Treating a toothache at night can be more difficult, as there is not much to distract a person from the pain.
However, people can try the following methods to relieve the pain:
1. Oral painkillers
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be
It is recommended that you stay within the recommended dosage on the package. If the toothache is severe, it is best to visit a dentist and talk to him about stronger pain relievers.
2. Cold compress
A common symptom of a toothache is swelling. Therefore, using a cold compress can help relieve the pain of a toothache. Evidence notes that a cold compress can I help reduce swelling and pain.
Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected side of the face or jaw helps constrict the blood vessels in the area, which can reduce pain and allow a person to fall asleep. Applying a cold compress to the area for 15-20 minutes every few hours at night can also help prevent pain when you go to bed.
3. Altitude
Pooling of blood in the head can cause additional pain and inflammation. For some people, elevating the head with an extra pillow or two can relieve the pain enough for them to fall asleep.
4. Medicinal ointments
Some medicated ointments can too help reduce toothache pain. Nail gels and ointments that contain ingredients like benzocaine can numb the area.
However, benzocaine is not suitable for use by young children under 2 years of age.
5. Rinse with salt or warm water
A simple salt or warm water rinse is a common home remedy for toothache.
Salt water, or a saline solution, is natural antibacterial agent, so it can reduce inflammation. This, in turn, helps protect damaged teeth from infection.
Rinsing with seawater can also help remove any food particles or debris stuck to the teeth or gums. Additionally, after brushing, a person can gently floss to help remove any food or debris between the teeth.
6. Rinse with hydrogen peroxide
ONE Systematic review 2020 suggests that rinsing with hydrogen peroxide can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, and oral bacteria. However, the review adds that it may not be as effective as other mouthwashes.
People should always dilute hydrogen peroxide for food with equal parts water. Swish the solution in the mouth, but do not swallow. This medicine is not suitable for children as there is a risk of them accidentally swallowing the mixture.
Read on to learn more about hydrogen peroxide gargle.
7. Mint tea
Previous research notes that peppermint may contain antibacterial and antioxidant compounds. In addition, peppermint contains menthol, which
Sipping peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint tea bags can help temporarily relieve toothache pain.
8. Clove oil
Eugenol, also known as clove oil, is a vegetable oil that
Eugenol acts as an analgesic, meaning it numbs the area. To use cloves for a toothache, soak ground cloves in water to make a paste. Then apply the paste to the tooth or put it in an empty tea bag and place it in the mouth. Alternatively, gently chewing or sucking on a single clove and then letting it sit near the painful tooth can help relieve the pain.
This is not a suitable medicine for children as they may swallow too much clove. Individual cloves can be sharp and painful if swallowed.
Read on to learn more about clove oil for toothache.
9. Garlic
Garlic is a common household ingredient that some people use to relieve a toothache.
Allicin, which is the main compound in garlic, has a powerful antibacterial effect. ONE
Simply chewing a clove of garlic and letting it sit near the tooth can help relieve the pain. That said, the taste of raw garlic can be too strong for some people, so this may not be the right solution for everyone.
