What Can You Do For Unbearable Tooth Pain At Home?

A toothache is particularly a sudden jab. Sharp, throbbing, and apparently nonstop. Whether it comes in the middle of a meeting or wakes you up at 2 a.m., unbearable tooth pain can completely freeze you. And when there is no immediate accessibility to the dentist, it becomes important to know how to bring relief to yourself at home.

So, before reaching for whatever’s in your medicine cabinet, let’s review some safe and effective methods of alleviating tooth pain until you can reach a professional.

What Is Causing the Unbearable Tooth Pain?

If your tooth is hurting, it is a red flag from your body that something is wrong. In such a situation, you should visit an emergency dentist in Elgin.

The causes of the tooth pain might be:

• Cavity-reaching nerve
• Abscess or gum infections
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Food debris stuck between teeth or in the gums
• Impacted wisdom teeth

Home Remedies to Try on an Immediate Basis

If pain is unbearable, here are some tried, tested, and proven home remedies that can relieve pain quickly.

Saltwater Rinse

This is your first line of defense: Warm saltwater rinsing could actually help reduce the inflammation, loosen debris, and disinfect the area.

• Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water
• Swirl it around in the mouth for 30 seconds
• Repeat every few hours.

Cold Compress

If your face or gums are swollen, a cold compress can numb the pain and reduce swelling.

• Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth
• Hold to the outside of the cheek for 15-20 minutes
• Repeat every few hours as needed

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Nonprescription medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help dull the ache.

• Follow label instructions
• Never use aspirin for children or put it directly on the tooth (it burns your gums!)

Clove Oil or Clove Paste

Natural painkiller. It consists of eugenol and has numbing and antibacterial properties. 

• Take a cotton ball, soak it in clove oil, and apply it to the sore area.
• For those without clove oil, mash a clove and mix a few drops of olive oil to make it into a paste.

Hydrogen peroxide rinse

A 3% hydrogen peroxide rinse can kill bacteria and ease gum infection or abscess pain.

• Mix equal portions of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water
• Swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out.
• Rinse immediately with plain water after. Voilà! 

Peppermint Tea Bag or Vanilla Extract

These are household commodities with which you can enjoy speed relief. 

• Allow a used peppermint tea bag and press against the sore area. 
• Take a cotton swab, dab it in vanilla extract, and apply it directly to the tooth.

These are just temporary breaks in managing the pain from tooth sensitivity. However, they will not be permanent solutions. If you have been dependent on these for quite some time or if the pain resurfaces with great intensity all over again, it is best to go visit a professional. 

Unbearable tooth pain doesn’t have to ruin your day or night. There are a few smart home remedies that will calm the discomfort and let you concentrate until you get professional help. However, if the pain does not lessen, visit a nearby clinic.