It happens at the worst times--that sharp, throbbing pain in your mouth that you know will only lead you to straight to the dentist's office. If you don't have time to make the visit, there are steps you need to take to ensure the pain doesn't worsen or infection doesn't set in. Simple ingredients around the house can help to alleviate the pain of your toothache until you can get to the root of the problem.
Clean the Area
Before you get on the phone to make a call to your family dentist, try brushing your teeth. The cause of your pain might be a piece of trapped food, and brushing, flossing or simply rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water will loosen any debris left in your mouth. Try mixing salt in a glass of and swishing the liquid around your mouth for a few minutes. This will clean the area as well as temporarily stop the pain.
You can also try a warm or cold method. Hold a mouthful of warm water for a few minutes, and then spit it out. Do this a couple of times, and if the pain returns, try it with cold water. Putting ice directly on the aching tooth or cheek can also help.
As with any ache or pain, taking aspirin or ibuprofen can be a quick fix. It is suggested, though, not to place aspirin directly on your aching tooth.
Around the House
After you have thoroughly cleaned or rinsed your mouth and the affected tooth, you can also try simple households items. Try placing a piece of garlic clove with a little rock salt directly on the tooth. Clove oil can also be applied directly to relieve the pain.
Asafoetida is an herb most commonly used to treat nerves and bronchitis. It can also be used to relieve a toothache. You can find it in any Indian grocery store. Just grind the asafoetida in lemon juice and heat the solution. Place it in the cavity of the tooth with a cotton ball.
You can also try making your own mouthwash with wheatgrass juice.
Before It Happens
To maintain a healthy smile, always brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing in a circular motion, along with flossing on a regular basis, will help to break down decay.
Try cutting sweets out of your diet, and you will notice a difference. Ninety-five percent of all cavities are caused by sugar habits we develop as early as adolescence. The cookies we eat and the sugary sodas we drink all contribute to the breakdown of the enamel on our teeth.
Tags: your mouth, aching tooth, , warm water, your teeth