A toothache is one of the most common dental complaints. Irrespective of your gender or age, a toothache is generally something that sends you scurrying to the dentist. But a dentist’s chair is a place most people want to avoid! But there is another way out of the hell that is toothache. Home remedies can provide relief from excruciating toothache. But remember, these home remedies for tooth ache do not cure the problem but provides relief from the pain.
A toothache can be quite painful and debilitating. Toothache can occur anytime and usually without a warning. If there is an infection in the tooth or gum, you may also experience swelling and redness around the affected area. The sharp, throbbing pain can drive you crazy and if you do not treat it right away, you may end up losing the tooth. The severity of the pain can range from mild to excruciating. Some people also suffer from chronic toothache.
Causes of Toothache:
The main cause of toothache is cavity or decay. When you consume a diet rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates, the sugar is broken down in the mouth by bacteria, releasing acids that eat into the enamel. As a result, the enamel gets eroded and prolonged erosion results in dental decay.
It is quite strange that toothaches tend to manifest usually at nights, during weekends or holidays when most dental clinics are closed! When you have this pain, the last thing you want is to be told is that you will have to wait a day or two before you can see a dentist. You know the wait will be excruciating and during that time you will not want to eat or talk to anyone. All you will want is the pain to disappear. The best way to tackle toothache while you are waiting to see a dentist is by using effective home remedies. These remedies can provide temporary relief.
Home Remedies for Tooth Ache:
There are many tooth ache home remedies that make use of common ingredients found in most homes. You can use these ingredients to get relief from the debilitating tooth pain you are experiencing. However, be sure to visit a dentist to find out the cause of the pain and get treated for it as soon as possible.
1. Aspirin:
In case you have a cavity, get some baby aspirins. Better still; find flavored ones, as they are tastier than plain aspirin. Crush an aspirin and apply it on the decayed part of your tooth. Let the aspirin dissolve on its own. This will provide relief from the pain.
2. Cloves:
Cloves have been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to provide quick relief from toothache. Grind a few cloves and place a small amount of it next to the affected tooth. Do not try to consume the powder. Just let it stay in place. After a couple of minutes, you will notice your tooth pain diminishing. Also, be prepared for a little pungency, as cloves are a pungent spice.
3. Teabag:
Take a normal tea bag and wet it with some water. Apply the teabag on the tooth. The tannins from the tea will help reduce swelling and also provide relief from the pain. If your tooth is not sensitive to cold, place the teabag in ice water for some time before applying it.
4. Saltwater:
Take a glass of warm water and dissolve a teaspoon of salt into it. Gently rinse your mouth with the warm salt water. It will help the swelling and also kill bacteria in your mouth.
5. Whiskey or Brandy:
This home remedy for tooth ache also has been around for quite some time. Take a ball of cotton and soak it with some whiskey or brandy. Apply the soaked cotton ball on your tooth. This will provide temporary relief from the pain. Keep replacing the cotton ball until you can visit a dentist.
6. Cayenne Pepper and Ginger:
Powder some cayenne pepper and ginger root. Add a couple of drops of water to make a thick paste. Dip a ball of cotton into the paste, so that it gets completely covered with it. Now apply the cotton on your tooth. Be sure to keep the cotton away from your gums, as it can cause irritation. This tooth ache home remedy will provide relief from the pain immediately.
7. Garlic:
Garlic has so many medicinal properties, so it is not surprising that it is also effective against toothache. Crush a clove of garlic and mix some rock salt. Apply this paste on the affected tooth to get relief.
8. Vicks VapoRub:
While most people use this to help with colds and coughs, Vicks VapoRub can be quite effective if your tooth is swollen. Apply on the painful side of the face and place a towel over it to trap the heat that will be generated. It will soothe the swelling and also provide relief from the pain.
9. Myrrh:
This herb has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can ease your toothache. Take a teaspoon of powdered myrrh and simmer it in two cups of water for about 30 minutes. Strain the tea and let it cool down. Dilute one teaspoon of the myrrh tincture with half glass of water. Use this diluted solution to rinse your mouth five to six times a day.
10. Onion:
Most likely, you will not care that your mouth is reeking of onions if it can alleviate the throbbing pain from your tooth. Place a piece of raw onion on the affected tooth. Not only will it ease the pain, but will also kill the germs that are causing the pain.
11. Peppermint Tea:
Peppermint tea has the ability to numb the affected part of your mouth. Steep one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water for about 20 minutes. Strain and allow the tea to cool. Use it as a mouth rinse. Repeat the rinsing till it brings relief.
12. Margosa Bark:
The bark of margosa or neem tree has curative properties. Boil about 2 inches of the bark along with 5 to 6 cloves. Strain the liquid and store in the refrigerator in a sealed bottle. Apply it on the affected tooth to get relief.
13. Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil is used for many ailments, including toothache. Soak a ball of cotton in the oil and place it firmly against the affected tooth. It will ease the pain in no time. You can also add five to six drops of the oil in a glass of warm water. Use this water to rinse your mouth thoroughly. Make sure you spit out the water.
