CDC estimates that over 40% of adults experience tooth pain every year. While toothaches are common, they can significantly impact your diet, sleep, and other important aspects of your life. At night, we often find ourselves searching for ways how to stop tooth pain fast at home. Before discussing how to relieve tooth pain with effective home remedies for toothache, we’ll briefly discuss the common causes of tooth pain to understand the issue better and address it effectively.
5 Common Causes of tooth pain
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Tooth Decay:
Tooth decay, or cavities, is one of the most common causes of extreme tooth pain that can make it hard to sleep. When decay creates a hole in the tooth, it exposes the sensitive inner layers, leading to sharp, throbbing pain, especially when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet. If left untreated, the pain can become constant and more severe. We’ll also cover hole-in-tooth pain relief and hole-in-theoth pain home remedy options later in the article to help you manage this discomfort.
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Impacted Tooth:
An impacted tooth, often a wisdom tooth, can cause intense pressure and pain in the surrounding teeth and gums. This pain is typically described as a deep, dull ache that can radiate to the jaw and ear. This type of pain can also contribute to extreme tooth pain that disrupts your sleep.
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Gum Disease:
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is another leading cause of tooth pain. In its early stages, known as gingivitis, it may cause mild discomfort or tenderness. However, as it progresses to periodontitis, it can lead to more severe pain, swelling, and bleeding in the gums, along with a dull ache in the affected teeth. This condition can exacerbate extreme tooth pain and make it difficult to sleep through the night.
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Teeth Grinding/Bruxism:
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, often occurs unconsciously during sleep. This grinding can wear down the teeth, creating a hole in the tooth that leads to increased sensitivity and pain. The pain from bruxism is typically described as a dull ache in the teeth and jaw and can sometimes cause headaches and earaches, further contributing to extreme tooth pain.
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Injury/Trauma:
Any injury or trauma to the teeth, such as a crack, chip, or hole in the tooth, can cause significant pain. Depending on the extent of the damage, the pain can range from mild discomfort to intense, sharp pain when biting down or when the tooth is exposed to temperature changes. Finding a hole in tooth pain is a home remedy that is essential for quick relief, especially when dealing with extreme tooth pain that can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.
5 Best Home Remedies to Stop Tooth pain at Home
There are many natural or home remedies for tooth pain, but some are effective and help provide quick relief of tooth pain and are approved by dentists. In contrast, others are merely traditional remedies passed down through generations. In this section, we will discuss home remedies for tooth pain that dental specialists approve.
1: Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater is known for its cleaning properties and can be helpful for keeping your mouth healthy. If you have a toothache, rinsing with salt water may provide some relief and is one way to stop tooth pain quickly and naturally at home. This natural remedy helps disinfect your gums and teeth. Swishing salt water around can also help remove anything stuck between your gums that might be causing pain. If there is swelling in the area, saltwater can help reduce it.
A warm salt water rinse is a common home remedy for toothaches. Because saltwater has antibacterial qualities, it may help lower inflammation and protect damaged teeth from getting infected.
If you’re dealing with unbearable tooth pain, rinsing with salt water can help clear out food particles or debris stuck in your teeth or gums. After rinsing, gently using dental floss can further help remove any leftover food between your teeth.
2: Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide can be an effective home remedy for toothache and can relieve tooth pain. A systematic review suggests that hydrogen peroxide may reduce plaque, gingivitis, and oral bacteria, although it may not be as effective as some other mouthwashes.
To use this remedy, always dilute food-grade hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water. Swish the solution in your mouth for a good cleaning and to kill any bacteria causing the pain. However, it’s important not to swallow the mixture, as hydrogen peroxide can be harmful if ingested, making it unsuitable for children who may accidentally swallow it.
While it may not be the best medicine for tooth pain, hydrogen peroxide can help clean the affected area around the tooth and promote healing.
