How To Make This A Toothache-Free Year

Tuesday - September 20th, 2016

Did you know that February 9 is National Toothache Day?

Although its origin is unknown, let’s celebrate it by exploring ways to avoid having one! Of course, the best way to prevent a toothache this year is by regularly visiting your dentist. However, sometimes you can’t avoid discomfort caused by dental reasons. Here are some helpful tricks to temporarily relieve your toothache until the dentist can see you.

Peppermint tea: Peppermint tea has a numbing and soothing effect, which your aching mouth will be thankful for. Make a hot cup and swish it around your mouth.

Salt water:Salt can draw out bacteria that may be contributing to your tooth pain. Swish warm salt water around your mouth for 30 seconds, spit it out, and repeat as necessary. Be sure to check with your physician before swishing with this solution if you have any heart condition, including high blood pressure.

Hydrogen peroxide:Swish a mouthful of 3% hydrogen peroxide in your mouth for about 30 seconds, spit out, rinse your mouth out with plain water, repeat as necessary. The hydrogen peroxide can help kill any bacteria in your mouth.

Over-the-counter medication:Toothaches may be a result of inflammation. There are many over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to choose from, including Ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Most of these should be able to temporarily relieve some toothache pain.

Clove oil:Dab clove oil directly on the painful area with a cotton ball. Clove oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties. The oil may sting for just a second when first applied, but then relief should set it.

We can’t say enough that the best toothache remedy is prevention. Visit your dentist for annual exams, maintain good oral hygiene, and choose healthy foods and drinks to keep your teeth happy.

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Orthodontics may be provided by general dentists.
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