Are you dealing with a toothache in Houston? Sometimes it can feel like the worst pain in the world. A severe toothache is likely the result of an infection, but while you wait for your emergency dental appointment you can utilize some helpful ingredients from your pantry to ease the pain. Check out ideas for home remedies to help you feel better from your emergency dentist.
Thyme
Thyme has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can help with toothaches. Apply a few drops of thyme essential oil and a few drops of water to a cotton ball. Apply this to the affected area.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea has a nice flavor and numbing properties. Take about a spoonful of dried peppermint leaves and add them to a cup of boiling water. Steep for about 20 minutes. Once this has cooled, swish it around your mouth. You can also use peppermint teabags. Just apply a used teabag onto the area after it cools down.
Clove Oil
Cloves are used to numb nerves. They contain a compound called eugenol which is a natural anesthetic. Drip about two drops of oil onto a cotton ball and place it on the affected tooth. You could also chew on a whole clove to release the oil. Keep this in place for about 30 minutes.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Using a hydrogen peroxide rinse can help kill bacteria, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. Just be sure that you don’t swallow it. To make this rinse, mix 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water.
Cold Compress
When you use a cold compress, the blood vessels in the area constrict. This helps to numb some of the pain you are feeling. Cold temperatures help to reduce both inflammation and swelling. If your toothache is a result of trauma, this is especially helpful. Wrap a bag of ice with a towel and place it on the affected area for about 20 minutes.
Salt Water
A good first step to take when you have a toothache is rinsing with salt water. It is a natural disinfectant and can help to wash away food particles that are lodged between the teeth. When you rinse with salt water, you are also helping to reduce inflammation in the mouth and heal oral wounds. To make a salt water rinse, mix about a half teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
Definitely visit your dentist ASAP if you have an intense toothache in Houston, but feel free to try one or more of these remedies in the meantime. You may find one that really helps to give you some pain relief.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Gray has been working hard for Houston smiles since the 1980s. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston, is a member of the American Dental Association, and continues to advance his skills as a Faculty Club member with Spear Education. If you ever need an emergency dentist for a toothache or another reason, Dr. Gray offers same-day appointments to patients of all ages, dental insurance is accepted, and financing is available. Schedule an appointment on his website, but if it’s an emergency, call (281) 493-9395.