Are you tired of dealing with toothaches that won’t go away? If so, you’re in the right place. We understand how frustrating and uncomfortable toothaches can be, affecting your ability to eat, sleep, and enjoy life. When you have a toothache, it is crucial to identify the root cause of discomfort. Understanding the source allows for tailored relief, effectively addressing pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
In this blog, we’ll explore Natural Remedies for Toothache Relief. From simple home remedies to expert tips, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more.
12 Natural Remedies for Toothache
The following remedies are useful to provide short-term relief.
Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse is the basic remedy people try for a toothache, and it can be very helpful. Saltwater serves as a natural cleaner, removing food particles and debris stuck between your teeth. It can also reduce swelling in your mouth and promote faster wound healing.
Here’s how to do it: In a glass of warm water, combine ½ teaspoon of salt and swish it about your mouth as if it were mouthwash.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Using a hydrogen peroxide rinse can also ease pain and swelling. It also reduces plaque buildup and heals bleeding gums.
It’s important to dilute hydrogen peroxide correctly. Mix equal parts of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide and water, then use it like mouthwash. Remember, don’t swallow it.
Cold Compress
A cold compress helps ease the pain, especially if your toothache results from an injury. Compressing on the affected area causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing pain severity.
To try this, wrap a bag of ice in a towel and hold it against the painful area for about 20 minutes each time. Repeat every few hours to alleviate discomfort.
Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint tea bags are effective for numbing pain and soothing sore gums.
You can also use this method to cool the area. Put a used tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it, then apply it to your tooth.
Garlic
Garlic has healing properties and antibacterial qualities that can eliminate harmful bacteria causing dental issues like plaque.
Crush a clove into a paste, then apply the paste to the toothache-affected area. Add a pinch of salt if desired. Alternatively, slowly chew a fresh garlic clove.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can numb pain. Its antioxidant properties also aid in healing, but make sure you use real vanilla, not imitation.
Add a small amount of vanilla extract to your finger or a cotton ball to try this remedy. Directly apply it to the painful area several times a day.
Clove
Clove has a long history of use for alleviating toothaches. Its oil can effectively numb the pain and reduce inflammation. It contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic.
To try this method:
- Combine clove oil with a carrier oil – sunflower or jojoba oil.
- Add 15 drops of clove oil per ounce of carrier oil, as recommended by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.
- Apply a small amount of the diluted oil in a cotton ball and place it on the sore area several times daily. Or use it as a mouthwash.
Guava Leaves
Guava leaves contain anti-inflammatory properties that promote wound healing and exhibit antimicrobial activity, contributing to oral health. Chew fresh guava leaves or boil crushed guava leaves in water to make a mouthwash.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is rich in healing properties, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects. It contains numerous nutrients, including high levels of chlorophyll, which combat bacteria. You can consume wheatgrass as a drink or utilize it as a mouthwash.
Peppermint tea
Peppermint, like cloves, possesses numbing properties that can soothe a toothache. Menthol, which gives peppermint its minty flavor and smell, has antibacterial properties.
To make peppermint tea, boil 1 cup of water with 1 tsp of dried peppermint leaves for about 20 minutes. After it cools, swish the tea around in your mouth and either spit it out or swallow it.
Alternatively, apply a slightly warm, damp tea bag to the affected tooth and hold it there for several minutes until the pain decreases.
Or soak a cotton ball in a few drops of peppermint oil and place it against the painful tooth for temporary relief.
Thyme
Thyme possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can help treat toothaches and fight bacteria causing tooth decay. To use thyme, dilute its essential oil with a carrier oil and place it in the affected area. To make a mouthwash, add a drop of the essential oil to a small glass of water.
Toothache Plant
The toothache plant usually grows in tropical and subtropical regions. A 2021 review confirms its active compound, spilanthol, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. When chewed, it provides a numbing sensation. While generally safe, avoid using this plant if –
- You’re allergic to plants in the daisy family
- consume alcohol
- use diuretics
- Have prostate cancer
- If pregnant.
Causes of Toothaches
During your dental appointment, your dentist examines your mouth to find the underlying cause of your toothache. They may also take an X-ray to aid in diagnosis.
Some of the toothache causes are:
Dental Decay:
If a cavity or dental decay is the reason behind your toothache, your dentist will likely remove the affected portion and fill the cavity.
Fillings:
After removing a cavity, your dentist will fill the space with a tooth-colored material. If an existing filling is causing discomfort, they may replace it with a new one.
Abscess:
A dental abscess resulting from an untreated cavity is a tooth infection. Your dentist may recommend antibiotics, performing a root canal, or extracting the affected tooth if you have an abscess.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism):
If tooth grinding or clenching causes pain, your dentist may recommend a mouthguard to alleviate discomfort.
Periodontal Disease:
Gingivitis caused by plaque buildup can progress to periodontal disease, a gum infection. Professional treatment is necessary to remove tartar from your teeth and slow the progression of the disease.
How to Prevent Toothaches
You can prevent toothaches by practicing good oral hygiene.
- Make sure to floss at least once and brush your teeth at least twice daily.
- Use a mouthwash.
- Go to your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning twice a year.
Certain foods, like citrus fruits, bread, sour candies, potato chips, dried fruits, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and ice, can contribute to plaque buildup.
After consuming these foods, remember to brush and floss your teeth to help prevent plaque buildup. Consider limiting these foods in your diet.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Many toothaches require medical attention. In the meantime, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen to alleviate discomfort until your dental visit.
You should also consult your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Persistent pain lasting more than one or two days
- Swelling
- Pain while biting
- Unusually red gums
- Foul-tasting discharge or pus
Takeaway
Although we’ve shared a range of natural remedies that offer short-term relief from toothache, it’s important to note that these remedies are not substitutes for professional dental care. If your toothache persists or worsens, seeking guidance from a dentist is crucial to address the issue effectively.
Don’t let toothache pain disrupt your day any longer. At Diamond Dental in Bellingham, WA, our experienced team provides comprehensive dental care and personalized treatment plans according to your needs. Call (360) 516-4610 for new patients to schedule an appointment and begin your journey towards a pain-free smile. Call (360) 734-1999 for assistance and continued dental support for existing patients.
FAQs
Speedy relief for a toothache can be achieved through various methods, such as using over-the-counter pain relievers, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash or salt water, consuming soft foods, and applying a pain-relieving gel.
Start by cleaning your mouth thoroughly with brushing, flossing, and rinsing using mouthwash, salt water, or hydrogen peroxide to see if it provides relief.
Additionally, you can apply a cold compress, practice oil pulling, and chew on fresh garlic. However, if your pain persists or intensifies, you must seek professional dental care from your dentist.
