A cracked tooth, a loose filling, an infection or tooth rot can cause toothaches. No matter what causes it, finding relief from the pain is usually a top priority until you can get to a dentist. Although nothing short of pulling or otherwise fixing the tooth can cure the problem, there are a number of things that can be done until the problem can be solved.
History
Before modern dentistry techniques, the best hope for curing a toothache was to pull the offending tooth. It wasn't until the 17th century that a French physician named Pierre Fauchard introduced fillings as a way of stopping decay in a tooth. Today both of these methods are still used, along with root canals and crowns.
Significance
There are a number of over-the-counter remedies for a toothache, as well as a variety of home remedies using common household ingredients. They all serve the same purpose: to take the pain away. What works for some toothaches may not work for all; it all depends on what is causing the pain.
Effects
Over-the-counter and home remedies for toothache pain both work in the same way: to dull or eliminate the pain associated with the toothache. Often, the pain may be caused from something as simple as a food particle lodged between the tooth and gum and may be remedied by nothing more than a mouthwash of warm water. Loose fillings or cavities may need an over-the-counter medicine such as Oragel or the home remedy of oil of cloves to deaden the nerves surrounding the source of pain. Taking a painkiller such as aspirin may be all that is needed until a dentist can be seen.
Misconceptions
Toothaches do not go away on their own or even with the use of a store-bought or homemade remedy. Cloves, salt water washes, mouthwashes and gels only postpone the needed visit to a dentist. Allowing a toothache, and its underlying problems, to persist only makes matters worse by possibly letting infection set in, which can lead to other health problems.
Prevention/Solution
The best solution to toothache pain is to not allow it to happen in the first place. Proper brushing and flossing, along with regular visits to the dentist, will remove most risks of toothache pain. Carbonated drinks and excess sugar lead to unwelcome bacteria that can destroy the enamel of the tooth, which can lead to decay. Should a toothache happen, schedule a visit to the dentist as soon as possible. This alone can often save the tooth and yourself more pain in the future.
Warning
Although some old folk tales recommend putting an aspirin directly on the afflicted tooth, this may lead to more problems. As the aspirin dissolves it may cause a burning sensation or other irritation of the cheeks and gums surrounding the tooth.
Theories/Speculation
Home remedies said to work on toothache pain include a drop or two of oil of cloves directly on the tooth, saltwater or wheat grass rinses, garlic or oil of garlic rubbed on the gums around the tooth and a pinch of pepper placed on the tooth. In any event, these are only temporary measures for relieving toothache pain.
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