Ready Remedies: 3 At-Home Solutions for Toothaches

Although you can do your best to be prepared, you never know when a dental emergency might strike. For example, many patients experience toothaches and other injuries at night or on the weekends when their dentist’s office is closed.

If you’ve sustained a life-threatening injury or have bleeding that won’t slow, you need to go to the closest emergency room immediately. Otherwise, it’s often safe to wait a day or two to contact your provider. You can try these 3 at-home remedies to reduce symptoms while you wait!

Method #1: Apply Ice

If your pearly white is throbbing persistently, the pain can keep you from eating and prevent some much-needed sleep at night. Thankfully, you can enjoy a well-deserved though temporary reprieve by applying an ice pack or cold compress to the sore side of your face for 15 minutes at a time. The frigid temperature constricts your blood vessels to reduce painful swelling in the area.

You can also try holding ice water in your mouth for several seconds at a time, but don’t bite into the cubes because you might cause additional harm to an already-injured tooth.

Method #2: Place Tea Bags

Many patients enjoy all-natural solutions for everyday issues like toothaches. One popular way to soothe sensitivity is by applying peppermint tea bags. They contain a natural ingredient, menthol, which is known to ease soreness, reduce inflammation, and soothe digestion.

For this method, boil water and steep the tea for several minutes. Then, remove the bag and allow it to cool for a few moments before applying it to your aching tooth. It should be slightly warm, but not searing hot, so it doesn’t burn the tender tissues in your mouth.

Method #3: Rinse with Salt Water

Would you be surprised to learn that salt acts as a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory? Brushing and flossing is risky if you have a toothache and are unsure of the cause. You might worsen your condition or cause additional discomfort.

Rinsing with salt water is a gentler way to clean your mouth to prevent infections. Plus, it can reduce aches and draw out any fluid buildup behind your throbbing tooth. Try mixing ½ tsp of salt into a glass of water, then sip and swirl the solution around your teeth, gums, and tongue. Spit it out then repeat until the glass is empty.

Soon, your dentist’s office will reopen so you can contact them to schedule an appointment to be seen as quickly as possible!

Meet the Author

Dr. George Philip has 20+ years of experience helping people of all ages improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Today, he is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you can trust that your smile is in good hands. He provides a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, including same-day emergency procedures, so you don’t have to wait for relief. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 285-6144.