14. Hydrogen Peroxide:
Take 3% hydrogen peroxide and rinse your mouth thoroughly with it. It will ease the infection and also the discomfort. After rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, rinse your mouth several times with plain water. Usually, this home remedy for tooth ache is suited for an infected tooth that causes a foul taste in your mouth as well as fever. This, like all home remedies, is a temporary treatment for toothache.
15. Cinnamon:
Cinnamon, along with honey, can provide relief from the excruciating tooth pain you are experiencing. Mix one teaspoon of powdered cinnamon with about 5 teaspoons of honey. Apply this sticky paste directly on to your tooth about two to three times a day or until the pain disappears.
16. Pepper and Salt:
Take equal quantities of ground black pepper and salt. Make a thick paste using a little water. Apply this paste on the tooth to ease the pain. Make sure you do not use this tooth ache remedy on your gum.
17. Asafetida:
Grind some asafetida using fresh lemon juice. Make the paste a little warm, taking care not to burn the asafetida. Now soak a ball of cotton in the paste and place it directly onto the affected tooth. This home remedy for tooth ache alleviates pain almost instantaneously, and is recommended if the toothache is caused due to a cavity.
18. Ice:
Place one ice cube into a plastic bag and wrap it with a thin towel. Place this homemade ice pack on the side of your face where you are experiencing the pain. Keep it in place for 15 minutes. This will help to numb the nerves and ease the pain. It also will bring down the swelling.
19. Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth:
If you get a sharp shooting pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, you have sensitive teeth. This problem can easily be resolved by using toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. Basically, sensitive teeth occur when your gums shrink, exposing the dentin.
20. Chewing Gum:
If your tooth is aching due to a lost filling or broken tooth, you can get relief from the pain by covering up the part of the tooth that is exposed. Chew some chewing gum until it is soft and place it over the affected tooth. Visit your dentist immediately to fix the tooth and avoid chewing anything on that side of the mouth until your tooth is fixed.
21. Potato:
Peel a potato and slice it. Now place the slice against the affected tooth to bring relief. Alternatively, you can use a pestle and mortar to grind a piece of the potato along with some rock salt. Apply this paste on the tooth causing you pain.
22. Plantain Leaf:
Wash a plantain leaf and chew it. If your tooth is too sore to chew, use the other side. Once the plantain leaf is well chewed, place it on the affected tooth. You may have to use your fingers to keep it in place, but this effort will be worthwhile.
23. Cucumber:
Slice a fresh cucumber and place it over your tooth. If the cucumber was in the fridge and your tooth is sensitive to cold, first bring it to room temperature before placing it in your mouth. If you do not have tooth sensitivity, use the cool cucumber. You will find it soothing. You can also mash up the cucumber with some rock salt. Apply the mashed cucumber on your tooth to get relief. Don’t forget to try this one of the best natural remedies for tooth ache.
24. Baking Soda:
It is amazing how many uses baking soda has! Moisten a ball of cotton with some water and cover the entire ball with baking soda. Place the cotton ball against the affected tooth to eliminate the pain. You can also mix a heaped teaspoon of baking soda in a little bit of warm water. Dissolve the powder and use this liquid as a mouth rinse. It will work the same way.
25. Vanilla Extract:
If you want instant relief, this is the tooth ache remedy that you should be using. Place two to three drops of vanilla extract directly onto the affected tooth. You will find the pain disappearing miraculously after the application.
26. Wheatgrass Juice:
Wheatgrass has antibacterial properties and can be used to fight tooth decay and also alleviate tooth pain. Extract juice from the wheatgrass and use it as a mouth rinse. The juice will reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and help reduce the infection and pain. If juice extraction seems too tedious, you can chew on the wheatgrass with the same results.
27. Guava Leaves:
Chew on a couple of tender guava leaves to ease the pain. You can also boil four to five of the leaves in water. Strain and set aside. When the water is warm, add some salt and use it to rinse your mouth thoroughly. It will ease the pain and also reduce the swelling. In case you cannot find guava leaves, use fresh spinach as a substitute.
28. Bayberry Bark:
This not only eases the pain, but also helps strengthen the gums. Take some bayberry bark and make a paste using white vinegar. Apply the paste directly onto your tooth to ease the tooth pain.
29. Acupressure with Ice Cube:
Take an ice cube and rub it between your thumb and index finger. This will ease the pain until you can visit a dentist.
The Bottom Line:
Toothache can be avoided by maintaining good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and also flossing after meals. Besides oral hygiene, your diet plays an important role in the health of your teeth and gums. Limit your intake of sugary food and focus more on eating raw veggies and fruits that stimulate saliva production to cleanse bacteria from your mouth. Also, fruits, like strawberries and apples, are good for your teeth.
While there are several home remedies for toothache treatment, you should not put off seeing a dentist after the pain subsides with these remedies. Remember, the toothache will return if the cause is not eliminated. So, use these remedies until you can visit your dentist.
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