There is nothing worse than dental pain, and as you know, it’s not always possible to get to your dentist right away. The following five home remedies for toothache are the best ways to minimize your tooth pain. They are safe for the whole family and may help reduce chronic pain until you can see your dentist.
5 Home Remedies For Toothache.
If your toothache isn’t caused by an abscessed tooth or existing underlying medical issue you can reduce your pain using the following 5 home remedies for toothache. However it is important to note that toothache is usually a sign of infection, and that will require you seeing your dentist. The home remedies for toothache are a short term solution to be used until you can see your dentist.
1. Rinse With Warm Salt Water.
The chemical properties of salt, when combined with warm water, provide a cleansing and soothing effect for teeth and oral infection. The salt water rinse benefits oral health by:
- Soothing any sores of the mouth or bleeding of the gums
- Helps to cleanse, heal and soothe a sore throat
- Helps to freshen breath
- Loosens and removes any food debris
How To Use The Warm Salt Water Remedy.
- Bring 8 ounces of water (1 cup) to the boil.
- Remove the water from the heat
- Leave the water until it is cool enough to rinse, it should be hot to warm.
- When the water is at a comfortable and safe temperature add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and gently stir until completely dissolved.
- Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in the salty water (Optional).
- Use this saline solution by gargling with it. Do not swallow.
- Rinse, swirl and gargle the saline solution in the mouth for at least 1 minute.
- Discard any solution that remains. It should be made fresh every time you use it.
2. Use An Ice Compress And Elevate.
Applying a cold compress is great for tooth pain that includes swelling. It is also excellent for numbing the pain. However this will be a temporary benefit.
How To Use The Iced Compress Remedy.
- If you have reusable ice packs they are ideal.
- If you do not have an ice pack you can make an excellent substitution by placing some ice in a resealable plastic bag and wrap it in a damp towel.
- Apply pressure with the cold compress to the swollen area of the face.
- Hold the compress in the area for a few minutes until the pain subsides.
- Repeat as necessary.
Note: Never apply ice directly to the tooth, since extreme temperatures may damage the root.
healthy natured
Often, when there is swelling involved, it may be due to blood pooling. This, in turn, causes additional pain and exacerbates the inflammation. The pain and symptoms are often worse when lying down; therefore, elevating your head with an extra pillow or two may relieve the pain for a longer period.
3. Apply Clove Essential Oil.
Clove essential oil is not just for aromatherapy; it also serves as one of the most effective natural toothache remedies due to its numbing properties. It is similar to over-the-counter pain medication, such as benzocaine. Clove essential oil can be found in all good health food stores and is relatively inexpensive, making it a great therapeutic remedy to keep handy at home. Eugenol, one of the main compounds in cloves, has been shown to reduce tooth pain.
The results of a 2015 clinical trial1Effectiveness of 0.2% chlorhexidine gel and a eugenol-based paste on postoperative alveolar osteitis in patients having third molars extracted: a randomized controlled clinical trial showed that people who applied eugenol to their gums and socket after having a tooth extracted experienced less pain and reduced levels of inflammation during healing.
Eugenol from the clove acts as an analgesic, meaning that it numbs the area. To use clove as a toothache remedy you can do the following:
Clove Home Remedies For Toothache.
Clove Paste. Soak ground cloves in a little water to make a thick paste. Apply the clove paste directly to the tooth, or empty a tea bag, fill it with the clove paste, and then place this in the mouth.
Whole Clove. Chew or suck on a single clove. Allow it to rest as close as possible to the painful tooth to help relieve your pain.
Note: Whole cloves are not recommended for young children in case they swallow them.
Clove Essential Oil:
- Place a few drops of clove essential oil on a clean cotton swab.
- Gently apply and dab the oil onto the affected tooth and gum area.
- Allow the oil to be absorbed fully before you eat or drink anything.
Note: If you find clove oil too strong you can add the same amount of olive oil to dilute it.
