How to Ease a Toothache

For me, dental pain is the most dreaded pain to have. That’s the reason why I am very meticulous in the taking care of my gums and teeth.

Last month, coincidentally, my husband and my son had a toothache on the same day, which happens to be a Saturday. Both of them took an ibuprofen hoping the pain would go away.  But as the day progressed it was getting worse. My husband called the dentist, got an appointment but not until Monday. Sunday was my husband’s birthday. The celebration was cancelled and I was disappointed while both men were nursing their toothache for the rest of the weekend.

Toothache always comes unexpectedly and oftentimes in the most inappropriate moment, like the middle of the night or on a weekend (when dental clinics are closed).  So being fearful of toothaches myself, I had gathered some home remedies that would help us alleviate our misery while waiting for the dentist appointment. 

• If the pain is mild, try to ease it by taking aspirin or an ibuprofen. Rinse your  mouth periodically with a solution of baking soda and warm water.
• Try gargling some Listerine Antiseptic.
• If gums are temporarily irritated or swollen, you can make yourself a delicious ice pack: pineapple sherbet. It tastes good, the cold reduces the swelling and according to some studies pineapple has curative effects.
• Floss between the aching tooth and its neighbors- sometimes impacted food can set up the pain.
• Rest an ice bag or a cold compress on the jaw of the affected side. If cold applications don’t help, try a hot water bottle or a warm compress.
• If you see a cavity, clean it out gently, using sterile cotton on the end of a toothpick, then saturate another bit of cotton with oil of cloves and pack it gently into the cavity with a toothpick. Clove has antiseptic properties that help decrease infection and relieves pain.
• Apply ice on the web of the skin between the thumb and the index finger on the same side of the body as the toothache. 
• You could also try an acupressure technique, with your thumb, press the point on the back of your other hand where the base of your thumb and your index finger meet. Apply pressure for about two minutes. This helps trigger the release of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good hormones. (not applicable for pregnant women.)

There are a lot more toothache remedies out there, but these are the ones that me and my family had tried. Dental pain is an indication that something is wrong.  These measures are temporary relief while visiting your dentist is still advisable.