Toothache Remedies That Work


Finding the time to go a dentist can be tough. After all, many people that have a job don’t feel like using their sick or vacation leave time to go to the dentist. Going to the dentist is nothing like going on a vacation! But while going for a dental checkup may not be fun, having a toothache certainly isn’t either. In fact, toothache pain can be some of the worst pain anyone can feel.

So what is someone to do that hasn’t been to the dentist in a while? Or what should someone do who doesn’t have a dentist? Or what should someone do who can’t afford a dentist but has a toothache? The answer to all these questions will ultimately depend on the situation and the nature of the pain. There are many different types of toothache pains and they all have different causes. To find toothache remedies that work, it is important to know what caused the ache in the first place.

Causes of a toothache

Many aren’t aware that not every toothache is the same. Instead, some toothaches are caused by infection. Others are caused by trauma. Some toothaches are caused by tissue damage. There are many more! This is to say that toothaches aren’t all the same and can’t be approached all the same either. Some common types of toothaches included below.

  • When infection gets to the pulp of the tooth – This is by far the most common reason for a toothache. How does a tooth become infected? It becomes infected because of the bacteria that live in the saliva in the mouth. Every person’s saliva contains thousands of little bacteria that live and prosper in the mouth. The outside of the teeth are made of enamel, which is an extremely strong material. In fact, it is the hardest material in the body. It is the second hardest natural occurring material in the world, behind only diamonds! This means the bacteria have a hard time getting through the teeth and inside where they can cause damage. But if they are left alone long enough and if sugar (which helps them grow) is in constant supply, they can succeed at breaking down the teeth. When the infection gets through the outside of the tooth, it goes to the pulp where it is able to damage the nerve fibers inside, causing pain. This is when a toothache starts. The process from the start of the breakdown of enamel to when they get into the pulp takes about 2 years.
  • When trauma has caused mobility – In general, when a tooth has been hit very hard because of some type of trauma, there is a chance it may have suffered permanent damage. This can cause the root of the tooth to become injured. This means a root canal will be needed, in addition to other procedures. If the tooth is loose and is in pain, it is best to see a dentist to see if it is salvageable.
  • When there is tissue inflammation – Some people experience tissue inflammation as a result of some types of dental procedures and/or from general gingivitis. When a person undergoes a dental cleaning, the dentist and/or hygienist has to get under the gingiva to clean the entirety of the teeth. This will commonly cause mild bleeding and the gingiva may be sore for a few days. This does not mean that there is necessarily a toothache. Instead, the tissue just needs to heal and will be fine in a couple of days. Another cause not related to tissue inflammation is a toothache after the tightening of dental braces. This also doesn’t require another visit to the dentist or orthodontist.

Some toothache remedies that work

Depending on which of the above has caused a toothache will determine which of the toothache remedies will work. Finding the cause may not be possible, depending on the situation, but having a good idea will help in diagnosis of the problem. If a person has recently been to the dentist for a cleaning and is experiencing some discomfort, another visit to the dentist is probably not necessary. But if a sudden intense and lingering pain has come about, it most certainly would warrant a visit. Until the visit, there are some toothache remedies that may help relieve some pain.

  1. Take over-the-counter pain relievers. This is probably the most effective of all the remedies. It may seem like the most obvious to some people, but many do not even try it assuming that it will not work. It does work, but only to an extent. The recommended drugs include Aspirin, Tylenol or Aleve. Don’t take them all at once, as this may cause more problems than it solves. Follow the instructions on the back of the bottles. Take one type and see what type of relief from pain it provides. If that isn’t sufficient, try another pain reliever to see if it yields better results. They do not all work the same, so it is likely different ones will work better or worse, depending on the pain being felt.
  2. Use clove oil. This contains eugenol, chemical that works well as an analgesic (pain reliever). It is can be purchased at most pharmacies as an over-the-counter product. It should be applied to a cotton ball or wash cloth and placed at the affected tooth. Some mild relief should be experienced. For tissue pain, it may not work. Also, some deep tooth problems may not be helped through the use of clove oil.
  3. Use Sensodyne toothpaste. This is for people who experience some kind of sensitivity from drinking cold liquids or chewing on a tooth. If the pain is not lingering, it may be a reversible problem. Using this toothpaste may help to decrease the sensitivity and reverse the problem.

After using the toothache remedies that work

After using the remedies, it is important to see a dentist. Using toothache remedies doesn’t take the place of going to the dentist. Remedies, even if they work, only act as a Band-Aid. The cause of the problem can only be corrected by a dentist!

For those that can’t afford a dentist, it is important to talk with the dental office to see if you have other options. Many dentists’ offices will take credit card. Some also offer payment plans. These are two great options to ensure oral health, while also salvaging the checkbook!