We’ve all experienced that telltale twinge of pain in our teeth. For some of us, it’s an occasional annoyance. For others, it’s a chronic problem. But a toothache is never fun whether it’s mild or severe, sharp or dull.
The most common cause is dental decay, which happens when plaque builds up on your teeth and starts to break down the enamel. Infection is another common cause of toothaches. This can happen if the tooth is cracked or chipped, which allows bacteria to enter the pulp. Injury to the tooth can also cause a toothache. This could be from something like biting your tongue or cheek, grinding your teeth, or having an object hit the tooth.
Several factors increase your risk of developing a toothache. Poor dental hygiene practices, such as failing to brush twice daily and not flossing at least once per day, will allow plaque to build up on the teeth and gums. This increases an individual’s risk for cavities and gum disease, eventually leading to tooth pain. Furthermore, acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel over time, making the teeth more vulnerable to pain and decay. Fortunately, many home remedies are effective in managing and treating toothache.
Warm Salt Water Rinse
When we have a toothache, we first want relief from the pain. Unfortunately, that’s not always easy to come by. If over-the-counter pain medications aren’t doing the trick, a warm salt water rinse might be what you need. This home remedy has been used for centuries to help relieve the pain of a toothache. But how does it work?
The simple answer is that saltwater helps reduce inflammation. When an individual rinses their mouth with warm salt water, the salt draws out any excess fluid that may be causing swelling in the gums or around the tooth. This can reduce the pressure and pain that they’re feeling. In addition, saltwater also has antibacterial properties. This means that it can help kill any bacteria that may be causing an infection that could contribute to their toothache.
To prepare a salt water rinse at home, combine one teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water. Swish the solution around the mouth for 30 seconds to one minute before spitting it out. Repeat as needed until the pain and discomfort disappears.
