Do You Really Have an Exposed Tooth Nerve?
Before we dive into home remedies for killing an exposed nerve in a tooth, you need to make sure you actually have an exposed tooth nerve. Is the pain you feel absolutely excruciating and only on one tooth? That could be a sign of an exposed nerve.
If your tooth only hurts when you eat or drink something hot or cold, it’s more likely a cavity or abscessed tooth. An exposed tooth nerve will usually hurt all the time, even when you’re only breathing or moving your mouth. The pain will be searing and sharp, making it hard to sleep, eat or even talk without wincing.
If this is what you’re going through, it’s always best to consult a dentist before attempting home remedies for killing an exposed nerve in a tooth. They can confirm the diagnosis, as well as provide options for relieving the pain and fixing the problem.
How to Stop the Toothache Until You Can Get Treatment?
Appointments with dentists aren’t always easy to come by, especially during a pandemic. So what can you do in the meantime? The most effective way to kill the pain before treatment is to use an over-the-counter oral numbing gel. These gels can be found at any pharmacy and should provide temporary relief – they contain the local anesthetic benzocaine or lidocaine.
Another way to stop irritating the nerve is to cover it with a piece of sugarless gum. This can provide a protective barrier until you can get to the dentist. Finally, you can apply toothpaste for sensitive teeth to the affected area, as these contain chemicals that will numb the pain temporarily.
8 Home Remedies for Killing an Exposed Nerve in a Tooth
No matter the cause of your toothache, you can try these home remedies to provide temporary relief:
- Salt water rinse. Mix a teaspoon of salt into warm water, then swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Salt water can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the affected area.
- Cold compress. Applying an ice compress to the outside of your cheek can offer pain relief. It may help you fall asleep easier, too.
- Clove oil. Cloves have been used as a home remedy for tooth pain for centuries – they’re known to have numbing and antiinflammatory properties. You can apply clove oil directly to the affected tooth or add a few drops of it to warm water and use as a mouthwash.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse. This common household product can kill bacteria in the mouth, which may ease tooth pain. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, then swish the mixture around your mouth for about a minute before spitting it out.
- Alcohol. If you’re over 21 and in a pinch, alcohol can potentially dull the pain – just don’t overdo it. Swishing a small amount of whiskey or vodka around your mouth for a minute can offer temporary relief.
- Peppermint extract. Peppermint extract contains menthol, which provides a cooling sensation and can offer pain relief. Apply it to a q-tip or cotton ball and rub it directly on the affected tooth. You can also rinse your mouth with peppermint tea.
- Garlic. Fresh garlic has antiseptic properties that can potentially ease tooth pain. Crush a garlic clove and mix it with some table salt, then apply the mixture directly on the affected tooth.
- Apple cider vinegar. This might hurt at first, but apple cider vinegar can potentially alleviate tooth pain. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, then swish the mixture around in your mouth for about a minute before spitting it out.
Remember that these remedies to try at home can’t take the place of dental care. If the pain is severe or persists, make an appointment with your dentist – they’ll be able to properly diagnose and treat the issue.
How to Permanently Kill a Tooth Nerve?
There are no home remedies for killing an exposed nerve in a tooth permanently. The solutions provided above will only reduce pain temporarily until you can get the proper treatment.
So, how to permanently kill a tooth nerve? The only way to do it is through a dental procedure, such as a root canal or tooth extraction. Your dentist will be able to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
In the meantime, try to avoid further irritation of the nerve – avoid hot or cold foods and beverages, and stick to a soft food diet until you can see your dentist. And remember to brush and floss regularly to keep the rest of your teeth healthy.
What an Emergency Dentist Can Do for Tooth Pain
Because tooth nerve pain is so debilitating, the best solution is to see a dentist as soon as possible. An emergency dentist can provide immediate pain relief and determine the best solution for your specific toothache situation. Here’s what they can do for you in more detail:
- Apply a fluoride gel or desensitizing agent to alleviate pain.
- Determine if a root canal or tooth extraction is necessary.
- Prescribe antibiotics if there is infection present.
- Treat gum disease, decay, or other underlying causes of tooth pain.
- Offer long-term solutions, such as a crown, dentin fillers or dental bonding, to prevent further nerve pain.
Don’t suffer through tooth nerve pain – seek treatment from a professional as soon as possible. With their help, you can find permanent relief and protect the health of your teeth in the long run. You won’t need to reach for home remedies for killing an exposed nerve in a tooth anymore.
Medications for Stopping a Toothache
You may find that your regular dose of ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain reliever isn’t enough to alleviate the discomfort from an exposed nerve in a tooth. In that case, you can try taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen together, as long as you don’t have any medical conditions or allergies that would prevent it. Your dentist may also prescribe a stronger medication if necessary to relieve tooth pain.
Now you know all about home remedies for killing an exposed nerve in a tooth. They can provide temporary pain relief for minor toothaches (like those caused by tooth decay), but if you truly have an exposed nerve, seek out professional dental treatment.
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