3: Clove Oil
Clove oil, which contains eugenol, is a powerful home remedy for toothache. It is also known for its analgesic and antibacterial properties. Another study suggests that eugenol can help relieve tooth pain from conditions like irreversible pulpitis, which is a severe inflammation of the dental pulp.
To use clove oil for pain relief, apply a small amount to a cotton ball and rub it on the affected area. Research shows that an average of 7.53 out of 10 experience significantly reduced pain levels when applying clove oil.
Many people consider clove oil the best medicine for tooth pain due to its effectiveness in numbing pain. For a safe application, dilute clove oil with a carrier oil, such as sunflower or jojoba oil.
This method may not literally kill tooth pain nerve in 3 seconds permanently, but it can provide significant relief when applied a few times a day.
4:Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic is known for its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a practical option among tooth pain remedies. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that can help fight bacteria and reduce pain. To use garlic for a toothache, crush a clove to release its juices and apply it directly to the affected area.
This can provide quick relief from discomfort and help reduce inflammation in the gums. Many people consider garlic one of the most effective toothache remedies, as it not only targets the pain but also helps fight off any underlying infection. Including fresh garlic in your diet can further enhance its benefits for oral health.
5:Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a soothing herbal remedy that can be particularly helpful for those experiencing extreme tooth pain. This tea contains menthol, which has natural analgesic and calming properties that can help ease discomfort.
Drinking warm peppermint tea can provide a gentle numbing effect, making it an excellent option for those wondering how to stop tooth pain fast without medicine. Additionally, rinsing your mouth with cooled peppermint tea may further alleviate pain and inflammation in the gums.
If you’re struggling with extreme tooth pain that prevents you from sleeping, sipping on peppermint tea can be a simple and effective way to find relief and promote relaxation.
Why is Tooth Pain Worse at Night?
Tooth pain often feels worse at night due to several factors. When lying down, blood rushes to your head, increasing pressure in the area and intensifying pain. Nighttime also brings fewer distractions, making you more aware of your discomfort.
Grinding teeth during sleep can exacerbate tooth pain, mainly if there are underlying issues like cavities or gum disease. Additionally, the body’s natural circadian rhythms can alter the perception and intensity of pain at night.
Without the daytime routine of eating and drinking, which can temporarily relieve pain. The continuous presence of discomfort becomes more noticeable and more challenging to ignore.
10 Best Tips to Prevent Tooth Ache at Home
Preventing tooth pain involves maintaining good oral hygiene and taking preventive measures to protect your teeth and gums. Here are some strategies to prevent tooth pain:
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease, which can lead to tooth pain.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can erode tooth enamel. Instead, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that promote oral health.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria and encourages saliva production, which neutralizes harmful acids.
- Brush Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent cavities.
- Floss Daily: Flossing removes food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line that brushing alone can’t reach.
- Use Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce plaque, further protecting your teeth and gums.
- Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Opening packages, cutting thread, or cracking nuts with your teeth can lead to chips and breaks.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage.
- Stop teeth grinding: Do not grind teeth while sleeping. Avoid this habit with some professional help.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups to catch and treat any issues early.
If you experience extreme tooth pain that prevents you from sleeping, consult your dentist. They can provide solutions, but there is no quick fix like killing the tooth pain nerve in 3 seconds.
FAQs
How can I make my tooth stop hurting fast?
To stop tooth pain fast, you can try several home remedies, such as salt water rinse or clove oil. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can also help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
How do you stop a toothache urgently?
To relieve tooth pain urgently, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also apply a topical numbing agent containing benzocaine directly to the sore area for quick relief.
What can I do if my tooth pain is unbearable?
If your tooth pain is unbearable, it’s essential to seek professional dental help. In the meantime, you can use ice packs and rinse with warm salt water. Moreover, you can take pain medication to help get rid of tooth pain until you can see a dentist.
How to reduce tooth pain at night?
To reduce tooth pain at night, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before bed and using a warm saltwater rinse. Keeping your head elevated while sleeping may also help alleviate some discomfort. If needed, consult your dentist for the best medicine for tooth pain tailored to your situation.