Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: five minutes.
Toothaches can hit when you least expect it, and the pain can be unbearable.
Whether it is a sharp sting from nerve pain or dull throbbing from gum inflammation, tooth pain is never fun.
Fortunately, there are ways to get temporary relief at home before you can visit your dentist.
If you are dealing with a painful tooth, we have some tips that can help you manage the discomfort while you figure out the next steps.
Table of Contents
- Common Causes of Tooth Pain
- Home Remedies for Temporary Tooth Pain Relief
- When to Seek Professional Help
- Preventive Measures for Healthy Teeth and Gums
- Schedule a Visit with Our Expert Dentists in San Francisco!
Key Takeaway
To relieve toothache pain, try warm saltwater rinses, clove oil, cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers for temporary relief before seeking professional care.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain
The key to determine how to treat a toothache is to find out its cause. Toothaches can result from various issues, including:
- Tooth nerve pain: This is often sharp, intense pain that can shoot through your tooth and jaw. It typically happens when the tooth pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed or infected.
- Wisdom tooth pain: Wisdom teeth often cause pain when they are coming in, especially if there is not enough space in your mouth. This can lead to gum swelling, discomfort, and sometimes infection.
- Gum pain: Swollen, red gums are often a sign of gum disease, an infection of the tissues surrounding your teeth. It can cause pain when chewing or brushing.
- Sinus infections: Sometimes, a sinus infection can feel like a toothache. The pain is usually felt in the upper teeth, as the sinuses are located near the roots of these teeth.
If you suspect your tooth pain is linked to any of these causes, it is important to get to the root of the issue to avoid more severe pain.
Home Remedies for Temporary Tooth Pain Relief
Nothing beats professional dental care, but there are some simple home remedies you can try to get temporary tooth pain relief.
1. Saltwater Rinse
A warm saltwater rinse is a straightforward and highly effective solution for easing toothache pain. It acts as a natural disinfectant and helps to reduce swelling.
To prepare the rinse, mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Swish the mixture around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes to relieve pain and cleanse the affected area.
2. Clove Oil or Garlic
Both clove oil and garlic have been used for centuries as natural toothache remedies due to their antibacterial and numbing properties.
- Clove oil: Place a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it directly to the painful area. The eugenol compound in clove oil has numbing properties that can provide temporary relief.
- Garlic: Crush a garlic clove and apply it to the sore tooth. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has antibacterial properties that can help fight infection.
3. Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint has a cooling effect that can provide relief from pain and discomfort. If you have peppermint tea bags, you can use them to soothe your sore tooth.
- Simply steep a tea bag in hot water and let it cool slightly.
- Place it on the painful area for a few minutes to enjoy the numbing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
4. Cold Compresses
A cold compress is an easy and efficient method to numb pain and minimize swelling, particularly when the discomfort is caused by an injury or gum inflammation.
Simply wrap ice cubes or a cold pack in a cloth and place it on the outside of your cheek near the sore tooth for 15-20 minutes. You can repeat this process as needed to alleviate swelling and numb the area.
5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If your tooth pain is unbearable, over-the-counter pain relievers can provide some relief. Always follow the recommended dosage and never exceed the maximum daily limit.
- Ibuprofen: Helps reduce inflammation and is a great option for swelling and throbbing pain.
- Acetaminophen: A good alternative if you cannot take ibuprofen, though it is more effective for pain relief than for inflammation.
When to Seek Professional Help
Home remedies can help with temporary relief, but they are not a long-term solution.
If your tooth pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek professional help. Some signs that you need to see a dentist include:
- Severe pain that lasts more than a day or gets worse.
- Swelling or fever, which could indicate an infection.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that does not go away.
- Bleeding gums or bad breath may signal gum disease or infection.
- Wisdom tooth pain that does not improve with at-home treatments.
Preventive Measures for Healthy Teeth and Gums
To prevent tooth pain you need to start with maintaining good oral health. Here are some tips to keep your teeth and gums in top shape:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride or hydroxyapatite toothpaste twice a day to remove plaque and food particles.
- Floss daily to remove food and plaque between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks, as they can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay from becoming more serious.
- Wear a mouth guard if you grind your teeth at night to protect your teeth from wear and pain.
Schedule a Visit with Our Expert Dentists in San Francisco!
Toothache pain can be a real challenge, but with these remedies and tips, you can find some temporary relief while you await professional care.
Remember, a toothache could be a sign of a more serious issue, so it is important to seek help if the pain persists.
To book an appointment in our dentist office in San Fransico, CA, call (415) 986-4534 or complete our online inquiry form. We are located at 490 Post St. Suite 520.
We are here to help with all your dental needs!