10 Tips for Treating Toothaches

Toothaches are nothing new. We’ve all experienced it in one form or another throughout our lives. Thankfully, we are experiencing it less and less than our ancestors with advancements in dental care and regular checkups. But, should you be so unfortunate as to get a toothache, there are some simple steps to minimize or eliminate your tooth pain.

10 Ways to Treat Toothaches

Take two Aspirin, Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is best since it does an excellent job of reducing painful inflammation. However, be sure to read the instructions on the bottle for proper usage, whichever you choose.

Use Antiseptic Rinse Regularly

Using Antiseptic rinse regularly and brushing 2-3 times per day will help to prevent future toothaches, and relieve minor toothaches in the process.

Chew a Clove of Garlic Every Morning

If you try this and loved ones suddenly begin avoiding you – don’t blame me.

Apply garlic and salt to the tooth

Mash a clove of garlic with a pinch of rock salt and apply the paste to the site of the toothache. Garlic has allicin, a powerful antibacterial compound. This is thought to help stop the bacteria which cause toothache. (tip courtesy of ehow.com)

Put a cold compress on the side of the cheek

Numb the affected tooth/teeth with a desensitizing agent

Orajel is perhaps the best-known tooth-desensitizing agent. However, this remedy will not eliminate a toothache; just numb the area for temporary relief.

Chew on a Piece of Onion

Yes, I know this sounds almost as unpleasant, or perhaps more unpleasant to some of you than chewing on garlic cloves. However, onions are bactericidal, so they can kill off the bacteria causing your toothache.

Rinse your mouth with water

This can help remove any food debris that may aggravate your toothache.

Plug the tooth with gauze or wax

Plugging the affected tooth with gauze or wax can reduce its sensitivity to air or debris in your mouth. Again, it is not a cure, but it will help reduce painful irritation.

Elevate your head

Elevating your head can reduce the pressure on the affected tooth and its surrounding area – thus reducing the pain, you’re experiencing.

When to go to the dentist

If none of these remedies effectively eliminate your toothache, then it’s time to visit your dentist. A good rule of thumb is if the toothache is causing you to lose sleep or consume your attention throughout the day it’s time to see your dentist. Don’t assume that your toothache is no big deal and let it worsen. What you have could be a tooth abscess that needs to be treated immediately to prevent the infection from spreading.