Although you’ll be given pain medication during the root canal, you should take the OTC pain relievers within an hour after the root canal. This will give them a chance to start working before your anesthesia wears off. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source

Never apply an ice pack directly to your skin. Make sure it is wrapped in a cloth, like a towel or a t-shirt, to prevent frostbite. You can also make a compress to set over the tooth. Crush ice and put it in a balloon or in the cut-off finger of a non-latex glove. Tie off the end and set the compress over the tooth.

You can also use a vinegar solution. Mix ¼ cup of warm water and apple cider vinegar and keep it in your mouth over the painful tooth, just like the saltwater solution. Try to avoid any alcohol consumption or even holding alcohol in your mouth, as it will produce dehydration of your mucosa and gums.

You can also try cutting a piece of onion or garlic to place directly over your tooth. Bite down gently to release the juice. Just remember to use a breath mint after this home remedy. Eating ice cream may also reduce pain, especially if you feel a pulsating pain.

Goldenseal Echinacea[5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Sage (which can also treat gingivitis)[6] X Research source Green or black (which can prevent oral cancer and cavities)[7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Asafetida is a fennel-like plant that’s usually used as a cooking spice in Indian foods. It comes as a powdered resin or as a lump of resin and can be found in Indian stores and markets.

You can also try baby teething gels. These contain a local anesthetic that may relieve the pain. Keep in mind that these gels aren’t antimicrobial and won’t treat any infection.

Your dentist can prescribe pain relief medication if over-the-counter medications aren’t reducing your pain.

Use a soft toothbrush since you can damage your teeth by brushing with hard bristles or by scrubbing too hard.

Try to floss as deep as possible under your gum to remove any food particles or remaining bacteria. Don’t forget to gently rub up and down the sides of each tooth once the floss is between the teeth. An oral irrigator may be helpful to remove debris that you miss when flossing.

Warm olive oil Warm vanilla extract Tea tree essential oil[13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Clove essential oil[14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Peppermint essential oil[15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Cinnamon essential oil[16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Sage essential oil Goldenseal essential oil

If you notice pain, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, jaw, gum or mouth swelling or fever, call your dentist right away.

Store your toothbrush in a clean open place. Avoid using closed containers since this can cause bacteria to grow on the brush.

If you’ve had a root canal before that didn’t completely clean the tissue or if you didn’t get a permanent filling over the root canal, you may need another procedure.

Some people don’t have any symptoms of inflammation or infection, but still need root canals.

Your tooth may feel strange or sensitive following the root canal. If you have severe pain or pressure, call your dentist.