In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, The American Dental Association has recommended that dentists postpone all non-urgent appointments. So what should you do if you find yourself with a toothache in quarantine? While dental practices are working tirelessly to keep their offices clean and safe for emergency visits, it’s safer to treat tooth pain at home if you can until quarantine orders have been lifted. Here are 10 common pantry items that can be used to treat a toothache until you can visit your Canonsburg dentist.
1.) Clove Oil
Place a cotton ball with a few drops of clove oil directly onto your painful tooth. While cloves contain natural pain-relieving properties, they can irritate your gums and tongue if applied carelessly.
2.) Ginger & Cayenne
Mix an equal amount of ginger and cayenne with some water, then spread the paste on your tooth. These spices can block pain signals to the brain.
3.) Salt
Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth with it for 30 seconds. A saltwater rinse will help soothe irritation, clear away bacteria, and treat any oral infections.
4.) Black Tea Bag
Studies show that placing a warm, wet bag of black tea directly onto a painful tooth can provide temporary relief. The tannins they contain work to reduce inflammation.
5.) Hydrogen Peroxide
Similar to saltwater, swishing a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide will disinfect your mouth and reduce some tooth pain. Be sure to wash your mouth out with plain water several times afterwards.
6.) Ice
Place a small ice cube in a plastic bag and wrap it with a thin cloth. You can apply it to your toothache for 15 minutes at a time to numb the pain.
7.) Myrrh
Simmer one teaspoon of powdered myrrh in two cups of water for 30 minutes. Add one teaspoon of this solution to a half cup of water and use it to rinse your mouth out. This will ease inflammation and kill bacteria.
8.) Specialized dental products
Your toothache may be the result of bad brushing habits. Use desensitizing toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to treat sensitive teeth and weakened enamel.
9.) Sugarless Gum
If your tooth pain is associated with a damaged or lost dental filling, you can use a wet piece of sugarless gum to cover it and protect your tooth from sensitivity.
10.) Acupressure
Using your thumb, press the space on the back of your other hand where the base of your thumb and index finger meet. Applying pressure for two minutes will trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.
If your toothache is intense, the result of severe damage, or accompanied by signs of infection, you may need urgent dental care. Your dentist adheres to strict sanitation procedures and is committed to your health, so please contact them right away if you are experiencing a dental emergency.
About the Author
To Dr. Raj Vekariya of Center One Dental, the health and safety of his patients, staff, and the community of Canonsburg, PA are always his top concern. He and his team follow sanitation recommendations from the CDC and the ADA to protect patients and staff alike from germs of all kinds. To continue to keep everyone safe in these unusual times, they will be following an even higher standard of infection control while they treat dental emergencies as well as when the practice is able to reopen. If you have an intense toothache, please don’t hesitate to visit their website or call (724) 300-3700.