To slow the spread of the coronavirus, all non-essential businesses have temporarily closed, including your dentist’s office. While most practices are still treating dental emergencies, routine care and checkups have been postponed until after social distancing orders have been lifted. If you have a mild or moderate toothache during COVID-19, it may be safer for you to treat your symptoms at home until quarantine is over. Here are 10 common pantry items that can help you manage your tooth pain until you can visit your Norwalk dentist.
1.) Clove Oil
Cloves contain natural pain-relieving compounds. Put a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it directly to your painful tooth. However, be sure to avoid touching your soft tissues to prevent irritation.
2.) Ginger & Cayenne
Some studies indicate that these hot spices can block pain signals to the brain. Mix equal parts of cayenne and ginger with water, then spread the paste onto your afflicted tooth to relieve discomfort.
3.) Salt
Salt naturally disinfects, soothes inflammation, and fights bacteria. Rinsing your mouth out for 30 seconds with a teaspoon of salt dissolved into a glass of water can ease sensitive, swollen gums.
4.) Black Tea Bag
Black tea contains tannins, which have been shown to act as temporary pain relievers. Place a warm, wet bag of black tea onto your tooth to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
5.) Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful ingredient that can kill bacteria and relive pain. After rinsing your mouth out with a 3% solution, wash your mouth out with water several times.
6.) Ice
Ice is commonly used for reducing swelling and numbing pain. Place a small ice cube in a plastic bag and wrap it in a thin cloth before placing it on your painful tooth for 15 minutes at a time.
7.) Myrrh
A rinse containing myrrh kills dangerous bacteria and treats inflammation. Simmer one teaspoon of powdered myrrh in two cups of water, then dilute one teaspoon of the solution in a half cup of water to create this type of homemade mouthwash.
8.) Specialized Dental Products
Certain oral hygiene products are designed to alleviate tooth pain. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste can treat weakened, sensitive teeth.
9.) Sugarless Gum
Your toothache may be the result of a broken, loose, or missing dental filling. A piece of wet, sugarless gum can be molded over it to protect the exposed inner part of your tooth from decay and bacteria.
10.) Garlic Cloves
Garlic contains an oil called allicin that can naturally fight off diseases. To apply this oil to your toothache, try chewing a clove of garlic or placing chopped bits of garlic on the uncomfortable tooth.
About the Practice
Dr. Adam Sommers and Dr. Norm Sommers of Sommers Family Dentistry are dedicated to the health and safety of their patients, staff, and the entire community of Norwalk, OH. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have chosen to follow the recommendations of the American Dental Association and temporarily postpone non-urgent dental treatment until further notice. However, they remain available to treat dental emergencies like intense or severe toothaches, so don’t hesitate to contact them via their website or at (419) 668-3606.
