Toothache Treatment - Should I use pressure for a toothache?

Tooth pain is a sign that your mouth is not functioning properly, a warning that you need dental treatment. While you wait for your appointment, you can try some natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory measures: Clove can be used as a natural, gentle antiseptic to soothe pain.

1. Floss

Many problems can cause a toothache. Some, like a chipped or broken tooth, are quite serious, while others, like sensitive teeth or an injury to the mouth, are more minor. However, a sharp pain could also indicate an infection or a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. To remove food particles stuck between your teeth, you must first floss your teeth properly, which can be a source of suffering considering how many problems bacteria can develop in small places. Flossing is also essential for treating periodontal disease such as gingivitis, which if left untreated can develop into periodontitis and cause more serious problems, including tooth loss. Warm water mixed with diluted hydrogen peroxide is also an option for rinsing your mouth. This mixture can destroy bacteria, reduce plaque and stop bleeding gums. It is recommended to perform this operation multiple times daily.

2. Rinse

Toothaches are often caused by a gum infection that causes tissue swelling, or irritation of the nerves inside the tooth. The problem is that unlike other parts of the body, teeth cannot swell in response to pain. As a result, when the blood flow and nerves inside the tooth become inflamed, excruciating pain can result. Frequent saltwater rinses can help relieve toothache because salt water is a natural disinfectant that kills bacteria in your mouth. It can also help heal canker sores and loosen food particles. Mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water, swirl it around in your mouth, and then spit it out. Repeat as needed throughout the day. This will also help reduce the throbbing pain that comes with toothaches. Alternatively, you can try using a solution made from diluted peppermint tea or a clove oil rinse to reduce swelling and inflammation.

3. Ice

It's important to see your dentist if your tooth hurts, as discomfort usually indicates an underlying problem. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help ease the pain. One of the best treatments for dental discomfort is a cold compress. The cold has a constricting effect on blood vessels and reduces blood flow, causing the area to numb. Apply an ice pack or hold a bag of frozen peas against your cheek for about 20 minutes. Another natural anti-inflammatory that may help ease dental discomfort is garlic. Try biting into a garlic clove or applying direct pressure to the painful tooth. Over-the-counter oral pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may reduce discomfort and swelling, but they must be taken exactly as prescribed.

4. Massage

A toothache can be quite painful, but there are plenty of natural ways to get rid of it. In addition to over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium, you can also try acupressure. This traditional Chinese method involves applying pressure to acupressure points on the body to reduce pain, relieve tension, and address blood flow issues. Toothaches can be more intense at night because when you lie down, blood rushes to your head rapidly, putting pressure on sensitive, inflamed teeth, which can be avoided by elevating your head with multiple pillows. To do compression therapy, find the acupressure point SI 18 on the palm of your hand that corresponds to the side of the painful tooth. Press firmly on this area with your thumb and index finger for one minute. You can repeat this as needed to relieve symptoms. Although this method may provide immediate pain relief, it doesn't address the underlying cause of the toothache.