Toothache are frustrating. A toothache is the result of an irritated or inflamed pulp, which is situated within the central region of the tooth. The sensitive nerve endings inside the pulp can get triggered by foods or beverages that are either too cold or too hot. It’s important to first get a better understanding of the most common causes and symptoms before you begin the home remedies.
Causes of Tooth Pain:
- Abscessed tooth
- Infected gums (gingivitis)
- Tooth decay
- Damaged fillings
- Dental injuries, such as a chipped or fractured tooth
- Sinus infection
- Wisdom teeth
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
Symptoms of Tooth Pain:
- Swelling around the tooth
- Fever
- Headache
- Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth
- Sharp pain when pressure is applied to tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
Here are a few natural home remedies to help alleviate the pain
Cloves
When it comes to natural home remedies for tooth infections, there is nothing that ranks higher than cloves!
Cloves contain extremely powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic properties that help alleviate tooth pain.
The anesthetic properties also help to fight off the infection.
The Remedy:
- Take a pair of cloves and grind them with a little mix of olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Dab clove oil solution onto a cotton ball, and rub directly on the affected tooth.
- You can also mix a few drops of clove oil in half a glass of water, and use it as a mouthwash after the dabbing process.
Warm Salt Water
All it takes is a glass of warm water mixed with a bit of salt, and you can reduce the pain of a toothache. This homemade mouthwash solution will assist in fighting bacteria that cause tooth decay and infection.
The Remedy:
- Mix half a spoon of common salt in a glass of very warm water.
- Gargle thoroughly with the warm saltwater solution.
- Repeat a few times, or until you feel better.
Ice Cube
Ice cube helps numb the infected nerves that cause the horrible pain. Dentists use ice to test for sensitivity on teeth as well.
The Remedy:
- Place an ice cube inside a Ziploc bag and wrap it in a thin cotton cloth.
- Hold the bag over your cheek near the aching tooth for a couple of minutes.
- The ice will then indicate the exposed nerves. Take a bit of caution when applying the ice.
Garlic
Garlic is not only ideal for treating a common cold, but also for treating toothaches. Garlic contains a bunch of antibiotic properties that can help get rid of tooth pain.
The Remedy:
- Mix a clove of crushed garlic or use some garlic powder together with a sprinkle of table salt, and apply to the painful tooth.
- You can even chew on a few cloves of garlic for some quick relief.
- Continue the garlic remedy for several days, or until pain stops.
Asafetida
The powdered gum resin inside the Asafetida can help reduce pain during a toothache, and for bleeding gums. The odor of the Asafetida might not be too pleasant, but the natural pain remedy is worth the bad smell!
The Remedy:
- Add a pinch of powdered Asafetida with lemon juice.
- Warm up the solution, and use a cotton pad to apply the mixture to the affected area.
- Asafetida can also be fried in clarified butter, and placed inside the tooth cavity for instant relief.
Baking Soda
Baking soda helps whiten your teeth and acts as a natural painkiller for toothaches when mixed together with a bit of water. Baking soda promotes quicker healing of painful or swollen gum tissue, which is the reason why many toothpastes feature the sodium bicarbonate on the labels.
The Remedy:
- Take a cotton swab and moisten it with a bit of water.
- Dip the wet cotton swab in baking soda. Coat the swab really well so that it absorbs the baking soda before applying to the infected tooth.
- A mouth rinse can be made by mixing a large spoonful of baking soda into a small glass of warm water. Let the baking soda dissolve before swishing the rinse in your mouth.
Guava Leaves
Guava leaves are used to heal mouth sores and aching teeth. The juice of the guava leaves contains many antibacterial properties that thwart off tooth decay or gingivitis. You should feel the effects of the guava leaves shortly after applying to the sensitive areas.
The Remedy:
- Chew on a couple of guava leaves until the juice begins to work on the affected tooth.
- Place 4 to 5 guava leaves in water and let it boil.
- Allow the solution to cool off a bit before adding a pinch of salt, and rinse your mouth thoroughly with it.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract contains Eugenol, which has antiseptic and analgesic properties that are used to fight off tooth decay. Eugenol helps get rid of that unwanted toothache and provides a quick pain relief solution.
The Remedy:
- Saturate a cotton swab or cotton ball with 3-4 drops of vanilla extract, and place on the affected tooth.
- Use your finger to rub the vanilla extract on the affected area. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly beforehand.
- Repeat process until the pain goes away.
Lime or Lime Juice
The citric acid of the lime juice helps kill the germs that cause tooth infections. Lime juice also contains vitamin C, which keeps your teeth protected against decay. Mixing lime juice and baking soda can also help whiten teeth.
NOTE: None of these are a replacement for an actual dentist. These remedies will help you pass the time until your dentist appointment or alleviate some of the pain after, but do not skip the dentist visits. Teeth problems are serious health problems and should be treated as such.