Toothache can strike at the most inopportune moments. And when it strikes while you're not at home, you are limited in what you can do to relieve the pain. Unfortunately, while you are out, you might not be able to get hold of any pain medication. But you do have some alternatives to pain medication if you are willing to do a little searching and if the pain is unbearable.
If you are stuck outside with no pain medication and a bad toothache, try the following remedies.
1. Warm Saltwater Rinse
The pain of a new toothache can leave you hurting. Before you jump in your car and attempt to seek emergency dental treatment, you'll want to treat the pain. One of the most tried-and-trusted painkillers is the warm saltwater rinse. Fortunately, while outside, you can find salt in shops, restaurants, petrol stations and even nearby homes — if you're brave enough to ask.
All you need for pain relief is a teaspoon of salt mixed with a small glass of warm water. The saltwater will relieve the pressure of any swelling around the affected tooth and help to attack the infection. This will reduce the pain temporarily, but you should have enough time to jump in your car and get to the nearest dentist before the pain returns.
2. Garlic
Just like salt, you can find garlic in nearby restaurants, shops and homes if you look hard enough. All you need is one clove of fresh, uncooked garlic. It's important that the garlic is uncooked because you need it to be rich in allicin, the compound that kills oral bacteria and relieves some of the pressure on an infected tooth and the surrounding gum tissue.
Chew the raw garlic clove and let it sit next to the affected tooth. Though it might burn a little, the garlic will relieve the throbbing pain of a toothache.
3. Cold Compress
Ice is also something you can find outside your home if you look hard enough. Even if you have to pop into a nearby fast-food restaurant to buy a cola, all you need is a cup full of ice. Wrap the ice in a cloth or T-shirt and place the bundle against your cheek where the infected tooth is. This should soothe the pain of your toothache for a while and allow you to think clearly.
Being stuck outside with a toothache and no pain medication isn't very pleasant. But in an emergency, one of the aforementioned remedies shouldn't be too difficult to find. Once you have reduced the pain, you can then get yourself to an emergency dentist.
For more information, speak with a dentist.
Share30 April 2020
As a mother, I've seen my kids' faces light up after they've lost a tooth – oh, the excitement they feel about getting their grown up teeth! However, I've also seen my kids become extremely scared and anxious after having an adult tooth knocked out. If you're a mom or a dad with a busy kid, chances are you might see a tooth knocked out in a skateboarding accident or a sport pile-up. This blog is dedicated to those moments when you could lose your wits, and it's here to ensure you don't. I am collecting and curating the best information about kids and dental emergencies here so that you will have it when you need it. Best of luck with your kids' smiles!
