Struggling with constant toothache? Cannot enjoy your favorite dessert or coffee because of teeth sensitivity and sharp toothache? Well, you will be surprised to know that you can find some extremely effective solutions for toothache at your home itself. Let’s first understand the possible causes of toothache and then take a look at 9 powerful remedies you can find at your home itself for relief:
Possible Causes and Symptoms
- Tooth decay
- Incorrect or harsh way of brushing and flossing
- Gum disease
- Orthodontic issues
- Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse– Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide relieves tooth pain and inflammation. It kills bacteria and reduces plaque, whitens teeth and heals bleeding gums. It is necessary to dilute hydrogen peroxide by mixing 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water and use it as a mouthwash. Be careful not to swallow it.
- Salt and Pepper– The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of salt make it an excellent remedy to treat cavities. It can reduce pain and prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Salt mixed with pepper can also be of great use when a tooth becomes extremely sensitive as both the ingredients have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Mix equal amount of pepper and common salt with few drops of water to form a paste. Then apply this paste gently on the affected tooth and allow it to sit for few minutes. Rinse off with water.
- Garlic and Onion – Garlic provides immense relief from a toothache. It has an antibiotic and analgesic property which proves effective in reducing tooth pain. Onions are also known to have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that provide relief from toothache by eliminating the bacteria in the mouth. Even dentists recommend placing a piece of onion over the affected tooth. The juice from the onion helps kill the harmful bacteria. For best results, allow the piece to sit for five minutes, or for as long as it is possible for you.
- Clove and Clove Oil -It contains a natural anesthetic called eugenol. Eugenol has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces swelling and irritation in the affected area. Clove oil should be used with a carrier oil such as almond or coconut.
All you need to do is take few drops of clove oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (olive, almond or coconut oil) and soak a swab or cotton ball and dab it on the affected area. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes for the oil to start working. Repeat if needed. Swirling clove oil with coconut oil in mouth also proves to be highly effective.
- Asafetida and Turmeric – Toothaches and bleeding gums can be treated at home with the use of asafetida. Add a pinch of powdered asafetida to two spoons of lemon juice and gently heat it. Use a cotton pad to apply the solution on the affected area. This will give you quick relief from the pain.
Turmeric, on the other hand, is an all-rounder. It has strong antiseptic, analgesic and antibacterial properties that can effectively reduce the pain from cavities, gum infections and tooth abscesses. Add a teaspoon of turmeric with a few drops of water just enough to make a paste. Dip a cotton ball into the paste and then place it onto the affected area in your mouth. It can also be applied directly or mixed with raw, organic honey, which offers its own powerful antibacterial properties, for added benefits and taste.
- Peppermint – Peppermint is one of the most effective painkillers as it is used in pain-relieving sprays and gels. One of the easiest ways to use peppermint is in the form of a tea bag. Keep the peppermint tea bag in the freezer until its cold. Then, apply the tea bag directly onto the affected area for about 20 minutes. If you have peppermint oil instead of peppermint bag just add few drops to a cotton ball and place it onto the affected tooth or teeth.
- Icy Cold Compress – Ice provides instant relief. Every time you experience tooth pain put some ice cubes in a thin cloth or plastic bag and place it on your cheek. This will work as a cold compress and it will numb the nerves thereby relieving tooth pain. Ice constricts the vessels and reduces inflammation which is the underlying cause of pain.
- Vanilla Extract and Bourbon – Vanilla extract has analgesic and antiseptic properties. Pour some pure vanilla extract onto a cotton ball and then apply it to the gums in the affected area. You may want to leave the cotton ball on the affected area for a few minutes. Bourbon or any alcohol soaked into a cotton ball and placed on the affected area can become an effective remedy for a toothache. Alcohol does have antibacterial properties which help in alleviating the growth of germs, but you need to keep a check on the amount.
Note – Not advisable for treating tooth ache in children.
- Ginger and Cayenne Peppers– Commonly known as red pepper, the spice (cayenne peppers) contains a natural pain relief substance called Capsaicin. Crush cayenne pepper seeds, or you can use its powder as well, mix it with crushed ginger, add water to form a thick paste and apply to the affected area. It can alternatively be used by mixing the spice with apple cider vinegar.
Note – Not advisable for treating toothache in children.
Getting an appointment in case of sudden sharp toothaches may not be possible all the time. In such instances, these remedies can help you cure toothache. In case of persisting tooth ache, you must consult your dentist and ask him/her about treatment options to do away with the problem in order to avoid further complications in the future.
A great way to avoid such complications is to schedule periodic dental visits so your dentist can monitor your oral health and hygiene. You can also keep a dental emergency kit on stand-by to ensure you have help whenever such a situation arises. Lastly, remember to stay calm while administering help in such situations and be sure to visit your dentist in order to prevent the chances of further damage.
Author Bio:
Shen Chao is part of Dr. Joshua Hong’s Smile Clinic. While working for the Smile Clinic, he’s gained first hand experiences into the questions and concerns that dental patients have. He has been writing to inform people about various dental topics to help his readers improve their oral health. When he’s not working, you can find him on a hiking trail with his dog or having a Sunday cook-out with friends.
Khalid Irfan is a Fitness expert who enjoys spending time in gym. He also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand his horizons.
