Breaking a tooth can cause significant pain, especially if the pulp or nerve is exposed. The pulp is where the rich network of blood vessels and other tissues are located, and when pulp inflammation occurs as a result of infection or otherwise, you may develop unbearable pain. Here are some things you can do to ease the pain of a broken tooth while you're waiting to see your dentist.

Clove Oil

Many dentists recommend using clove oil for oral pain. You can buy it in many health food stores, and it is considered very safe. Clove oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties and it is also a natural pain reliever.

To use oil of clove, simply put a small amount on a cotton ball and then dab the cotton ball over the painful area. In a few minutes, the area will become slightly numb and less painful. Make sure you don't swallow the clove oil because it can cause stomach upset and irritate your throat.

The active ingredient in clove oil is eugenol, which can help numb your pain temporarily until you can see your dentist. If you don't have a health food store close by, an alternative to clove oil is an over-the-counter anesthetic gel, which is used to ease teething pain in babies. 

Saline Rinses

Warm salt water is another remedy many dentists recommend for dental pain and infections. Salt water helps soothe toothaches and soft tissue injuries of the mouth. It helps eliminate bacteria and is considered one of the safest remedies for managing dental pain.

To make a salt water rinse, take a small pinch of table salt and add it to a cup of warm water and stir. Once the salt is thoroughly dissolved, take a sip of the liquid and swish it around your mouth for a few seconds. Do this a few times a day, and you may notice significant relief from your toothache, while lowering your risk for infection. Avoid swallowing the saline solution because doing so can raise your blood pressure, which can be unhealthy if you have hypertension. 

If you break a tooth, see your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, consider the above interventions to ease your dental pain. If you don't get relief from clove oil or salt water rinses, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen to keep you comfortable while waiting for your dental appointment. 

For more information, contact companies such as Mundo Dentistry.