Toothaches are a nuisance in many ways. In addition to making it hard to talk and chew, dental pain can make it difficult to sleep, interfering with nearly every aspect of your life. Although emergency dentists can quickly identify and resolve the problem, you might need urgent relief before you can get to their office. Here are three ways to alleviate toothaches at home.

Emergency Dentists Share 3 Tips for Relieving Tooth Pain

Rinse With Saltwater

Since toothaches create inflammation and swelling that presses on surrounding nerves, rinsing your mouth with saltwater helps these tissues return to their normal size, alleviating pain. To make a rinse, stir fine grain salt into water until you see grains at the bottom of the glass that aren’t dissolving. Swish the solution in your mouth for a few minutes several times a day to soothe the pain. 

Apply Clove Oil 

In clinical studies, clove oil was shown to be powerful for alleviating tooth pain. Available at drugstores and health food shops across the country, clove oil can be applied with a Q-tip to the affected tooth. If you use it, keep in mind it is most effective when placed close to the cavity, exposed nerve, or tooth pulp. 

Use Ice

Cold temperatures also reduce swelling, which can alleviate toothaches. To ward off pain, use cold compresses on the outside of your cheeks and jaw, or consider sucking on an ice cube or drinking a cold beverage. Although it might be tempting, never chew ice when you have a toothache, as the sharp edges could cause additional dental problems.

If you can’t find relief for your toothache, reach out to the emergency dentists at Cherry Hill Dentistry in Lincoln, NE. If the pain is intense and you need immediate attention, they will even stay open beyond regular hours to accommodate you. To schedule an appointment, send them a message online or call (402) 488-2383.