Few things are as painful as a toothache. The source of the pain can vary: tooth decay, a fractured tooth, a damaged filling, repetitive motions such as grinding teeth, or an abscessed tooth. Toothaches may vary in intensity from dull to sharp, throbbing pain. They may come and go or be constant. A toothache may be accompanied by swelling around the tooth, fever, or a headache.
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A toothache occurs when the pulp, which is in the central region of the tooth, becomes inflamed or irritated. Highly sensitive nerve endings will then transmit pain. If your toothache is not severe or if it occurs in the middle of the night when your dental office is closed, you can try home remedies to alleviate the pain.
The following are the most common toothache remedies:
- Salt and pepper – These commonly used cooking spices can also be used to dull your tooth pain because of their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Make a paste by mixing an equal amount of salt and pepper with few drops of water. Apply the paste directly to the tooth and let it sit for a few minutes. Repeat this several times a day.
- Garlic – Garlic has antibiotic and pain-relieving properties. Mix a crushed clove of garlic or garlic powder with salt and apply the mixture directly to the aching tooth to alleviate pain. Another option is to chew one or two cloves of garlic for relief. Repeat the treatment for a few days, and don’t be offended if your loved ones keep their distance.
- Cloves – This pungent spice has antibacterial, antioxidant, anesthetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Cloves can help alleviate pain and fight infection. Make a paste by combining ground whole cloves and olive oil. Spread the mixture on and around the aching tooth. Another option is to wet a cotton ball with clove oil and rub it on the aching tooth.
- Onion – Onions have antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that can alleviate a toothache. Onions will help kill the germs that caused the infection.
- Warm salt water – Mix salt and warm water in a cup and gargle the mixture to help mitigate tooth pain and gum swelling.
If you are a resident of the Beehive State and develop a toothache, the best course of action is to see a qualified dentist in Utah. Family dentistry in Utah is a thriving industry, and your dentist can help relieve your tooth pain. It is rare that your dentist would need to remove your tooth, but if it comes to that, don’t fear. There are a number of options to get your smile looking and feeling in tip top condition again, including being fitted with dentures by Utah denture specialists.