Alternatives To Painkillers After Dental Work

It is common for people to have pain after they have dental work. That is why dentists often prescribe opiates. However, opiates can cause dangerous side effects. They can also be addictive. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to opiates. To learn more about opiate addiction, please visit The Recovery Village website.

Over-the-Counter Medication 

Many people find that over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol and Advil, can alleviate toothaches. They can also reduce inflammation. If you find that over-the-counter relievers are not working, then your dentist can write you a prescription for a stronger medication. 

Apply Ice 

Ice is one of the most effective home remedies for alleviating pain after toothaches. Not only can ice alleviate pain but it can also get rid of inflammation. You will need to wrap the ice up in a towel or paper towel before you apply it to your face. Do not leave the ice pack on for more than 10 minutes at a time. 

Clove Oil 

Clove oil is a home remedy that has been used for hundreds of years to treat various conditions. It not only helps alleviate pain, but it can also prevent infection. Clove oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. You will need to put some clove oil on a cotton ball. 

Apply the cotton ball directly to the gums and teeth. Hold the cotton next to your tooth until the pain is gone. Many people find that the clove oil is too strong for them. If the clove oil is too strong, then you can dilute it by adding a little olive oil to it. You can use the clove oil several times a day. 

Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Water 

The dentist will likely advise that you rinse your mouth with warm water. The purpose of rinsing your mouth is to keep the incision clean and prevent infection. The warm water can also alleviate pain. 

Eat Soft Foods 

Chewing can cause your mouth to hurt more. That is why dentists recommend that you eat soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Soft foods are gentler on your mouth because they do not require a lot of chewing. Greek yogurt, mashed bananas, broths and soup are some of the best foods to eat after surgery. 

It is also a good idea to avoid foods that are high in sugar. The sugar can get inside of the area and cause irritation. Additionally, you will need to avoid foods that are extremely hot or cold. 

Baking Soda Paste 

A baking soda paste can ease the pain and swelling. You will need to mix baking soda with a little bit of paste. Apply the paste directly to your tooth. 

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Vanilla Extract 

Vanilla extract is often used for cooking. However, many people do not know that it is great for alleviating toothaches. Vanilla extract is filled with antioxidants, and it is great for numbing the area. You will need to apply some vanilla extract to the area with your fingers. It should start working within a few weeks. 

Peppermint 

Peppermint is a great tooth pain remedy because it has anesthetic properties. It can also remove bacteria from your mouth, which can reduce the risk of infection. There are two ways that you can use peppermint. You will need to take some peppermint leaves and apply them to the area for 20 minutes. The pain should go away within a few minutes. 

You can also use peppermint extract. You will need to take a few drops of peppermint oil and apply it to a cotton swab. Let the peppermint extract sit for a few minutes. You should start to feel pain relief in a few minutes.

Hopefully the above mentioned painkillers can help you find relief after dental procedures without having to rely on opioids that can lead to addiction.

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