To slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep their patients safe, most dental practices have temporarily closed. Thankfully, many dentists are still providing emergency dentistry for issues like severe toothaches. However, if you have mild to moderate tooth pain, it may be safer for you to treat it at home until social distancing orders have been lifted. Here are 10 common household items that can help you manage your discomfort until you can see your Raleigh dentist.
1.) Clove Oil
Cloves contain natural pain-relieving properties. Put a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it directly to your painful tooth. Be careful to avoid touching your gums or tongue to prevent irritation.
2.) Ginger & Cayenne
These two spices can block some pain signals to the brain. Create a mixture of ginger, cayenne, and water, then spread the paste onto your afflicted tooth to relieve some discomfort.
3.) Salt
Salt is a natural disinfectant that can soothe inflammation and fight bacteria. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth with it for 30 seconds to ease sensitive, swollen gums.
4.) Black Tea Bag
Studies have found that the tannins contained in black tea can provide temporary pain relief. You can place a wet, warm bag of black tea directly on a painful tooth to reduce inflammation.
5.) Hydrogen Peroxide
Rinsing your mouth with a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide can kill bacteria and ease discomfort. However, be sure to wash your mouth out with water several times afterwards.
6.) Ice
Applying ice is a tried and true method for numbing pain and reducing swelling. Place a small ice cube in a plastic bag and wrap it with a thin cloth before placing it on the afflicted area for 15 minutes at a time.
7.) Myrrh
Using an oral rinse with this spice can kill harmful bacteria and minimize swelling. Simmer one teaspoon of powdered myrrh in two cups of water for 30 seconds. Add one teaspoon of this solution to a half cup of water to create a homemade myrrh mouthwash.
8.) Specialized Dental Products
Over aggressive brushing may be the cause of your toothache. Treat sensitive teeth and weakened enamel by using a desensitizing toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
9.) Sugarless Gum
A broken, loose, or missing dental crown or filling can lead to tooth pain. You can use a wet piece of sugarless gum to cover the exposed tooth and protect it from sensitivity.
10.) Cloves of Garlic
Garlic contains an oil called allicin which naturally fights off diseases. To release this oil in your mouth, try chewing a clove of garlic or placing chopped bits on your afflicted tooth.
About the Author
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Christine D. Laster is still serving Raleigh, NC with excellent emergency dentistry. The health and safety of her patients and staff are her number one concerns, so she and her team have taken extensive precautions to keep their practice clean and germ-free. If you need urgent dental care, you can be confident that you are receiving quality treatment in a healthy, disinfected environment. To reach her, visit her website or call (919) 787-0355.