Home Management Techniques for Dental Pain – Tips for Persons with Disabilities and Caregivers

Dental pain can strike unexpectedly, disrupting daily life and causing significant discomfort. Caregivers play an essential role in managing this pain at home while waiting for professional intervention. 

Home Remedies 

Home remedies can provide temporarily relief from dental pain, but their effectiveness is often limited. Therefore, it is always important to consult a dentist, as they will be able to conduct a thorough dental examination to discover the root cause of the problem and find a solution.  

This article explores practical and interim measures that caregivers can use to alleviate dental pains for individuals with disabilities. 

1. Clove Oil 

Clove oil works to relieve pain and reduce the swelling that stems from the toothache. It may not have a pleasant taste but is said to be effective because it contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic that provides temporary pain relief.  Caregivers can soak up a few drops of clove oil in a cotton ball, then gently rub the cotton ball over the affected teeth and gums^15,16. 

2. Salt Water Rinse 

Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water is a common though temporary home remedy for painful tooth and swollen gums. Caregivers can add a couple of teaspoons of salt to a cup of warm water and help patients swish the mixture around the mouth and spit^15,16. 

3. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse 

Like salt water, a hydrogen peroxide rinse can relieve pain and swelling in the mouth. Additionally, it can help kill bacteria and heal bleeding gums¹⁷. The solution must be prepared accurately wherein 3 percent hydrogen peroxide is taken with equal amount of water and swished in the mouth before spitting^15,16. 

4. Peppermint Oil 

Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties¹⁸ which may reduce tooth pain, thereby making it a popular choice for those seeking short term pain relief. Caregivers can apply a few drops of oil to the affected area^15,16 with a cotton ball. 

5. Over the Counter Pain Relief 

Pain relieving gels and liquids can be used directly on the sore tooth and gums for short term pain relief. They contain an anaesthetic called benzocaine, which numbs the area in the mouth temporarily. At times, self-medication with paracetamol or ibuprofen may provide temporary relief from tooth pain until a thorough dental check and intervention is done¹⁵. 

6. Ice 

Ice cubes or packs may help temporarily sooth the pain or swelling. It is believed that ice can stop pain signals to the brain¹⁵. 

Conclusion 

It is crucial for caregivers to have some knowledge about dental issues when caring for individuals with disabilities. Aside regular oral check-ups, regular trainings for issues related to oral health, can enable them address oral health needs better and help others who might benefit from it¹. 

Caregivers should remain motivated to inspire their care recipients to adopt healthier practices, ultimately contributing to a stronger and healthier community. 

This article is contributed by Dr Sneha Sundar Rajan. Dr Sneha has a master’s degree in dental surgery (MDS) from Manipal University, India. She was a researcher with the National University of Singapore at the Faculty of Dentistry and Centre for Advanced 2D materials before taking a break for motherhood. 

References

1. Shah, A., Naseem, M., Khan, M.S., Asiri, F.Y.I., AlQarni, I., Gulzar, S. et al., 2018, ‘Oral health knowledge and attitude among caregivers of special needs patients at a comprehensive rehabilitation centre: An analytical study’, Annali di stomatologia (Roma) 8(3), 110–116. 
2.  Macauley, Yvonne & O’Donnell, Patrick & Duncan, Henry. (2013). Dental pain. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 347. f6539. 10.1136/bmj.f6539. 
3. Abullais, S.S., Al-Shahrani, F.M.F., Al-Gafel, K.M.S., Saeed, A.A., Al-Mathami, S.A., Bhavikatti, S.K. et al., 2020, ‘The knowledge, attitude and practices of the caregivers about oral health care at centers for intellectually disabled, in southern region of Saudi Arabia’, Healthcare (Basel) 8(4), 416.  
4. Miranda, G.H.N., Fagundes, C.F., Da Costa e Silva, A.B., Davis, L.L., Raiol Dos Santos, M.A. & Lima, R.R., 2020, ‘Perception and practices of caregivers of childhood and youth shelters concerning oral health in the city of Belém, Brazil’, O Mundo da Saúde 44, 144–151. 
5. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/#:~:text=Cracked%20teeth%20show%20a%20variety,tooth%20is%20causing%20the%20discomfort 
6. https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com/blog/four-signs-of-a-cracked-dental-filling 
7. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24142-pericoronitis
8. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth grinding/ 
9. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324356#treatment 
10. https://www.jco-online.com/archive/2019/04/234-pain-free-orthodontic-treatment-with-the-dental-pain-eraser/ 
11. https://www.valleyoakdentalgroup.com/4-non-dental-toothache-causes 
12. https://www.venicedentist.com/is-it-a-toothache-or-tmj-pain 
13. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trigeminal neuralgia/diagnosis/#:~:text=As%20the%20pain%20caused%20by,them%20investigate%20your%20facial%20pain. 
14. https://www.healthline.com/health/toothaches#causes 
15. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/home-remedies-toothache 
16. https://www.colgate.com/en-sg/oral-health/adult-oral-care/4-tooth-pain-home-remedies
17. Evaluation of the effect of hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash in comparison with chlorhexidine in chronic periodontitis patients: A clinical study. 
18. Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Mentha piperita L.Rajinder Singh, Muftah A.M. Shushni, Asma Belkheir