An exposed dental nerve can cause excruciating tooth pain. This problem arises when you have a damaged tooth nerve. Dental nerve stays at the core of the teeth and remains protected, so you can not do much with the dental nerve.
You may face some other issues like sensitivity or tooth pain if you have an exposed nerve. So, What causes a tooth nerve to be exposed?
Basically, it happens when the dentine and tooth pulp layer of your tooth is compromised. There are some home remedies for killing exposed nerve in tooth.
Here, I will be discussing the ins and outs of exposed nerves in teeth along with remedies for killing them; so, let’s get into it.
You can get relief from severe tooth pain if you apply saltwater rinse to your mouth. Naturally, salt water has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties so it can kill germs easily.
Table of Content
What Are the Causes of an Exposed Tooth Nerve?
Basically, our tooth is composed of three layers; the uppermost layer is composed of enamel, right next to it is the sensitive dentine and the innermost layer, tooth pulp. Both the dentin and tooth pulp are very sensitive and also rich in blood vessels.
If any of the two-layer is compromised, you will have extreme sensitive issues in your tooth like sensitivity while having something hot or cold.
Will Listerine Kill a Tooth Infection?
Normally, Listerine does not fight against tooth pain but it removes germs. No one claims that it relieves pain so there is no guarantee to have the desired effect of being dental pain-free. So, if you have pain in your tooth and you use Listerine, you will surely feel fresh.
Tooth infection may occur in the inner part of your teeth where Listerine may not reach. A mouth rinse may rinse the outer portion, the enamel but it can not reach inside. So, Listerine may not kill tooth infection in most cases.
In such cases, you may try some remedies to get rid of tooth infections. You should see a dentist if the situation is getting worse. The dentist may give you some tests and after determining the exact situation he will prescribe antibiotics.
Will Listerine Kill Tooth Nerve?
Well, Listerine does not play any role in killing tooth infection but can it kill tooth nerve?
The answer is still no as the label does not claim that it rectifies tooth pain. As nerves stay inside the tooth so there is no way to reach Listerine to your nerves.
How to Kill a Tooth Pain Nerve Permanently?
You will be surprised to know that you can kill tooth pain nerve permanently without taking any hassle. There are two ways to kill the nerve causing tooth pain.
Root Canal:
In this technique, you can separate your nerves from your tooth where the tooth will remain in your mouth while the nerve will leave the tooth. As the nerve is left from your tooth so there will be no pain at all. But this process has to be done by a dentist.
Tooth Removal:
If you remove your tooth completely, your tooth nerve will no longer create any pain. The best way to do so is by applying local anaesthesia by a dentist.
These are the only two processes you can apply to kill a tooth nerve permanently and have pain relief.
What to Do if You Can’t See Any Dentist Right Away?
The pain might be very much annoying at times and you may not find a dentist instantly. In such cases you may try the following:
- Cover the area with sugar-free gum: For instant pain relief, you may apply this procedure. Your nerve will stop sending signals to your brain if you just cover them. But you have to see a dentist as soon as possible.
- Use an oral numbing gel: You can have them from any pharmaceutical and use them to numb your sensation for the time being. It will provide you with instant pain relief.
- Use specific toothpaste for sensitive teeth: There are several toothpastes on the market specially designed to work against sensitivity. Try using them on a regular basis. You can also apply a small amount using a finger for instance if the oral gel does not work. You also have to rinse after a while to let the ingredients work.
How to Treat an Exposed Tooth Nerve?
You have to find a dentist right away, he will most likely use desensitizing gel to remove pain instantly. After doing so, he will probably find the exact reason behind toothaches.
It may happen due to several reasons like
- Exposing dentine or pulp
- Tooth decay
- Exposed root due to periodontal diseases
After examination, the dentist will prescribe you a suitable treatment like placing a crown, besides he may also suggest going for a root canal, dental fillings or root inlays.
Home Remedies for Killing Exposed Nerve in Tooth
There are some remedies for killing exposed nerves in teeth at home. These include:
Saltwater Rinse:
You can get relief from severe tooth pain if you apply saltwater rinse to your mouth. Naturally, salt water has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties so it can kill germs easily. It kills tooth nerves along with bacteria and thus your tooth pain will be relieved.
