Tooth pain can be very disruptive in day-to-day activities. Although the severity can vary from person to person depending on the cause, toothache usually gets in the way of even simple things like work, sleep, and eating.
Thankfully, there are a number of treatments available for tooth pain. Clinical treatments given by the dentist are effective and permanent, but some home remedies exist as well, which can help someone deal with the tooth pain until a dental appointment comes around.
Clinical Treatments
There are a variety of causes for tooth pain, and the dentist will provide different treatments depending on the cause. Common causes of tooth pain are tooth decay and infection (or abscess).
Tooth decay might not always require your dentist to take action. If your dentist spots decay beginning to take place, he or she may recommend a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash to help the tooth repair itself. If decay reaches too far into the tooth, however, the dentist will have to take action. This is normally done by filling the decayed area with an amalgam filling, which is a mixture of silver and other metals, or a resin. If the decay is larger, a crown may need to be applied. According to Colgate, crowns ‘strengthen and restore shape and function to your teeth,’ however they generally cost more than a filling.
To fight tooth infection or abscess, dentists will perform a root canal. This involves opening up the top of the tooth so that the dentist can clear out the infected areas inside. The dentist will then re-seal and close the tooth with a new crown to allow it to heal. If a tooth infection is quite severe, the tooth may have to be removed.
More information on dental procedures can be found by clicking here.
Home Treatments
Over-the-counter medicines such as painkillers are available which can help combat tooth pain. Although these will not make the actual cause of the tooth pain go away, painkillers can make life easier while waiting for an appointment with the dentist. Advil is one such painkiller which can help. It contains ibuprofen – a drug which not only helps reduce pain but also reduces swelling. More information on Advil and its risks can be found by clicking here.
Another medicine available for pain relief is Orajel. Orajel often comes in the form of either a gel or a cream which can be applied to the affected area. Its main ingredient in benzocaine, which provides a numbing effect. Risks of benzocaine use can be found by clicking here.
Another home remedy for tooth pain is garlic. Garlic contains allicin, which naturally fights infection due to its antibiotic properties. Applying crushed garlic to a sore tooth could help. Similarly, clove oil contains eugenol, which naturally fights pain. Try swabbing a small amount of clove oil to a sore tooth.
But remember, home treatments should only be used while waiting for a dental appointment. They will not fix the problem, but they may ease discomfort.
Featured image: Freepik @ DCStudio
