Toothache pain can be one of the most terrible pains to have to deal with. Sometimes we can’t get in to see a dentist right away and have to find ways to relieve the pain while we wait. A really sever toothache can impede our ability to speak, eat food and keep us from sleep. There are ways that you can use to get a bit of relief though.

Painkillers

One of the first things you can try is taking an NSAID (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, which can be very effective in easing the pain and inflammation.

Applying a cold compress

Cold can often help to ease the pain caused by a toothache. You can fill a zip lock plastic bag with some ice, wrap it in a paper towel or some thin cloth, such as cheese cloth or a face rag, and apply this on the face that is just outside of the tooth. You can apply ice to the gum but not the tooth directly. An inflamed tooth can be quite sensitive to cold or hot temperatures and cause the tooth, or surrounding teeth to hurt.

Numbing gels

Over the counter numbing gels can help to ease the painful throbbing caused by a toothache and you can apply these directly to the affected tooth. Numbing gels tend to last for a few hours.

Thorough cleaning

In some cases, a toothache can be caused by a small piece of food becoming trapped in the tooth, making the pain of gingivitis or a cavity flare up. You would be surprised how giving the tooth a good cleaning helps to relieve some of the pain. You can use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums to start, and then floss around the tooth. Finish off with a good mouthwash to rinse the area.

Sea Salt

Sometimes a toothache that has a mild infection, or that has been affected by a blow to the tooth and surrounding area, will ease up on its own. You can help the process along by using a sea salt rinse which is one of best home remedies for toothache.

Take a teaspoon of sea salt and add it to a cup of warm water. Stir until the salt has dissolved and then use the rinse as a gargle, swishing it around the tooth area that is hurting for at least 30 seconds. You can do this a few times a day. This remedy not only cleanses the area around the tooth, but can also draw out the fluid that is causing the swelling.

Hard liquor

This is an age old remedy that has been used for generations, from easing a toddlers pain from new teeth breaking through the gums to numbing the pain of a toothache. You can pour a bot of vodka or whiskey on a cotton ball and apply it to the tooth.

Hydrogen peroxide

This can be used to clean the tooth and area around it, as well as assist in easing any pain. Be sure to mix the hydrogen-peroxide with some water first. Using it on its own can harm the gums and teeth. Using a cotton bud (Q-tip), dip it into the peroxide to saturate the tip and the liberally apply this to the tooth and surrounding area. Hydrogen-peroxide helps to kill off germs.  Do not swallow the hydrogen peroxide, and make sure you rinse your mouth afterwards with some water.

When to see a doctor or dentist

For a severe toothache or infection a home remedy may not solve the issue. Toothaches caused by tooth decay or a major infection will need to be treated. Especially if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Chills and Fever – this is usually a sign of infection
• Discharge – also a sing of an infection
• Worsening Pain – if pain just gets worse, even with home treatment, it may be a sign that you have a cavity
• Wisdom Tooth Pain – a tooth that has grown in at an angle will need to be removed
• Trouble Breathing or Swallowing