National Toothache Day
Did you know we have a whole entire day dedicated to a toothache?
Yup, it’s true, National Toothache Day is an annual occurrence every February 9.
Nobody wants a toothache, the pain, the discomfort, how can we possibly have a day celebrating a toothache?
A toothache can put a serious damper on your day, just imagine having to have a normal conversation, enjoy a meal, or even just go to sleep with a toothache.
Anyone who’s ever had a toothache knows, it’s not a pleasurable experience.
So in the spirit of something to celebrate, let’s first take a quick look at how to prevent a toothache in the first place, then examine several of the most popular – and proven – home remedies for a toothache…
5 Ways to Prevent A Toothache
Before we get into the home remedies, it needs to be said that there is no home remedy to get rid of a really bad toothache – one that has progressed to an abscess & infection – we can be aware of how to prevent toothaches.
And nothing can replace the best home remedy for a toothache – PREVENTION.
- Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, 2x a day.
- Floss every day.
- Visit your dentist 2x a year – and tell them about any symptoms, like sensitivity or mild pain.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Maintain a healthy diet – limiting sugars & acidic beverages.
6 Proven Home Remedies for A Toothache
Treating a toothache at home is a stop-gap measure at best, and something downright not recommended if your toothache is causing moderate to severe pain.
Only your dentist will be able to diagnose and treat the root cause of your toothache – no pun intended.
Symptoms of toothaches can range from minor tooth sensitivity to full-blown severe facial pain accompanied by swelling & a fever.
Here are two times when a home remedy for a toothache probably won’t help:
- If you are experiencing moderate to severe pain that lasts for more than a day or two, you should see your dentist ASAP.
- If you have a severe toothache accompanied by a fever or swelling, and your dentist hasn’t gotten back to you within an hour, you might want to go to the emergency room.
When it comes to a home remedy for a mild toothache, it’s usually about alleviating pain, discomfort, and the associated possible inflammation.
“When getting out of tooth pain, it’s all about controlling the swelling. Reduce the swelling, and you reduce the pain.” – Mark Burhenne, DDS
Here are six proven home remedies for a mild toothache – courtesy of AskTheDentist.com:
- Gargle with salt water: Rinse 4-5 times daily to reduce inflammation and contract the tissues.
- Use a pillow: Keeping your head elevated can reduce the excess blood flow to the inflamed tooth – alleviated swelling & pain.
- Apply an ice pack: Ice works great to keep the toothache area cold and reduce swelling.
- Garlic paste: Garlic has medicinal and anti-bacterial properties while also serving as an effective pain reliever. (1) To try, use a garlic press to crush raw garlic before rubbing onto the affected tooth.
- Peppermint Tea: Swish the tea around your mouth, or apply the teabag directly to your affected tooth.
- Knotted Floss: This is to remedy something caught between your teeth that could be causing your toothache. Knot a piece of floss and floss through your teeth.
Again, there is absolutely no substitute for being seen, diagnosed, and treated for your toothache by your dentist. DIY dentistry is not recommended under any circumstances, and is dangerous to your health – when in doubt, call your dentist!
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