Applying ice to the area of the painful tooth is likely the fastest home remedy, as it can help to numb the pain almost immediately, according to the reference. Other remedies take longer to provide relief.
Here's a breakdown of home remedies for tooth pain, keeping in mind that "fastest" is subjective and depends on the individual and the cause of the pain:
Home Remedies for Tooth Pain
It's important to note that home remedies are temporary solutions. If your tooth pain is severe or persistent, see a dentist as soon as possible.
Here's a list of remedies and their likely speed of effect:
| Remedy | Speed of Effect | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Ice | Fast | Numbing the area quickly reduces pain signals. Apply ice pack externally to the cheek. |
| Salt Water Rinse | Medium | Helps reduce inflammation and clean the area, but relief isn't instant. |
| Over-the-Counter Meds | Medium | Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen take 20-30 minutes to start working. |
| Elevating Your Head | Slow to Medium | Can reduce throbbing pain by decreasing blood flow to the head; takes a while to notice significant difference. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse | Medium | Like salt water, it helps clean the area. |
| Tea Bags | Slow | Tannins in tea may provide some pain relief, but it's not a fast-acting solution. |
| Garlic | Slow | Allicin (the active compound) has antibacterial properties, but takes time to work and the taste is strong for some. |
| Vanilla Extract | Slow | The alcohol may numb the area slightly, but the effect is temporary and not very potent. |
Here's how to use ice for tooth pain relief:
- Apply ice externally: Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the cheek near the painful tooth for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Repeat as needed: You can repeat the ice application several times a day.
Other helpful tips mentioned in the reference include:
- Elevate Your Head: This can help reduce throbbing pain.
- Salt Water Rinse: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth.
- Over the Counter Medications: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
