The best source of toothache help is a visit to the dentist. Life, however, doesn't always allow us a quick trip to the dental clinic, which is why it's helpful to know some useful methods for temporarily treating a toothache at home. The first thing that most dental experts would probably recommend is taking an over-the-counter analgesic of some sort, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Another popular source of toothache help that can be applied at home is clove oil, or even clove powder, which can help to numb nerves and dull pain. Sometimes, a good saltwater rinse, with a thorough flossing and brushing, can help relieve a toothache by clearing out any gunk that may be aggravating the tooth. While these and other home remedies can certainly help manage the pain, it's important to keep in mind that they won't actually cure the problem, which is why it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Perhaps the first thing one should do is to thoroughly brush and floss, followed by rinsing with lukewarm saltwater. This will clear out any parcels of food or other gunk that could well be making the pain worse. After that, applying a cold or hot compress can be an effective source of toothache help. A compress can help alleviate swelling and dull pain.
One of the quickest and most proven sources of toothache help is popping a couple tablets of either Tylenol® or Advil®, which contain acetaminophen and ibuprofen, respectively. Those and any other analgesic brands containing acetaminophen and ibuprofen often work quickly to dull mild to moderate pain. They can also help tamper any inflammation and swelling. If unsure of how much of an analgesic should be taken to decrease a toothache, a quick call to the local dental clinic should patch one through to an expert who can provide assistance.
Another easy option for toothache help is to purchase an over-the-counter oral analgesic. Most oral analgesics contain benzocaine, a topical anesthetic used to dull localized pain. Care should be taken when applying an oral analgesic, as it's easy to inadvertently numb areas other than the toothache.
Clove oil is an option which has long been a popular remedy. Clove oil acts both as a natural pain killer and as an antibacterial agent. It's generally recommended to dilute clove oil with a bit of olive oil before applying it to the tooth, as undiluted clove oil is quite strong and can cause a burning sensation in the mouth. When applying clove oil, use a cotton swab or a piece of cloth. Prior to using clove oil, one should first ensure that he or she does not have any allergies to it. Mixing clove oil with zinc oxide to form a temporary filling is another longstanding remedy that might help until one is able to see the dentist.