A toothache can be mild or debilitating. If you are having a mild toothache, home remedies can work wonders to relieve the pain. However, if you’re experiencing a throbbing pain in or around one of your teeth, it is better to see your dentist to identify what’s causing the pain. Once identified, your dentist will suggest a proper treatment plan and offer pain relief medications.
In this blog post, we will share some commonly used toothache home remedies that have been helping people get some relief when their tooth starts hurting.
Causes of Toothache
Toothache is caused by multiple reasons. Some of the most common causes of toothache are:
- Tooth infection
- Gum infection
- Cracked tooth
- Teeth grinding habit
- Cavity or decay in tooth
- Food stuck between teeth
- Loose or damaged tooth filling
Natural Toothache Home Remedies You Can Try for Pain Relief
Clove
Cloves have been used for years to treat toothaches. You can either eat a clove and chew on it slowly and gently to release the oil that has antiseptic properties. But if you find chewing a clove too spicy, mix 10–15 drops of clove oil with around 30 ml of sunflower oil to make a mild solution. Take a small amount of this solution on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected tooth. Repeat this a few times a day for pain relief.
Garlic
Known for its antibacterial properties, garlic is another home remedy for toothache. Chew on a clove of garlic if you can, or crush a piece to make a paste. Apply it directly to the tooth and leave for a few minutes before spitting and rinsing off.
Saltwater
Saltwater is a common yet effective remedy for many oral problems, including toothache. Make yourself a saltwater rinse by mixing a teaspoon of salt into a glass of room temperature or warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for a few minutes. The water will not only remove stuck debris but will also reduce the bacterial load in your mouth.
Peppermint tea
If you have peppermint tea bags at home, you could use them to reduce tooth pain. How? Just take a tea bag and keep it in the refrigerator until it is cool enough. Apply this cooled bag to the affected tooth for pain relief.
Guava leaves
Have a guava tree close by? Pluck a few fresh leaves off the tree, wash them well, and chew on them for a few minutes. Spit later if required. Your toothache will likely feel better. The reason why guava leaves are effective for toothache is due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce swelling around the affected tooth and kill germs in the mouth.
Thyme oil
Thyme oil is also considered a natural remedy for toothaches. Like clove oil, you must dilute thyme oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your tooth. If you are using a cotton ball soaked in the diluted oil, keep it over your tooth for 10-15 minutes and then remove it. Or, you can also make a thyme oil rinse by adding a drop of oil to a glass of water and using it to flush your mouth to fight pain and bacteria.
Wheatgrass
In addition to being a superfood, wheatgrass is also effective in easing tooth pain. You can either chew some wheatgrass to reap the benefits of its antibacterial properties or mix wheatgrass powder with water to make a quick rinse for toothache relief.
Vanilla extract
Your bottle of vanilla extract can come in handy to soothe your toothache. As vanilla extract contains alcohol, it works by numbing the pain. Plus, its antioxidant properties promote healing. To use this remedy, take a few drops of good-quality vanilla extract on a cotton ball and apply it to your affected tooth. You will soon feel better.
Other Home Remedies for Toothache
Hydrogen peroxide
You could also use hydrogen peroxide to treat your pain. Mix equal quantities of water and hydrogen peroxide (3%) in a glass and use it as a mouthwash.
Ice
Wrap a few pieces of ice in a clean cloth and apply it to the area of the toothache. Do this for 15 minutes or so, a few times a day to ease the pain. Ice will minimise inflammation and numb the area, offering pain relief.
OTC Pain Relievers for Toothache
Besides the above remedies, you can also treat your toothache with over-the-counter pain relief medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen. These medications can be used as toothache medicine for adults, as these drugs have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help reduce pain and discomfort.
However, before using an OTC pain reliever or pain killer tablet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to know the dose of medicine you should be taking. Also, note that OTC medicines can only provide temporary relief and are not meant for long-term use. Therefore, get in touch with your dentist, even if your toothache gets better, to identify what caused it and receive appropriate treatment.
When to See Your Dentist
Make an appointment to see your dentist if you notice any of the following indications:
- Your pain is severe
- It’s been 2 days, but your pain hasn’t improved
- You notice pus oozing out of the tooth
- You have trouble swallowing or biting
- There is swelling around the tooth
- The gums look unusually red
- You also have a fever
Tips to Prevent a Toothache
1. Brush your teeth well two times a day.
2. Use floss once every day to clear debris stuck between your teeth.
3. Use a mouthwash (if you like) to kill bacteria and prevent plaque buildup on your teeth.
4. Schedule regular dentist visits for cleaning and checkups.
5. Avoid sugary foods and drinks as much as possible.
In Conclusion
Toothaches can easily turn a pleasant day into an unpleasant one. If you are dealing with toothache at this moment, you may try the toothache home remedies suggested above. But remember that these are only temporary measures and not a substitute for professional dental care.
So, while you may use these remedies for relief until you can see your dentist, don’t skip your dental visit if your pain gets better. That’s because a toothache often has an underlying problem that must be addressed without delay.
FAQs
How to get rid of toothache at night?
Try using a cold compress to ease the pain if you have a toothache at night. Or you can use an OTC pain medicine if you have one at home.
What to use for toothache during pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant, you can use simple home remedies like cold compress and saltwater rinse for pain relief. However, if you are looking to take any medication, call your dentist or OB/gynaecologist for a suggestion.
Is it possible to get rid of tooth pain without taking a tablet for toothache?
Not always. A mild toothache may get better with home remedies. However, moderate to severe pain may require you to take pain relief medication.
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Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache#fa-qs
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/home-remedies-toothache#1-4
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