Toothache Home Remedies

The onset of a toothache never occurs at an ideal time. It is either the day of an important meeting or during the first day of a vacation. Regardless of what else is going on, that toothache does not go away. That is when toothache home remedies may come in handy. Toothache home remedies will not be the end-all of the toothache, but they may buy some time before a dentist appointment can be made.

Cost-effective toothache home remedies

A trip to the dentist can be pretty pricey and sometimes it is not always possible to get there immediately. That is when cost-effective toothache home remedies may serve as a quick fix. The cost of toothache home remedies can range from a few pennies to just under ten dollars. Here is the breakdown of a few options:

• Hot tea bags: Being a few pennies each, this can be a very inexpensive option to relieve a toothache. Simply place the hot tea bag on the affected area and relief can be noted immediately. There is not a substantial amount of evidence that this practice is very effective. However, seeing as this in an inexpensive intervention, it may not hurt to try in order to buy some time before seeking professional advice.
• Over-the-counter pain medication: Pain medicine serves as another option to relieve a toothache. To help manage pain, take the medication according to the instructions on the packaging. Any pain medicine can be used (Ibuprofen, Advil, Tylenol, Aleve) and in order to get the most for the dollars spent try the store brand. This form of relief may be the most beneficial as far as pain management; however, it does not correct the onset of the toothache.
• Clove oil: The cost of a bottle of clove oil ranges between four to eight dollars, which works to relieve pain due to eugenol. Eugenol is a mild anesthetic that can also be used to manage a toothache. To use clove oil, one simply has to dip the oil in a cotton ball and bite down on it at the source of the pain. The only downfall is that the nature of a toothache tends to radiate along the jawline, making it difficult to pinpoint the actual source of the pain.

Are toothache home remedies a final solution?

Unfortunately, toothache home remedies are not the final solution. In order to completely resolve a toothache, it is best to consult a dentist. Dentists can efficiently identify the source of the pain and create a plan of care. Depending on what is causing the toothache, it may be necessary for a cavity to be filled, undergo a root canal, or extraction of a tooth (having the tooth pulled). Although they may sound like pricey and extensive procedures, prolonging a dental office visit will only worsen the status of the affected tooth. If one waits too long to have a filling done, the tooth may get worse and instead the only course of treatment would be to have a root canal completed. A root canal is much more expensive than a filling, therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and not wait too long before consulting a dentist after the onset of pain.

Toothache home remedies after a dental visit

After a routine dental visit for the recommended twice-a-year teeth cleaning, there may be increased sensitivity in the gingiva (gums). This is related to the cleaning process designed to promote optimal oral hygiene. When a dentist or dental hygienist cleans the teeth, they have to scrape below the gum line in order to deter the negative effects of plaque. Although this may be painful initially, it is very common and the pain will subside. In this case, there is no reason to consult the dentist and it may be beneficial to try some toothache home remedies. Often some over-the-counter pain relievers, rinsing of the mouth, and ice will aid in pain management. However, if the pain continues, it may be necessary to follow up with the dentist to be sure there are no other factors contributing to the pain.

What is all this talk about routine dental visits?

The American Dental Association recommends a routine cleaning every six months. These visits are often covered or require a small copay with dental insurance. By keeping up with routine cleanings, the likelihood of a toothache is significantly lessened. At a dental visit, the dental hygienist and dentist work together to ensure optimal oral health. A dental hygienist is usually the one who performs the cleaning. This ensures that the entirety of the tooth’s surface is cleaned adequately at each brushing. A dental hygienist can also help pinpoint the areas that need more attention while brushing. The dentist then inspects the teeth for any dental caries (cavities.) If any suspect areas are found during routine visits, they are often small and require minimally invasive procedures. It is important to note that the less invasive the procedure is, the smaller the cost! When a long length of time passes between dental visits, the affected area is not caught as early and may need a more extensive procedure.

Also during a routine dental exam, x-rays can be taken to get a complete picture (literally!) of the condition of the teeth. Dental x-rays aid in early detection and treatment of problems. The dentist can help decide how often dental x-rays should be taken depending on oral health history.

Dental health and toothache home remedies

All in all, toothache home remedies should be used in emergency situations when it is not possible to get to the dentist right away. The only way to prevent toothaches is to visit the dentist regularly and maintain proper oral hygiene habits. There are times when toothaches cannot be prevented, but if the right measures are taken, the worst scenarios can be avoided. Adequate brushing and routine dental visits can decrease the chances for the need of toothache home remedies. It is helpful to follow recommendations to promote not only optimal dental health, but also overall wellness.