Much as every dentist in NE Calgary wishes it weren’t so, occasional, minor, and temporary toothaches are a fact of life. Minor toothaches can often be treated effectively at home without any need to see an emergency dentist. Keep the phone number of an emergency dentist in NE Calgary near to hand in case the home remedies don’t work or the toothache worsens, but give these home remedies a try next time you have a mild toothache.
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It doesn’t get much more old school than rinsing with salt water, but it often works because salt is a natural disinfectant and rinsing can remove random bits of debris that might be causing the ache in the first place. The recipe is simple: ½ tsp of table salt in a glass of water warm enough to dissolve it.
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One step up from rinsing with salt water is rinsing with hydrogen peroxide which can kill bacteria, and even help reduce plaque and gum bleeding. Getting this recipe right is important. Combine 3% hydrogen peroxide (the percentage will be marked on the label) with an equal amount of water. Then gargle without swallowing.
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A cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a clean towel) held against your cheek for 10 minutes at a time with 20 minutes in between can also reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.
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Peppermint contains a naturally soothing element that can easily be applied to an aching tooth in the form of a tea bag — either a wet and warm tea bag or one that has been chilled in the freezer for a few minutes. Just place it on top of the aching tooth.
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Garlic is another potentially effective remedy for an aching tooth, albeit not a very subtle one. Simply crush a clove of garlic and place it on top of the aching tooth. Garlic has the added benefit of being able to kill bacteria in your mouth.
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The common baking ingredient vanilla extract is an antioxidant and also contains alcohol which can help numb the pain of a minor toothache. You can apply vanilla extract to an aching tooth a few times each day using your finger, cotton swab, or cotton ball.
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Cloves contain the natural antiseptic eugenol, and have been used historically to relieve toothache pain. You’re less likely to have clove oil on hand, but you can find it at most natural food stores, then simply apply it to your aching tooth just like you would the vanilla extract.
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Guava leaves contain natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help relieve a toothache. There are a few ways to obtain the benefits of guava leaves: chew fresh leaves; or add crushed leaves to boiling water to use — after it cools — as a mouthwash.
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Wheatgrass, referred to some as a superfood, contains natural healing elements that can reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and counter bacteria. To treat a toothache, try using wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash. You can buy wheatgrass juice at natural food stores and online.
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Thyme is one more plant and herb that contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can help ease the pain of a toothache in its essential oil form. Just add a few drops of the essential oil and water to a cotton ball before applying it to your aching tooth.
When should you call an emergency dentist near you about a toothache?
Unexplained, worsening, or persisting toothaches are not a matter for home remedies, especially when accompanied by other symptoms of gum disease or infection — fever, sensitive teeth, a swollen mouth or face, and any bump in your gums near the aching tooth. If these home remedies don’t offer any relief of your minor toothache, or you experience any of these symptoms of a potentially more serious issue, contact an emergency dentist near you for their help and advice.