A toothache can be very uncomfortable and painful. Even though you can take over-the-counter medications to ease the symptoms, some people choose to go to the dentist to diagnose or to reduce the issue. However, some people choose home remedies as they can treat the pain through the natural route.
Clove Oil
Cloves consist of eugenol which is a natural numbing agent. Use an eyedropper to pour one or two drops of clove oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the painful tooth for short-term relief. However, try to keep it away from the tongue or other tissues in your mouth as numbing these areas can be uncomfortable.
Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint is another thing that has numbing capabilities. Wet tea bags can help you with sensitive skin or the tissues surrounding an aching tooth. Apply a cooled tea bag directly to the thumping spot or freeze the bag for a few moments for numbing and cooling effects. Leave the bag in the spot for up to 20 minutes to get the most out of this remedy.
Salt Water Treatment
Similar to sore throat or canker sore, salt water can reduce pain and may even aid in healing, depending on the reason behind the pain. Take about a teaspoon of salt and mix it into a cup of water, and swish a mouthful around for 30 seconds. Spit out and repeat it for a couple of times. Salt water is a safe and natural way to rid the mouth of problematic bacteria and pus.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Rinsing the mouth with hydrogen peroxide not only helps in relieving pain but also has healing benefits. Mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and water and swish the mixture in your mouth for about 30 seconds. However, you have to be careful with this remedy as it can be dangerous to swallow hydrogen peroxide. Ensure that you do not add a lesser amount than an equal part of water to the peroxide- it is of no use to risk making a “stronger” solution.
Bourbon-Soaked Cotton Balls
Several alcohols have numbing properties including bourbon. If you are of legal drinking age, pour some liquor onto a cotton ball and apply it to your sore tooth. It is not going to treat the toothache but it will definitely provide some relief to the pain. However, this remedy should not be given to small children.
Garlic
Garlic is packed with antibiotic characteristics. It can put an end to bacteria from growing in the mouth and damage a problematic tooth. Crush a clove of garlic, add a pinch of salt and apply this paste to the tooth. Doing this a couple of times a day will help in easing infection in a tooth. However this remedy would not affect you if the reason behind the pain is issues with the temporomandibular joint.
Vanilla Extract
We already know that alcohol is a numbing agent, and most vanilla extracts use alcohol to draw out the delicious flavor of this famous bean. You can ease a toothache by dabbing a small amount on your finger and rubbing it on the sensitive area. Repeat this process two to three times each day for temporary relief. Make sure you use only pure vanilla extract, not imitation vanilla, which may not be as effective.
Onion
Onions are loaded with antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. These properties will not only help in easing pain temporarily but also are capable of killing infection-causing germs. Chewing raw onion or pressing a piece to the painful area can help in relieving symptoms for a while, however, not everyone can handle the intense taste.
Guava Leaves
Fresh guava leaves are stuffed with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and analgesic properties, all of which can aid in relieving pain from a toothache. Chewing the leaves can provide relief from pain, or you can make a mouthwash by boiling them with water and salt. Alternatively, spinach leaves can have a similar effect.
Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass is a famous health drink these days and has antibacterial characteristics that not only helps in toothache but also fights tooth decay. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass can help in preventing the growth of bacteria. For this remedy, use the juice as a mouthwash. Chewing fresh grass can have the same effect as well.
Other Potential Plant Cures
Over 50 types of medicinal plants were used in traditional therapies to relieve toothache. These plants come with potent phytochemicals that can fight inflammation. Research reveals that many plant components show stronger antioxidant and antibacterial potential than several other antibiotics, however, it can never replace the need to see a doctor. Besides having your tooth medically inspected, however, if you are short on guava leaves you might use sweet potato, sunflower, peppermint, or plantain leaves, if they are available. Sucking or chewing the leaves for some time releases their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which may ease pain for a while.
Cold Compress
Cold compresses are a recurrent treatment for toothaches because the cold numbs pain and can reduce inflammation and swelling, reducing tenderness. For this remedy, place ice in a bag with a seal. Fill half of the bag with water and squeeze the air out of the bag while sealing it. Use a towel to wrap the bag and place it on the affected area.
Prop Up Your Head at Night
Toothaches have a tendency to intensify later in the day or during sleep. Raise your head higher than your body while going to bed to keep the blood flow from rushing to the aching region. To elevate your head, place at least one firm pillow under it. This may result in reducing pressure on your sore mouth so that you can experience some relief from your pain.
Avoid Trigger Foods
There are certain foods that can intensify a toothache and worse the underlying condition. Hard foods may result in putting pressure on the affected tooth or teeth, leading to more pain and damage. Exposed root nerves have a tendency to be sensitive to extremely hot or cold foods and beverages, so stay with smooth, mildly flavored items. Acidic and sugary foods also intensifies dental pain by promoting plaque formation and eroding the hard enamel on the teeth. Stay away from citrus fruits, sweets, and starchy options that can get trapped between the teeth. It is advisable to avoid sugar-laden beverages including natural juices too.
Over-the-Counter Medications
If you are looking for relief from the symptoms of your toothache naturally, then there are chances you are searching for something other than medications from the pharmacy. However, if the options listed here are not available to you, or they are not providing you relief, or you have allergies that prevent their use, then you can go with a mild analgesic such as ibuprofen, which will dull the pain temporarily. Some people suggest placing the medication directly against the sore spot but dentists warn against this, as it can burn the gum tissue. Nevertheless, it does not matter what pain-relief method you choose, always consult a doctor if the toothache continues beyond a few days.
