We’ve all had that toothache that keeps us up at night in excruciating pain. While it’s important to eventually see your dentist or oral surgeon to get to the root cause, you can try some natural home remedies to manage the pain. Here are some tips for getting relief until you can book an appointment with an emergency dentist.

1. Cold Compress or Icing

Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your face, specifically over the area of pain, can help reduce swelling and temporarily numb the nerve endings. Wrap an ice pack or cold face towel in a thin towel and apply gently for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. This helps minimize inflammation and dull the sensory receptors in the tooth and gum area.

2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Reaching for ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can safely reduce pain and inflammation until you see your oral surgeon. Be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage on the package. Some people also find topical gels containing benzocaine, like Orajel, helpful for temporary relief.

3. Cloves or Clove Oil

Cloves have natural pain-relieving properties from eugenol. You can gently place a whole clove near the painful tooth and bite down on it or apply a drop of clove oil with a cotton swab to the gum line. The warm, tingly sensation may distract you from the toothache. Just be careful not to swallow cloves or clove oil.

4. Warm Compress

While icing is good for reducing swelling, some prefer low-level heat via a warm, damp washcloth or heating pad set on low. The warmth increases blood flow to deliver white blood cells and nutrients to start healing any infection—alternate 5 minutes on and 5 minutes off as needed.

When to See an Oral Surgeon

While a general dentist can manage most dental issues, oral surgeons specialize in more complex procedures involving the mouth, teeth, gums and jawbone. Some signs that the problem may be beyond a routine dentist’s capabilities and warrant an oral surgeon consultation include:

  • Impacted, infected or broken teeth
  • Jaw fractures or TMJ problems
  • Cysts, tumours or oral pathologies
  • Wisdom teeth removal
  • Dental implants or bone grafting
  • Corrective jaw or facial surgery

If you are looking for an oral surgeon in Oshawa, you can count on Heritage Dental Specialists. We offer comprehensive oral healthcare services, including orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and dental implants. Our team of specialists is dedicated to treating dental issues and improving patients’ oral health. 

You can minimize discomfort before oral surgery with careful natural management and timely professional dental care. The remedies above provide supportive but temporary at-home relief. Let an experienced oral surgeon evaluate your specific case for a long-term solution.