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A toothache is a terrible thing to endure. If you’ve been unlucky enough of having one, you know how painful they can be.

The numbing throbbing pain you can feel in your jaw and just about every other part of your body.

They also have a knack of hitting you at the worse possible times – when it’s late at night and your dentist’s office is closed. Talk about frustrating!

So why do we get toothaches?

Toothaches happen when the central portion of the tooth, the pulp, becomes inflamed. The pulp contains nerve endings that are highly sensitive to pain. Inflammation to the pulp can be caused by various reasons such as cavities, trauma, and infection.

It’s important that if your tooth aches you should see a dentist as soon as possible. There’s a chance it could be infected and if left untreated it can lead to bigger health problems beyond the affected tooth.

These 5 home remedies should hold you over until you can visit the dentist:

Salt water

This is probably one of the best ways for soothing a toothache.Mix ¼ to 1/2 tsp. of salt in a glass of warm water.Gargle it for 5 to 10 seconds, spit it out and repeat. The salt water helps kill the bacteria in the affected area and reduce the pressure on the nerve endings.

Note: Don’t swallow the salt water.

Aspirin

Painkillers provide quick, effective relief for minor toothaches. Having a sore tooth can make it difficult to eat, speak and even sleep, so an over-the-counter pain medicine can help ease the pain.

Note: Don’t place the aspirin on the gum of the affected tooth.Aspirin is an acid and will burn your gums.Swallow the aspirin instead.

Clove Oil

Clove oil, also known as Eugenol, is a common ingredient found in dental products. Cloves have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anesthetic properties that help ease tooth pain and fight infection.

Mix 2-3 drops with olive or cooking oil and apply the mixture on the sore tooth.You can also dab a cotton ball in the oil mixture and rub it on the affected area.

Note: You can find clove oil at most drug stores

Ice Pack

Fill a Ziploc bag with ice, wrap a cloth around it, and hold it over your cheek where it hurts.The cold temperature will numb the pain.

Note: Don’t apply the ice directly on the affected tooth. Teeth inflamed by toothaches are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, so this will only increase the pain.

Hard Liquor

Alcohol is an antiseptic and an astringent and can help ease the pain of a toothache. Swoosh a bit of whiskey, scotch or vodka. Another option is pouring some it on a cotton ball and applying it to the sore tooth.

Note: A strong mouthwash with alcohol will also work.

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Dentist Brampton