Add a half teaspoon of salt into a glassful of lukewarm water and stir it properly. Rinse your mouth for about three minutes. No need to swallow or spit; you can reuse it further.
Clove Oil:
Clove oil has been treated as a medicine for toothaches for ages. It is very much effective, especially for oral infections. Eugenol, a chemical compound present in clove oil, helps to reduce tooth infections. It works like anaesthesia and thus kills bacteria.
To apply clove oil for killing exposed teeth nerve you have to pour it onto a cotton ball and place it on the affected tooth. The oil has a strong numbing ability and so it will make an instant pain relief. Never apply it directly rather use cotton balls instead.
Vinegar:
Vinegar is quite acidic and it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. So, it helps killing exposed nerve in teeth and also helps relieving teeth pain.
Like clove oil, pour some vinegar onto a cotton ball and place on the affected nerve for approx three minutes. Try repeating this process several times a day.
Turmeric:
Apart from being a spice, Turmeric has lots of health benefits. It also has an antiinflammatory and antibacterial effect, just like the other remedies stated above.
To apply, you need to make a paste using turmeric and a little amount of water and apply it directly onto the targeted area. Apart from that, you can sprinkle a bit of turmeric powder onto the targeted area and wait for around five minutes.
Garlic:
Apart from being a cooking ingredient it also has some health benefits as it contains a number of medical components like glucose, phytonite and alline. It contains various antibiotic substances so it helps in blood circulation properly and also fights against bacteria. It is at the same time anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic. So, it also helps to eliminate tooth pain and kill the exposed tooth nerve.
You need to crush some of it and then have to make juice. You can directly apply it by just rubbing it to the exposed nerve. By the way, you can also add a bit of salt to the solution and then directly apply it to the exposed tissue and nerve.
Sesame Oil:
Sesame oil has been used as a dental remedy for ages for it’s numerous health benefits. It helps your teeth fight against infections and discomfort caused by exposed nerves. You need to be careful about not swallowing it while applying it to the exposed nerve.
It’s application is very much popular in the field of Ayurveda for a long time. People believe that it works more efficiently in the morning. Just have a teaspoon of oil and put it into your mouth, swish the oil into the entire mouth, especially the exposed nerve.
Remember: Prevention Is Better Than Cure
There are some good practices that will keep your teeth healthy. These includes:
- Brush and floss twice a day: It’s good to both brush and floss for at least two minutes properly. It will eliminate food debris and harmful bacteria from your mouth and make your mouth odour free.
- Do not brush too vigorously: Brush your teeth gently and do not push too hard, try using soft and flexible toothbrushes.
- Avoid sugary and sticky foods: Oral bacteria can thrive in easily on a sugar medium easily. Try avoiding sugary foods like beverages, chocolates and sweets. Brush properly after you have them.
FAQs
Question: What is the best way to treat a dental nerve that has become exposed?
Answer: You can brush with desensitizing toothpaste along with fluoride mouthwash as an instant remedy if dentists are not available immediately. This may reduce symptoms but it’s better to see a dentist.
Question: What can I do at home to cover an exposed nerve in my tooth?
Answer: Instantly you can do so by using sugarless gum. It will cover your exposed nerve for the time being. But you should see a dentist for a permanent solution.
Question: How can I get rid of tooth nerve pain as quickly as possible?
Answer: Cold compress, warm compress, saltwater and anti-inflammatory medications might help you to get rid of tooth nerve pain instantly. Besides, you can use peppermint tea bags, clove oil and garlic as a remedy. Hydrogen peroxide rinse often gives better results in these situations.
Question: How can I reduce tooth pain instantly at home?
Answer: You can apply various remedies like applying hot or cold compression, pain-relieving oral gel, garlic, peppermint tea bag etc. Home-made thyme mouthwash, salt water rinse and acupuncture might also help relieve instant pain.
Question: What can I do at home to numb my dental nerve?
Answer: You can apply cold compress for ten to fifteen minutes to the aching tooth to numb the dental nerve instantly. If you have a problem using cold compression try ice ball outside the mouth.
Take Away
Exposed nerves can produce extreme tooth pain which can go beyond our tolerance. Can we kill exposed nerves in tooth?
We provided the answer, yes. Besides, there are lots of home remedies for killing exposed nerves in tooth. But, if the pain does not go away with time, you should see a dentist right away.
