If you’ve ever found yourself with an aching tooth late at night, the chances are, you’ve probably also found yourself frantically scouring the internet for toothache home remedies. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s more than likely your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right, so while home remedies may provide some temporary relief, they’re not a permanent fix.

Here are a few home remedies to try if a nighttime toothache strikes and what you can do to manage the pain until your dentist can see you.

When Home Remedies Can Help

No home remedy for tooth pain is scientifically proven to ease your tooth pain while offering long-term results. The only way to successfully treat a toothache is to see your dentist so the tooth can be appropriately diagnosed and any underlying issues can be fixed.

You may have a friend or family member who swears by the peppermint tea bag trick to heal an aching tooth, but home remedies will never offer a permanent solution to persistent pain. That being said, it never hurts to try a homeopathic approach for pain management, and that’s when home remedies can prove to be helpful.

Popular Tooth Pain Remedies To Try In a Pinch

The most popular home remedies for toothaches have been around for generations and may even be suggested to you by a grandparent who swears by them. Some of the more commonly known homeopathic remedies for tooth pain management are the following.

Salt Water Rinse

Mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water to create a liquid, and rinse your mouth with the solution for 30 seconds, spitting the rinse out afterward.

Does it work?

Saltwater rinses are great for cleaning out infected areas, loosening debris, and eliminating bacteria in your mouth. While it’s not a long-term solution for tooth pain, it may provide you with some temporary relief.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, and use the mixture to rinse your mouth for 30 seconds, spitting the rinse out afterward. If ingested, it can cause stomach or intestinal problems.

Does it work?

Much like a saltwater rinse, hydrogen peroxide helps kill bacteria and prevent gingivitis, causing a toothache.

Peppermint Tea Bags

Apply a chilled tea bag directly to the throbbing area, keeping the bag applied for at least 20 minutes. Teabags have numbing properties similar to cloves.

Does it work?

The numbness you experience from the tea bag may work temporarily, but as soon as you remove the tea bag, the pain will return.

Clove Oil

Apply a drop or two of clove oil onto a cotton ball and apply it directly to the throbbing tooth to numb the affected area.

Does it work?

While clove oil may successfully numbing the area temporarily, the short-term relief you feel will only last for a few minutes. Clove oil can also make the pain worse if it comes into contact with other sensitive areas of your mouth your tongue.

Vanilla Extract

Apply a small amount of extract to your fingertip and rub the affected tooth and gum area, or apply a small amount of extract to a cotton ball and place it on the tooth that’s causing you discomfort.

Does it work?

Alcohol is one of the active ingredients in vanilla extract and acts as a numbing agent. While vanilla extract can offer temporary relief, it’s not a long-term solution for tooth pain.

DIY Toothache Treatments Aren’t a Permanent Solution

No matter how you’re pursuing pain relief, remember that the ultimate goal in finding permanent relief from tooth pain should be to see the dentist as soon as possible. While superficial issues can lead to periods of discomfort, more pressing concerns require professional treatments for long-term relief. If you have a cavity, an abscess, or gum disease, you will need to receive treatment from your dentist to restore your comfort and health. Putting off a dental appointment for tooth pain may only lead to the problem growing and ultimately requiring more invasive and more expensive treatments.

• Ask your dentist if there are any safe ways they can recommend for dealing with the pain until your appointment.
• If you’re in pain, state that it’s a dental emergency, so you’re able to get an appointment as soon as possible.
• Use ice to number the pain and decrease inflammation.
• Write down details like when the pain started, how frequent it is, and where it is in your mouth. These are all questions you will be asked at your appointment.

If you’re suffering from tooth pain that isn’t going away on its own, contact Hinsdale Dentistry to schedule an emergency appointment.