PEPPERMINT TEA AND 2 MORE LITTLE-KNOWN TRICKS TO TREATING A NIGHTTIME TOOTHACHE
There are many different remedies that can help soothe a toothache at night so that you can get some sleep, but what if you don’t want to rely on medication or special rinses? If you want to control your toothache until you can see your dentist, you may want to try some unconventional methods. Here are 3 tricks for dealing with nighttime tooth pain that you may not have heard of!
1. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint contains an active ingredient called menthol, which has numbing properties and can help relieve a sensitive tooth. Research also shows that peppermint contains antibacterial compounds, meaning it could help fight the bacteria that are causing the tooth pain. Make a cup of tea, then apply the teabag to the affected tooth after it has cooled down; you can then swish the tea inside of your mouth in order to enjoy further pain relief.
2. Cloves
Cloves are a popular spice that’s usually applied to various soups, stews, meats and rice dishes. They contain eugenol, which has been found to reduce pain and inflammation when applied to the gums or to a tooth socket. This is because, like menthol, it helps numb the area around the tooth.
There are a few different ways to apply cloves to your teeth. You can soak them in water to make a paste, then either place the paste directly on your tooth or put it in an empty tea bag to suck on. You might also benefit from chewing or sucking on a clove before letting it rest near the tooth. Since swallowing single cloves can be painful, you might not want to let your children use this remedy.
3. Garlic
Garlic is known for its medicinal properties and contains allicin, which could help kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay and contribute to tooth pain. Simply chewing on some garlic can help, but you can also turn it into a paste; simply peel two fresh cloves, mash them in a bowl with a pestle (along with a teaspoon of salt and maybe a few drops of olive oil), and hold the resulting paste in your mouth next to the tooth for at least 30 minutes. This remedy can be used up to four times each day. Of course, if you have trouble tolerating the taste of raw garlic, you might want to look for a different remedy.
Remember, these treatments are only meant to temporarily reduce oral discomfort; a toothache is typically a sign of a larger underlying issue that could cause even more severe damage if it’s left alone. If tooth pain is keeping you up at night, make an emergency appointment with your dentist right away!
About Shore Dental
Our team of experts at Shore Dental will go above and beyond to accommodate your needs; we offer evening and weekend hours for your convenience, and walk-in visits are welcome. You can rely on us to treat a toothache or another dental emergency with no delays. To schedule an appointment at our office in North Port, visit our website or call (941) 257-0826.