Whether it???s a dull and throbbing ache or a sharp pain, toothaches can come in many different shapes and sizes, and chances are you???ve had the discomforting experienced once or twice in your life. It???s the type of experience, however, that nobody wants to have, as a toothache can be as annoying as fingernails scratching a chalkboard.
What???s a good way to describe a toothache? Let???s see: Your mouth feels as if it???s being besieged by one of those Loony Tunes style jackhammers. As fate would have it, toothaches always seem to occur over the weekend, when the dentist's office is closed and your favorite dentist has Gone Fishing, leaving you to suffer until Monday and forcing you to cancel your reservation at that high-end restaurant you???ve been looking forward to all week.
Not so fast!
While you???re probably going to want to skip the rib eye steak, there are numerous tried-and-true home remedies that you can use to ease the pain until you can make an appointment with our office. Here???s a look at four ways to sooth a toothache.
1. Don???t underestimate the power of salt water. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water will both sooth your toothache and disinfect your mouth. However, be sure the water is warm, as cold water can further exacerbate a sensitive tooth. Follow up the saltwater rinse by swishing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide.
2. Clove oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and vanilla extract are proven to be comforting elixirs. Dip a cotton swab in one of these mixtures and apply it to your tooth and gums. These ingredients, which you may even have in your kitchen cupboards, are known to have pain-relieving qualities. For the best results, be sure to repeat the process throughout the day.
3. Eating yogurt is good for toothaches and mouth pain. Yogurt is filled with healthy bacteria that combat pain. Afterward, place a cold compress on your jaw.
4. Have your tried flossing? Your toothache might be throbbing and severe, but there???s always a chance that the pain is the result of a piece of food awkwardly lodged in your teeth.
In the event of a persistent toothache, our emergency dental office should be contacted no matter the time of day or night. We???re here to help you return to a happy, pain-free life!