Dentist-Approved Tips for Quick Relief from Dental Pain

Tooth decay is one of the major causes of toothaches in both children and adults. The first sign of decay is pain when eating sweet, cold, or hot foods. Toothaches can strike at the worst possible time, be it in the middle of the night, before professional meetings, or while having a fun weekend with friends. In this guide, we’ll go beyond the obvious remedies and share underrated, dentist-approved tips for quick dental pain relief. While reaching out to your dentist is the ultimate solution, knowing some underrated tips can also help you give quick relief from dental pain until your appointment. 

1. Rinse with Warm Saltwater for Natural Pain Relief

What- A simple warm saltwater rinse can reduce swelling, kill bacteria, and soothe toothache pain within minutes. We recommend swishing gently for 30 seconds, 2–3 times a day.

Why- Warm saltwater rinses are a natural pain relief method, especially for oral and throat discomfort. This solution soothes pain, reduces inflammation, and potentially kills bacteria in the affected area. This method is particularly helpful for gum swelling and mild tooth infections.

How- Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish gently for 30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times a day if needed. 

2. Apply a Cold Compress or Ice Pack

What- Placing a cold compress on the cheek near the pain helps numb nerves, ease swelling, and give fast relief.

Why- Ice/cold packs decrease blood flow, and help reduce inflammation. The cold compression increases external pressure on the tissue, preventing edema formation due to fluid loss from the injured area’s vessels, making it harder for fluids to accumulate.

How- These compresses can be made from homemade plastic bags, frozen pea bags, or cold water-soaked cloths. Place directly on the affected area. 

3. Use Clove Oil for Natural Numbing

What- Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic. Dab a small amount directly on the aching tooth or gums for temporary toothache relief at home.

Why- Clove oil is a potent analgesic, acting as an anesthetic and antibacterial agent. Eugenol, a chemical, numbs the affected area, decreasing pain signals and providing temporary relief from dental discomfort. 

How- To avoid irritation, clove oil should be diluted with a neutral oil like olive oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil. A common dilution ratio should be 3-5 drops per teaspoon/Cotton ball. Gently crush whole cloves in your mouth if you do not have oil.

4. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

What- Keeping your head up straight while sleeping at night prevents blood from pooling in the mouth.

Why- Lying flat can intensify toothache pain and swelling by increasing blood flow to the head. Elevating the head can reduce blood pooling, potentially easing pain. Additionally, elevating the head can decrease swelling around the affected tooth by draining excess fluid away from the area.

How- Elevate your head while sleeping by using an extra pillow or two and ensuring your head and neck are adequately supported to prevent strain.

5. Chew on Garlic 

What- Chewing a garlic or crushing and applying it to the affected tooth may bring quick, natural dental pain relief.

Why- Garlic can temporarily reduce toothache pain by releasing an antibacterial compound called allicin, which can be applied to the painful area for short intervals.

How- Crush fresh garlic and wrap it in a cloth to create a warm compress, then apply it to the painful area.

6. Avoid Extreme Temperatures in Food and Drink

What- Stick to lukewarm meals until the problem is treated.

Why- Tooth sensitivity, often triggered by sudden hot or cold foods, is a common issue where the dentin, beneath the enamel, becomes exposed, making the tooth more vulnerable to temperature changes.

How- Allow hot beverages to cool before consumption. Eat cold desserts and drinks at normal temperature. Be mindful of acidic foods and drinks, as they can also contribute to sensitivity.

7. Try Peppermint Tea Bag Compress

What- A slightly warm and moist peppermint tea bag can be applied to gums.

Why- Peppermint tea bag compresses offer temporary relief from dental pain. It contains menthol, which can numb and soothe sensitive gums, similar to clove oil.

How- Steep it in hot water, then let it cool. Apply the warm tea bag to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. For a cooling sensation, freeze the bag before applying it.

Final words

Tooth pain can be overwhelming, but you don’t always need to rely on mainstream advice or generic methods. These underrated home remedies for a toothache are proven to give you temporary relief at home while protecting your health from painkillers. Still, always follow up with a dental professional to address the root cause. If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain and need permanent relief, reach out to Newtown Dental Arts. 

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