Toothaches can be incredibly painful. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us haven’t been able to receive the dental care we need. As a result, you may be experiencing worsened cavities or impacted wisdom teeth. But you’re not alone. About 91% of Americans between the ages of 20 and 64 have at least one cavity, and 72% of people have wisdom teeth that will become impacted.
That said, if you’re experiencing a toothache and you’re looking for temporary relief, check out some of the solutions below.
1. Cold compress
A cold compress is good for reducing swelling and inflammation. Chronic inflammation affects millions of Americans and it can be especially painful. To reduce the pain, hold a towel-wrapped bag of ice over the area for up to 20 minutes. You don’t want to keep the ice on the area for too long because it causes the blood vessels to constrict. Repeat this process every few hours as needed.
2. Heat compress
You can use both ice and heat to alleviate some of the discomfort of your toothache. Heat can help to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation by increasing blood flow and relieving tension. Apply a towel-wrapped heat pack to the affected area for 15 minutes. Wait another 15 minutes before reapplying or applying an ice pack to the area.
3. Over-the-counter pain reliever
Depending on the severity of your toothache, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers to help reduce the pain your experiencing. Ask your doctor or dentist about which pain relief options are best for you. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are often taken together to reduce both pain and inflammation.
4. Peppermint tea bags
Peppermint tea isn’t just a great way to cleanse the mind. It also helps to relieve toothaches. This is because peppermint tea helps to soothe sensitive gums and numb pain. Pour boiling water over a peppermint tea bag in a cup. Remove the tea bag after the designated brewing time and allow the bag to cool. While the tea bag is still warm, apply it to the affected area.
5. Clove oil
Clove oil, diluted with olive oil or coconut oil, can help to reduce inflammation and numb the affects area. The reason for this is because clove oil contains a natural antiseptic called eugenol, which can sterilize oral wounds. If you have a cavity that’s causing you pain, you can also use a whole clove.
6. Seek out urgent dental care
If your toothache is excruciating and requires emergency dental care, it may be in your best interest to seek out urgent dental care and family dentistry services in your area. Check to see if your dental coverage covers urgent care like this. About two-thirds, or 164. million Americans, have private dental coverage and 17.2% of all people are covered by medicare insurance as of 2017.
Toothaches are never fun, especially during a pandemic when you can’t visit your dentist as you usually would. By following the tips above, you can help to relieve some of your toothache pain. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your dentist in the event that your toothache becomes too much. The CDC reports that emergency care shouldn’t be delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
