A TOOTHACHE DOESN’T always come at a time when it’s easy to get to the dentist or endodontist. In the meantime, we recommend these remedies to manage the discomfort.
1. Swish warm salt water.
It’s great for fighting infection, reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and encouraging faster healing. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and stir. Just remember to spit instead of swallowing it!
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
Acetaminophen is the dentist-recommended option for children. Adults using aspirin should swallow it. A folk remedy is to crush up the tablets and apply them directly, but this can do more harm than good. There are pain-relieving gels that are a better option for topical use.
3. Apply a cold compress.
For a swollen cheek or gums, a cold compress or ice can help (but this is probably an abscess, so don’t delay coming in any longer than you must!).
4. Try herbal pain management.
Garlic releases a liquid called allicin, a natural disease fighter. Chewing garlic or placing it on your tooth won’t hurt. The toothache plant, vanilla extract, or peppermint tea may help in small amounts.
