It starts as a dull pain. It gets triggered when you eat or drink something hot or cold. Slowly, your whole jaw starts to ache. The pain then becomes a throbbing sensation in your entire head. Have you experienced this scenario?
If yes, then you are familiar with the consequences of having an exposed nerve in the tooth. You may find some solace with the knowledge that you are not alone. Almost half the world’s population has suffered from some dental issues at some point in their lifetime.(1)
But what causes exposed nerves in your teeth? The roots of your teeth have nerves that may get exposed when you break a tooth or suffer from some other dental condition.
You can try some home remedies for killing the exposed nerve in the tooth. These are cheap and effective. If you don’t get any relief after using these or if the situation seems to be getting worse, then you should definitely head over to your dentist.
Did You Know?
| Almost 64% of adults aged 18 to 64 years visited the dentist in the past year. |
Home Remedies for Killing Exposed Nerve in Tooth
Oral health care is expensive and accounts for 5% of global health care expenditure. Not only is it expensive, but it might also be unaffordable for certain low to middle-income households. Even in developed countries, oral health expenditure accounts for 20% of out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures. Due to these reasons, many find it better to try home remedies for exposed nerve in the tooth. Here are the most effective ones.
1. Clove Oil
How Does it Work?
Clove oil is one of the oldest treatments for toothache. The clove contains eugenol. Eugenol is a natural anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. (2) It can deter infections to the exposed nerve while reducing the pain and inflammation.
How to Use?
Clove oil is a very concentrated and potent liquid and shouldn’t be applied directly to the area. You should dilute it with some carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. Dab this mixture onto a cotton ball and apply to the affected area. If you do not have clove oil, you can place a whole clove or powdered clove on the tooth.
How Much to Use?
You can mix two drops of clove oil with a few drops of the carrier oil. Use this remedy a few times a day, or till the pain stops.
[Read: Clove Oil for Toothache]
2. Turmeric
How Does it Work?
Turmeric contains the chemical curcumin. Curcumin is a natural compound that can reduce inflammation and pain. It can also aid in wound healing. Turmeric is a well-known compound present in almost all kitchens. Make sure that you are using the best quality turmeric that doesn’t contain any additives.
How to Use?
Take some ground turmeric and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, you can also make a paste of turmeric, salt, and mustard oil. Apply this paste to the gums as well as the teeth.
How Much to Use?
A pinch of ground turmeric or just enough to cover the area that hurts should be enough. If you are making the paste, then you need one teaspoon of turmeric with half teaspoon each of salt and mustard oil. You can use this remedy twice a day.
| If the exposed nerve gets infected, it may become necessary to perform a root canal procedure to treat it. |
3. Garlic
How Does it Work?
Garlic is another hidden gem in your pantry. Its benefits are two-fold: It can kill bacteria as well as reduce pain. It makes sure you don’t get any infection while providing relief from the pain(3).
How to Use?
Are you wondering how to kill a tooth nerve using garlic? It is fairly simple. Slowly chewing a clove of garlic will release its juices and reduce the pain. You can also make a paste out of crushed garlic and some salt and apply it to the exposed nerve.
How Much to Use?
One clove of garlic at a time is enough to reduce the pain. You can keep repeating this remedy multiple times throughout the day.
[Read: Garlic for Toothache]
4. Saltwater
How Does it Work?
A saltwater rinse is yet another popular remedy for killing an exposed tooth nerve. The salt draws out the liquid from the area to reduce swelling.(4) It also promotes wound healing. Although used most often for treating mouth ulcers, it is equally effective in killing exposed nerves. A saltwater rinse can also dislodge food particles stuck between your teeth and disinfect your mouth. This helps in preventing any future infections and maintaining good oral hygiene.
How to Use?
Take the saltwater and swill it around your mouth for at least one minute. You can repeat this as many times as needed. Make sure to rinse the affected area for the longest.
How Much to Use?
Around one teaspoon of salt mixed in a glass of warm water will be enough for one use. You can increase or decrease the quantity of salt as per your tolerance.
| Ice can also be used to treat muscle inflammations anywhere in the body. |
An exposed nerve can spoil your whole day. It can stop you from concentrating on your day to day activities. However, with these home remedies for killing exposed nerve in the tooth, you can get some relief. Please note that while these remedies do provide relief, you will have to contact your dentist if the pain persists.
[Read: Natural Remedies to Cure Toothache]
FAQs
1. How to treat the exposed nerve in a tooth?
You can visit a dentist or you can try any one or more of the home remedies mentioned above.
2. Does clove oil kill exposed tooth nerve?
Clove oil contains eugenol which makes it a very effective treatment for the exposed nerve.
3. What do I do if the pain doesn’t stop after using the remedies?
If the home remedies offer no relief or if the pain gets worse, then you should consult your dentist immediately.
