There are only a few things more annoying than a toothache! It’s quite normal to experience tooth pain occasionally, but fortunately, there are some tried-and-true home remedies that can ease the agony.
A toothache usually starts when the nerve and core portion of the tooth is inflamed. Sometimes jaw pain feels especially sharp in the early morning due to grinding teeth at night. That is when more blood collects around the problematic spot, putting greater pressure on the nerves. A toothache frequently starts to get more problematic as an uncomfortable sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages gets worse over time.
There are numerous causes of toothaches. Tooth inflammation is most frequently brought on by poor oral hygiene, untreated caries, gum inflammation, tooth fracture, and the development of wisdom teeth. Other reasons why people have toothaches include bumps and falls, sensitive teeth, gum inflammation, sinus infections, missing teeth, dead nerves, and ear infections.
You shouldn’t put off seeing the dentist and taking preventive care even before pain and other symptoms like throbbing, pulling, and pressure start. However, you probably have to wait 1-2 days before going to the dentist if it happens on the weekends or when you don’t have any free time. What should one do when prescribed toothache medications are unavailable? Thankfully, there are many homemade remedies for toothaches that you should try.
1. Saltwater
Strong saltwater treatment is quite beneficial when it comes to curing toothache. Try to fully dissolve as much table salt in a pot of simmering water as possible. Put this solution in your mouth and wait until the pain goes away, which should take two to three minutes. The saltwater will lower the inflammation in your mouth—however, children may struggle to follow this treatment without swallowing all the water.
2. Sage tea
Additionally, sage tea mouthwash can quickly relieve the discomfort that toothaches bring and improve poor oral hygiene. Sage has antimicrobial properties and relieves mouth discomfort, sore throats, and other body aches. The irritating toothache will undoubtedly disappear after you’ve used sage tea to rinse your mouth! Sage leaves that have just been picked can also be chewed or applied to the hurting area.
3. Clove
Another remedy for toothaches is chewing cloves. Although small, cloves are a powerful remedy for many ailments. The main ingredient of cloves is eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Cloves can be found in any supermarket or drugstore and are extremely effective. Mouthwash infused with clove oil can also help your toothache go away faster.
4. Cold compress
Any type of discomfort can be relieved by applying an ice compress to the affected area. Put the ice cubes in a plastic bag that has been covered with cloth. Fifteen minutes should pass while the compress is left on the painful spot for your nerves to become numb. Inflammation and edema are lessened by this home remedy.
5. Garlic
Thanks to its medicinal properties, garlic is used for numerous ailments. Garlic kills bacteria and acts as a pain reliever. It is best to make a paste out of it and put it on the painful area, or you can chew it slowly. Feel free to repeat the procedure for a few days if necessary; you won’t have any side effects from too much garlic other than some potentially bad-smelling breath.
6. Ginger and cayenne pepper paste
To make a thick paste, combine these two ingredients in an equal amount and add as much water as necessary. Avoid getting any of the paste on your tongue or gums by applying it to the tooth with a cotton swab instead. Because this paste will sting the affected area somewhat, keep the cotton ball on the tooth until the pain subsides or until you can tolerate it. Both of these spices are powerful painkillers, and you can use them individually.
7. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has various medicinal properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar. Pepper one side of the cotton ball with black pepper powder and hold that side against your cheek. In a few seconds, you will feel the warmth that should distract you from the pain.
8. Lavender and vinegar
The main medicinal value of lavender is based on the ability of the plant and its preparations to reduce tension in the nerves. To relieve a toothache, mix a teaspoon of lavender (fresh or dried) with 100 ml of vinegar. Gargle for 30 seconds and spit it out. Be careful not to swallow this mixture.
9. Chamomile tea
Chamomile can be used as a medicine to treat various health problems, and it can work wonders for toothaches. Drink a cup of warm chamomile tea, making an effort to swish or splash the liquid on the of your mouth where you have the toothache. It also helps to place a lukewarm tea bag on the painful area. This method is particularly effective in children as they may not want to drink the tea, but they can hold the tea bag in place while doing another activity.
10. Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract offers toothache relief right away thanks to its antibacterial and analgesic qualities. Essentially, vanilla extract has alcohol in it which numbs the pain. It’s easiest to apply if you sprinkle some drops onto a cotton ball or Q-tip and then hold it to the painful area. Keep in mind that this is only numbing the pain, not healing it, so the effects will wear off.
While these home remedies will provide some relief for toothache, pain lasting longer than a few days may be a sign of a serious issue. Make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to find a long-term solution to whatever is causing your pain.