HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

The pain caused by toothache can make your life an absolute misery, and it often occurs at a weekend or overnight when you can't get access to a dentist. However, there are some basic home remedies that you can use to help reduce the pain until you can get a dental appointment. Here are some tips:

Salt Water

Salt water makes the ideal mouthwash and can help reduce the pain from toothache. You just need to add a couple of teaspoons to some warm water, stir it well to make sure that the salt is well mixed, and rinse it around your mouth the same way you would when you are using a mouthwash.

Salt water will act to reduce inflammation that may well have formed around the sore tooth and it will also help to keep infection in check; however, that does not mean that you shouldn't see a dentist if your feel you might have an infection.

Cloves

Cloves are an age old solution to toothache. You'll only need a few drops of clove oil and they can be rubbed into the affected area. You can also use ground cloves to help relieve toothache. If you prefer, you can buy a natural product containing cloves that can be rubbed into the teeth or gums when you have toothache.

Ice

Ice can help reduce some of the swelling that might occur when you have toothache and it will also help to numb the area. Take care when applying ice as it can burn. Rather than putting the ice directly against the tooth, it should be wrapped in a cloth to avoid ice burns. Ice shouldn't be held against the area for more than ten minutes; applying ice is not recommended if you have sensitive teeth.

Teabags

Teabags might not be an obvious toothache remedy; however, the tannins contained within the teabags can help to bring some much-needed relief from toothache. Make the teabag up in the same way that you usually would and then squeeze out any of the excess water. Once it has cooled sufficiently, put it against the painful tooth.

Note: It is not recommended that you use a hot tea bag near your tooth or anything else that is heated, as applying heat can cause infection to spread.

Tea Tree Oil

Rinsing your mouth with a few drops of tea tree oil can help to relieve moderate toothache. Add some tea tree oil to some warm water and make sure that the oil is well diluted. Take care not to swallow any of the water as tea tree can be irritating to the stomach. Just gently rinse it around your mouth as if you were using your usual mouthwash. If you can't tolerate the taste, then try adding a couple of drops of peppermint oil to disguise the flavour.

Tea tree will act as an anti-bacterial and as an antibiotic to help to keep infection at bay.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil can also be used on its own to help alleviate toothache. Use a cotton bud to apply a few drops to the painful area and leave it there for a short while to allow the oil to act.

Plain Water

Gently brushing your teeth with plain, warm water can help reduce some of the pain. If your toothache has been caused by a small piece of trapped food, then it will also help to loosen it.

Use your toothbrush to give the teeth and gums a light massage. You could also apply a small amount of baking soda or add a tiny amount of table salt well diluted with water to help reduce inflammation and ward off infection.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract can act as an effective pain reliever. It can be applied by adding a small amount to a cotton wool ball or by adding some to a cotton bud. Hold the cotton wool/cotton bud against the painful area until you start to feel some relief.

Propolis

If you happen to have some propolis capsules to help ward of colds, then they can also be used to help reduce tooth pain. Undo a capsule to release the powder and mix it into some warm water and use it as a mouthwash.

Propolis is known as an anti-bacterial and it can also be useful for treating any gum problems that might be contributing to the toothache.

Dental Policies For Expats In Spain

At Sanitas Health Plan Spain we have a range of health insurance policies including Sanitas dental policies. Please see our dental page for further information.

Image credit: goodluz / 123RF Stock Photo

Edited: 20/12/2023