Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Tooth nerve pain can be excruciating, making it difficult to carry out daily activities. While seeing a dentist is the best way to find long-term relief, some home remedies can give you temporary relief.
This blog post will explore seven ways to stop tooth nerve pain at home, including some natural and simple remedies you can try until you can see your dentist.
Table of Contents
Here Are 7 Ways To Stop Tooth Nerve Pain
- Cold and warm compresses: Cold compresses are great for numbing tooth pain and bringing down swelling. On the other hand, warm compresses can help with infections by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. This simple approach can make a big difference in managing tooth pain.
- Oral gels: Topical anesthetics like benzocaine or lidocaine gels can offer swift, temporary respite from tooth pain. These gels work by numbing the painful area. Apply a small amount directly onto the tooth and surrounding gums. Follow the guidelines provided on the product’s packaging.
- Saltwater rinse: Using a saltwater rinse is a simple yet effective way to ease tooth pain. The salt acts as an antiseptic, helping to reduce inflammation and kill harmful bacteria in your mouth, which aids in pain relief and supports oral health.
- Clove oil: Clove oil is a natural remedy for tooth pain. Thanks to its natural analgesic properties, it’s known for its ability to reduce pain quickly.
- Peppermint tea bags: Used either warm or cold, peppermint tea bags can soothe sensitive gums and decrease pain due to their natural numbing properties.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Ibuprofen is recommended for dental discomfort because it targets inflammation, which is a common cause of tooth pain. It’s important to use these medications as directed.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse: A rinse with a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide can help to relieve pain and inflammation. It’s also effective in killing bacteria and reducing plaque.
Key Takeaway
When dealing with tooth nerve pain at home, it’s important to understand that while temporary relief can be achieved with remedies like saltwater rinses, cold compresses, or clove oil, these are not permanent solutions. Persistent or severe pain often indicates underlying dental issues that require professional attention.
Navigating Tooth Nerve Pain: Why Does it Hurt?
Tooth nerve pain can show up in different ways, like being extra sensitive to hot and cold, pain when you chew, or even blood or pus around a tooth. There are two main reasons for this pain:
- Dentin hypersensitivity: This happens when the outer layer of your tooth (enamel) wears down, exposing the sensitive part underneath. It may also happen when there is recession of the gums, exposing underlying root surfaces. It can be caused by untreated cavities, gum recession, brushing too hard, or using certain teeth-whitening products.
- Pulpitis: This usually affects just one tooth and could be a sign of a bigger problem, like a cracked, chipped or broken tooth, decay, infection, or teeth grinding.
Knowing these symptoms and why they happen is important. Early intervention can stop things from getting worse and keep your teeth healthy for a long time.
Beyond Home Remedies: The Professional Touch
While these tips can offer temporary relief, it’s important to remember that they are not permanent solutions. Chronic or severe tooth pain could be a sign of more serious dental issues that require professional attention.
Two effective treatments used by dentists to relieve tooth pain are:
- Composite dental fillings: Used to fix tooth decay. A filling procedure involves removing the decay and filling the hole with composite material. Fillings stop the pain and prevent more decay.
- Root canal therapy: This is needed for serious decay or infection. A root canal procedure involves removing the damaged pulp and cleaning the tooth before sealing it and adding a crown.
Sometimes, if the decay is too bad, it might be necessary to pull out the tooth. Tooth extraction is always the last resort, but this may be the only option if the infection is left for too long.
Your Next Step to a Pain-Free Smile
Tooth pain shouldn’t be a part of your daily life. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, it’s time to take action. Contact Power Road Dental Care in Mesa today. We’re more than just a dental office; we’re your partners in maintaining a healthy, happy smile.
If you are in the East Valley and are searching for a ‘dental exam near me’ or a ‘dentist in Mesa, AZ,’ we can help. To book an appointment, call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online booking form.
Dental Pain FAQ
What causes tooth pain?
Tooth pain can be caused by decay, infection, injury, recession of the gums or tooth loss. Sometimes, pain is due to sensitive teeth reacting to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
How can I quickly relieve tooth pain at home?
For temporary relief, you can use a saltwater rinse, cold compress, or clove oil. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help.
When should I see a dentist for tooth pain?
If the pain is severe, lasts more than a couple of days, or is accompanied by fever, ear pain, or pain when you open your mouth wide, you should see a dentist.
Can tooth pain go away on its own?
Sometimes minor tooth pain can resolve itself, but persistent or severe pain should be checked by a dentist.
Is tooth pain a sign of something serious?
It can be. Continuous or severe pain might indicate a serious issue like an abscess or severe decay, which needs prompt treatment.