Have a Dental Emergency? 6 Natural Cures Before You Get to the Dentist

Toothache is the top reason that sends Cincinnati patients to an emergency dentist. Toothache from a dental crown or other issue can manifest in many forms, and when it’s bad, it can feel like torture. Tooth pain is your mouth’s natural alarm system telling you something’s wrong. Ignore it, and it will only get worse and more expensive.

At Beckham Square Family Dental, we can typically schedule you for an emergency visit quickly. However, when you need relief now, waiting for an appointment for tomorrow can feel like an eternity. Fortunately, there are home remedies you can try as you wait for your office visit. They may provide some comfort, but they’re not substitutes for care from a family dental professional in the Cincinnati area.

Ibuprofen for Tooth Pain

Many local dental providers will tell you to take ibuprofen to relieve your toothache pain. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever that can reduce swelling or throbbing sensations. You might have some in your medicine cabinet. Be sure to check expiration dates as medications become progressively less potent over time.

Calming Saltwater Rinses

Rinsing with warm salt water is a natural disinfectant that will kill germs in your mouth and soothe the soreness. Saltwater rinses are good for overall dental health, even if you don’t have tooth pain. Limit salt water rinses to 3 to 4 times weekly because too many can harm your enamel.

Cold Press over the Cheek

Hold a cold compress or ice pack against your cheek or jaw where it hurts. This will relieve swelling, which can bring about some relief. However, be careful with ice packs. Hold them for 10 minutes on and then 10 minutes off. Otherwise, you could risk damaging soft tissue in the cheek and mouth.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that can relieve dental pain. Ample amounts of yogurt in a diet can also promote healthy gums, a helpful strategy for more than one in three adults who suffer from gum disease. For a tasty treat, add a spoonful of strawberry jam to your yogurt.

Raw Garlic

While it’s not as tasty as a bowl of Greek yogurt, garlic contains allicin, which slows the growth of harmful bacteria and fungal cells. Rubbing raw garlic against the aching area can provide some relief. Although it may burn initially, raw garlic is excellent for inflammation and keeping the area bacteria-free.

Gentle Flossing

Gently floss your teeth, which you should do every day. Your toothache may be the result of some food stuck between your teeth. Be gentle, try to get into the gums a bit, and swish with warm saltwater afterward. If it’s as simple as a stuck food particle, you might be able to avoid an emergency dental visit. If the pain persists, see a dentist as soon as possible.

Toothache Relief: Natural Remedies and Professional Dental Care

Any of these six natural remedies can help you control your tooth pain until you see a dentist. They typically involve things already in your kitchen or medicine cabinet. Be gentle with yourself and schedule an emergency appointment with the compassionate team at Beckham Square Family Dental. Contact us today at 513.489.7800 or use our online form to get relief for your toothache.