What to Do for a Toothache

Most of us have suffered from a toothache at some time in our lives. Pain in and around the affected tooth or gums, redness, swelling and inflammation of the pulp of the affected tooth can cause a great deal of discomfort. A lack of oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of dental problems. Though most of us are aware of the importance of various aspects of dental care such as regular brushing and flossing, those of us who ignore it, give an open invitation to the bacteria and germs that cause dental decay which in turn may cause pain. The severity of pain could range from mild to severe depending on the extent of the tooth decay or infection. Since the pain can be very debilitating at times, it would be a good idea to find out more about effective home remedies that may provide relief from pain. Here's some information on what to do for a toothache at home.

Why Do we Suffer from Toothaches

Do you experience pain while consuming hot or cold food items? Dental cavity, tooth abscess, tooth decay, gum diseases, exposed tooth root, eruption of wisdom tooth, chipped or cracked tooth are some of the most common contributory factors for pain in and around the tooth. Sometimes, the pain could be attributed to non dental causes such as ear ache, inflammation of sinus, muscle spasms or jaw joint disorder that can rise to referred pain. Many a time, the early signs of an infection go unnoticed and the infection spreads further and the person might then suffer from a severe pain. It is, therefore, important that you consult a dentist as soon as the symptoms appear. A thorough oral examination and study of dental X-rays will help the dentists determine the origin of the pain and help them decide the most suitable treatment option.

Remedies for Toothache

Though you can take painkillers to alleviate the pain, women who are pregnant should not pop painkillers without consulting a doctor. If the excruciating pain is making you feel helpless, you can also try out certain home remedies:

• A simple cure is to gargle with salt water. Add a teaspoon of salt to warm water. Rinse your mouth with this solution for 3-4 times daily.
• An icepack will help too. You can place an ice cube on the affected tooth, this will make the area numb and you wouldn't feel the pain.
• Apply a cotton ball soaked in brandy. You should place it directly over the affected tooth or cavity.
• Have you ever used clove oil for tooth pain? Clove oil is known for its ability to provide relief. Put a drop of clove oil over a small piece of cloth or a cotton ball and place it over the decayed tooth or cavity. It will hurt a little initially but soon the nerve endings will become numb and you will experience relief.
• Add lemon juice to asafetida powder and heat it. Make sure it is not scalding hot. Place a cotton ball soaked in this solution over the affected tooth.
• You can also mix clove oil to a pinch of pepper powder and apply it on the decayed tooth.
• Peel a garlic clove and place it on the aching tooth and bite. The pain will certainly diminish after sometime.
• You can also apply a cotton ball soaked in clove oil and oil of oregano over the aching tooth. Once the oil spreads to the area, the pain will subside.

On a concluding note, do pay attention to oral hygiene. Go for a dental checkup at least twice a year. Though you can try the aforementioned remedies for temporary pain relief, consulting a dentist is still very important. The earlier you get the problem diagnosed, the better the chances of recovery. If you make delays, the affected tooth might start decaying, and you might have to undergo root canal or have the tooth extracted.