When you’re dealing with tooth pain, it’s not always possible to see a dentist right away. Although severe pain from an abscess or tooth fracture may require an emergency room visit, several home remedies can reduce more moderate pain while you wait for a dental appointment.

How to Ease Tooth Pain While Waiting for the Dentist

1. Salt Water Rinse

Cleanse your mouth, relieve the ache, and eliminate fluids from your gums with a hot salt water rinse. Mix one tablespoon of salt in one cup of warm water, then rinse or gargle and repeat until your mouth feels better. You can also add one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to a cup of water and swish or gargle that mixture for additional pain relief and bacteria elimination.

2. Cold Compress

A cold compress or an ice pack can also reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the pack in a clean washcloth or paper towel to prevent direct contact with your skin, which can cause irritation. However, keep in mind that this solution may not work for a toothache caused by nerve sensitivity.

3. Hard Liquor

Use a shot of whiskey, brandy, vodka, or scotch to numb your tooth and gums, while also killing bacteria that can cause an infection. Swish the liquor the way you would a mouth rinse, or soak a cotton ball in your chosen spirit and place it against the affected tooth.

4. Ginger-Cayenne Paste

For a natural numbing paste, mix equal parts ginger and cayenne with a little water. Soak a small piece of cotton in the solution, and then keep it on the painful tooth until the discomfort lessens. While both spices are hot, they also contain capsaicin, which is a compound that prevents pain signals from reaching the brain.

Don’t let your toothache worsen—schedule an appointment with Anderson Dental Group in Mooresville, NC. The dentists at this state-of-the-art practice offer a full suite of general and cosmetic dentistry services that keep patients smiling. Call (704) 663-3300 today to schedule an appointment, or visit the dentists online for more information about the practice. For more dental tips, connect with them on Facebook.