4. Garlic Hot Pack.
Garlic is a common household ingredient used in many dishes. However, it can also be used to relieve the pain associated with toothache. Garlic has been utilized for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. It helps defend the body by killing harmful bacteria and acts as a natural pain reliever.
To ease toothache pain, take a single garlic clove and crush it to create a fine paste. Apply the garlic paste to the affected area. You can also chew a clove of fresh garlic and then spit out the remainder afterward. Allicin is the main compound found in garlic. It has a strong antibacterial effect that helps kill the bacteria in the mouth, which leads to cavity formation and causes tooth pain.
Garlic Hot Pack Remedy For Toothache.
One method that can be used alongside garlic and is known to further reduce discomfort is applying a hot pack to your jaw area. If you need a hot pack, you can make one easily by:
- filling a clean sock with beans, lentils, or rice.
- Tie off the end to ensure your rice, lentils or beans stay inside the sock.
- Place the filled sock in your microwave and heat it for one or two minutes.
- Test the packs heat before placing on your face.
- Hold the heat pack on top of the painful area.
The heat from the rice pack interrupts pain signals and soothes toothache pain.
5. Thyme Mouthwash.
Thyme is a wonderful medicinal herb due to its powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties. To alleviate toothache symptoms, simply add a few drops of thyme essential oil to a glass of water to create a mouthwash. Swirl the mouthwash around your mouth and then spit it out. Another method is to dilute thyme essential oil with a few drops of clean water, then soak this mixture into a clean cotton ball. Apply it gently to the affected area.
Thyme Mouthwash and Acupressure Remedy.
Some research suggests that acupressure may be able to reduce toothache by prompting the body to release endorphins. After using the thyme mouthwash, gently massage the areas around the painful spot. Press and rub the gums or jawbone in a circular motion, making 20 clockwise circles followed by 20 anticlockwise circles.
The Symptoms That Require A Dentist
Oral pain can be due to a number of reasons, some of which are minor and treatable at home, while others are more serious and require immediate attention from a dentist. Tooth pain can stem from tooth decay, damaged fillings, a fractured tooth, infected gums, or even an abscessed tooth.
If your pain is related to an abscessed tooth, you may face serious complications if you do not seek rapid treatment. Complications from an abscess can include loss of the tooth and the supporting jawbone. In severe cases, bacterial infections may spread to other areas of the body, potentially leading to hospitalization; in very serious cases, neglecting an abscessed tooth may result in death.
The following symptoms may indicate an abscessed tooth, and if they are present, it is urgent that you see a dentist immediately.
- You have developed red and swollen gums
- You have a fever
- You have one or more swollen, red bumps in the mouth
- You notice blood or pus
- You have constant throbbing pain, usually unaffected by painkillers
- You notice a salty or nasty taste in the mouth
- Your face or jaw is swollen.
Home Remedies For Toothache Conclusion
The best way to truly address toothache is to take preventive measures. You can reduce the risk of oral health issues by thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once. Additionally, maintain a healthy diet by avoiding sugary or sticky foods and beverages.
Be cautious not to chew ice or hard items that might fracture your teeth. Finally, be sure to schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups to receive treatment for minor dental issues before they develop into painful problems that require expensive treatments.
Do you know any other natural remedies that work well do toothache? Let us know!
Home Remedies for toothache FAQ
Use a combination of a cold compresses, clove oil, and salt-water gargle. These can all work together to temporarily fight pain and inflammation from your toothache.
You want to avoid anything that will further aggravate the infection until you can get to a dentist. So avoid very cold, or very hot foods and drink. And avoid eating sharp or brittle foods that may splinter and lodge themselves.
You could try placing a whole clove inside your mouth near the pain (not recommended for children). Other home home remedies form toothache include peppermint tea and vanilla extract (the stuff you cook with)
References
- 1Effectiveness of 0.2% chlorhexidine gel and a eugenol-based paste on postoperative alveolar osteitis in patients having third molars extracted: a randomized controlled clinical trial
