A toothache is not only painful but a terrible annoyance, especially when you are trying to get some sleep. Fortunately, anyone who finds themselves in this situation can get relief in a number of ways that are listed below. A huge problem is distracting yourself or someone else from the pain, but that’s not ever easy.
From over-the-counter pain killers to emergency dental care near me, there are remedies for relieving a toothache at night. What follows are nine ways that will help you catch up on your ZZZZZs in no time.
Oral Pain Medications
There are many over-the-counter pain medications that can provide some serious relief to toothache pain. These include Tylenol or Advil for quick and easy pain relief of minor to moderate pain.
If pain is more severe, it might be best to contact a dentist or an emergency care clinic. Most dentists will come to their offices after hours to help a patient in pain.
Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the affected side of your face or jaw can help ease the pain of a toothache. A bag of ice wrapped in a towel and applied for 15-20 minutes will help to constrict the area’s blood vessels and reduce the pain. This can also be done every few hours in the evening to prevent pain before going to bed.
Elevation
Blood pooling in the head can cause additional pain and inflammation. Some people elevate their head on pillows when going to bed to relieve pain and help them sleep.
Medicated Ointments
Some topical ointments may help reduce toothache pain. Numbing gels and ointments that contain over-the-counter ingredients such as benzocaine may help. Note, however, that benzocaine is not for use on children.
Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse is goof for soothing a toothache. Saltwater is a natural antibacterial agent that can reduce inflammation. It can also help protect damaged teeth from infection and can help to remove particles of food and debris between teeth and gums.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
The author of a 2016 study found that using a rinse of diluted food-grade hydrogen peroxide helped to reduce plaque and the symptoms of periodontitis. Just swish the mixture, but don’t swallow it. This remedy should not be given to children since they might swallow it.
Peppermint Tea
Sucking on peppermint tea bags or swishing peppermint tea in your mouth can also give temporary relief from the pain of a toothache.
Clove
A clinical trial conducted in 2015 showed that people who kept clove applied to their gums suffered from less pain and inflammation than those that did not. One of the primary ingredients of clove is eugenol, a natural analgesic, which can numb an area. Just grind a clove to make a paste, put it in an empty tea bag, and apply it to the tooth. This is another cure that is not good for children since they might eat the clove.
Garlic
Garlic is another common household ingredient that might help to sooth a toothache. It also helps kill bacteria in the mouth. Allicin, the main compound in garlic, is a strong antibacterial that can relieve tooth pain. Just chew a piece of garlic or allow it to sit close to the affected tooth.
If you do try this last suggestion, however, don’t count on having many friends close by until you have your toothache looked at. This can be effective on the toothache, but because of the odor it might not be for everyone.
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