Pain
In our last two blog posts, we looked at some of the most common causes of tooth pain. In today’s post, we’ll look at some things you can try at home to relieve toothaches. As the leading holistic dentist in Prescott, our team at Prescott Dentistry believes in using the most natural, minimally invasive treatments available. It’s important that you see us if you have a persistent or severe toothache, but in the meantime, here are our suggestions for natural treatments for tooth pain that you can try at home:
1. Salt water rinse
A salt water rinse can be very effective at alleviating tooth pain. It has natural disinfectant properties, and it can help loosen food that may have become lodged in between your teeth. Using salt water can also reduce inflammation and heal oral wounds.
To use a salt water rinse:
- Mix a quarter teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
- Take a sip and swish the solution before spitting it out.
- Repeat this as often as necessary.
2. Cold compress
Ice works to numb pain and reduce any swelling. To make an ice pack, place ice in a plastic bag and wrap it in a thin cloth to prevent it from burning your skin. Alternatively, a bag of frozen peas also works well. Apply it to the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes and remove it for 10 minutes, alternating in this way up to four times.
3. Clove oil
Clove oil has been shown to effectively numb pain and reduce inflammation. In fact it has been used by natural healers throughout history for this purpose. We now know that it contains an element called eugenol, a natural antiseptic. Eugenol may be as effective as benzocaine, the main ingredient that is found in over-the-counter toothache numbing gels.
- Dilute the clove oil with a few drops of a carrier oil (olive, coconut, avocado)
- Apply a small amount of clove oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, you can add a drop of clove oil to a small amount of water and swish it like you would mouthwash.
- Do this a few times per day.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint is also used to numb pain—it has analgesic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint oil can be irritating for some, in which case a peppermint tea bag offers a great solution for tooth pain.
To use this home remedy, allow a used tea bag to cool down first. Then place it gently on the affected area while it’s still slightly warm. You can also swap approaches and use this to cool, rather than warm, the area. To do this, put a used tea bag in the freezer for a couple of minutes to chill it and then apply the bag to your tooth.
5. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
Hydrogen peroxide can also help to relieve pain and inflammation. Additionally, it has the added benefits of killing bacteria, reducing plaque and healing bleeding gums.
To try this home remedy, use 1.5% hydrogen peroxide. Most products available at drug stores are 3%, but you can dilute the solution so that it is equal parts water and peroxide. Diluting it will help prevent enamel loss and GI irritation. You can use it as a mouthwash—be sure not to swallow it and avoid using it more than a few times a week.
6. Keep your head elevated
If your toothache worsens at night, you can try propping your head up on pillows so that it is higher than your body. This simple measure prevents the blood from pooling in your head, which can intensify the pain and keep you awake.
Give us a Call
Our team at Prescott Dentistry believes natural remedies are always the best way to support your dental health, in addition to regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. However, be sure to let us know if you have tooth pain so that we can determine the underlying cause. And let us know right away if your pain becomes severe, as this is a dental emergency. If you have further questions about holistic dentistry or treatments for tooth pain, give us a call to schedule an appointment—we look forward to talking with you!
Photo by Drew Jemmett on Unsplash