Toothaches have a nasty habit of attacking at ungodly hours. Hours when during COVID-19 times curfew has already begun or before COVID-19, hours when the dentists are unlikely to be available. In this blog, we are going to look at a few remedies for toothache pain that you can either access in your home or stock up just in case you need them in the future. It is important to note however that these should only be used short-term and not an s a replacement for a dentist.

1. Over-the-Counter Pain Killers

These include Panadol, ibuprofen, aspirin and many others. They can be accessed in most pharmacies without a prior doctor’s prescription. Care must be taken however to only take the dose recommended by the pharmacist. They do not take the cause of the pain away, they just stop you from feeling pain and so you should see a dentist immediately you are able to see one.

2. Ice Packs

In case you have a toothache and your face has also swollen, a reliable short term solution is to place an icepack on the swollen side. This will reduce the swelling and since ice is believed to reduce pain, it will also help with the pain. Apply this pack at least three times a day.

3. Clove Oil

Clove oil has a component called Eugenol which is a natural antiseptic and also has analgesic properties. These properties are why even your dentist uses it as part of his treatment. Place a small amount of oil on a cotton swab and apply it to the affected area and repeat a few times a day until you can see a dentist.

4. Vanilla Extract

This is a common ingredient in baking but is also a handy remedy for tooth pain. It contains alcohol which numbs pain and also acts as an antiseptic. Apply a small amount to the affected area using a cotton ball or your finger.

5. Peppermint Teabags

Peppermint tea in addition to tasting great also has a variety of other uses. It can be used to soothe both toothaches and hurting gums. This is of course not while it is hot but rather when it is still in the teabag.  You can place a used teabag in the cooler for a few minutes before applying it to the affected area for another few minutes. Using a slightly warm teabag is also permissible.

6. Over-the-Counter Anesthetics

There are many over the counter anesthetics that can be used to soothe the pain in the teeth. These contain an agent called bupivacaine which is an anesthetic and that means that it kills sensation in an area. Apply these as directed by the pharmacist as there are different formulations available for example gels.

7. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Just a heads up, this must be very carefully handled lest its risks outweigh the benefits. Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide in an equal amount of water and rinse your mouth, taking care not to swallow. It is great with pain and with inflammation.

8. Saline Rinse

This is a rinse of your mouth using warm salty water. It is a great remedy as in addition to reducing pain, it also removes any debris that may be contributing to the pain and also helps heal any wounds that maybe present in the mouth. It also helps with inflamed gums.

After using any of the above, ensure you visit the dentist for proper treatment of the dental problem. You can book an appointment with our dentist for a free consultation and checkup.