What is a Toothache?
Toothache refers to mild to severe pain around the teeth and jaws. This could be a sign that there is a problem with your tooth or gum.
It is important to determine the cause of your toothache. You can then determine the best way to relieve pain, swelling, and other symptoms.
Sharon Huang, D.D.S. founder of Les Belles NYC, New York’s dental practice, says that a toothache can be either sharp, dull, or throbbing. An infected nerve within the tooth, or a gum infection could be the cause. This can also be a sign of a heart attack.
Huang says that toothaches are a sign from the body to tell us something is not right. “Our brain sends millions of signals to our nerves about an injury, attack or infection. Our brain is sending this signal to us that we should feel pain.”
Why is a toothache so severe? She explains that the nerves in your teeth are some of the most sensitive parts of your body. She adds that severe pain can result from nerve irritations or infections.
Toothache can be caused by tooth decay, infection, loose fillings or receding gums. You can also try home remedies like applying a cold compress to the area, gargling with saltwater, or drinking peppermint tea.
The following simple remedies, made with ingredients that are usually found at home, may temporarily relieve the discomfort.
1. Saltwater rinse
A saltwater-rinse is a good first-line treatment for many. Salt water can be used as a natural disinfectant to loosen food particles or debris between your teeth.
The treatment of a toothache using saltwaterTrusted Source may also be helpful in reducing inflammation and healing any oral injuries.
This is how to make a mouthwash. Mix 1/2 teaspoon (tsp.) salt in a glass warm water.
2. Clove Oil
Huang says that clove oil, which is an active ingredient in many of the dental products, can be used at home to treat tooth pain. She says that clove oil is a natural antiseptic, which reduces pain and inflammation through its anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties. It also serves as a temporary pain relief.
Clove oil’s active ingredient can be compared with benzocaine, a numbing agent in many dental gels. You can use clove oil by soaking a cottonball in it, and then applying it directly to the affected area.
3. Garlic
garlic is a medicinal herb that has been used for thousands of years. It also has antibacterialTrustedSource properties. It can kill harmful bacteriaTrusted source which causes dental plaque.
Garlic can be used to treat toothache. Simply crush a garlic clove and make a paste. A little salt may be added. You can also slowly chew a clove fresh garlic.
4. Peppermint tea
Share on Pinterest Because of its numbing properties, peppermint tea can help soothe toothache.
Peppermint, like cloves has soothing properties to soothe a toothache. Menthol, the ingredient that gives peppermint its minty scent and flavor, is also antibacterial.
You can add one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaf to a cup of boiling water, and let it steep for 20 minutes. Allow it to cool. Then, you can either swish the leaves around in your mouth or swallow them.
You can also use a slightly warm, moist tea bag to hold the tooth against it for several minutes until the pain subsides.
As a temporary treatment, you can place a few drops of peppermint oil onto a cotton ball and rub it against the affected tooth.
5. Guava leaves
Guava leaves can be used to heal wounds by having anti-inflammatory propertiesTrustedSource They are also rich in antimicrobialTrustedSource activity, which can help with oral care.
This remedy can be used by chewing fresh Guava leaves, or adding crushed guava leaf to boiling water to make mouthwash.
6. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla, a natural anti-inflammatory that is also very effective in numbing the pain of toothache, can also be used. You can apply a small amount of vanilla to the area by placing a little bit on your finger or using a cotton swab. Repeat this process several times per day.
Peppermint is known to relieve pain in a variety of conditions. In vitro studies in the European Journal of Dentistry showed that peppermint oil was one of three oils that could be used as an intracanal antiseptic to prevent the growth of oral pathogens.
Huang recommends using a chilled peppermint teabag to treat a toothache. She suggests that you chill the tea bag and place it in the freezer for a few moments. Then, apply the tea bag to the area that is causing the pain. You can also add some peppermint oil to your cotton ball and rub it directly on the tooth.
7. Tea Bags
A hot or cold tea bag can be used to treat your tooth. Make sure the tea bag is cool enough to be used. You can also try freezing a used teabag for a few minutes and then applying it to your tooth.
Because of its anti-bacterial properties, peppermint tea might be particularly good for toothaches. Tea can stain your teeth so avoid it.
8. Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel can be found in the leaves of succulent plants and has been used for minor cuts and burns for many years. The gel can also be used to soothe and clean gums.
Studies have provenTrusted Source aloe vera can kill germs that cause tooth decay.
Apply the gel to the affected area and massage gently.
9. Toothache plant
The toothache plants are flowering plants that can be found in subtropical and tropical regions. According to a 2021 ReviewTrusted Source, its active compound, spilanthol has anti-inflammatory qualities. When chewed, it provides a numbing sensation.
Although this plant is considered safe, it should not be used if:
- You are allergic to plants from the daisy family
- You drink alcohol
- diuretics are used
- Prostate Cancer
- you’re pregnant
10. Margosa Bark or Neem
Both Margosa and Neem barks contain many curative ingredients. Heat 2 cups water, 2 inches bark and 6 cloves in a saucepan until they boil.
Next, strain the liquid into another jar. Once it cools, store it in a refrigerator in a sealed container. The liquid will cool down and can be applied to your tooth with a cotton ball.
11. Honey and Cinnamon
Honey and cinnamon are a wonderful combination, as honey is naturally antimicrobial while cinnamon is naturally anti-inflammatory.
Mix 5 teaspoons honey and 1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon to make a homemade pain relief solution. This mixture can be applied directly to your teeth several times per day.
12. Wheatgrass Juice
Because of its antibacterial properties, wheatgrass is excellent at fighting tooth decay and relieving pain. It can be consumed as a mouthwash or straight.
This will help reduce the amount of bacteria and pain in your mouth. You can also chew fresh wheatgrass pieces.
13. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is known for its ability to reduce pain and has many other health benefits. A cotton ball soaked with tea tree oil can be used to treat the tooth. You can also rinse your mouth with warm water and tea tree oil. Be careful not to swallow the mixture.
14. Baking soda toothache remedy
Baking soda has many medicinal and home uses. Make a toothache treatment by simply soaking a cotton ball in baking soda. To reduce pain, press the cotton ball gently against the tooth. Alternativly, you could mix one teaspoon of baking soda in warm water to make a mouthwash.
15. Thyme
Thyme has strong antibacterial and antioxidant propertiesTrustedSource that can be used to treat toothaches. It can also help combat bacteriaTrusted Source which contributes to tooth decay.
This oil can be used to treat a rash by mixing thyme essential oils with a carrier and then applying it to the affected areas.
A drop of oil can be added to a small amount of water to make a mouthwash.
16. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
A hydrogen peroxide solution can be used to rinse your teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous if swallowed, so it is important to rinse well.
Mix equal amounts of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with water. Then, swish it in your mouth for approximately 30 seconds. The mouth should be rinsed with plain water several times after spitting it out.
Hydrogen peroxide rinse should not be swallowed. This remedy is not recommended to children.
17. Ice
Ice can be applied to the affected area to help relieve pain. This technique can be used in different ways. Apply ice to the area by wrapping a towel around it. The compress should be kept in place for at least 15 minutes. You could also try holding ice water in one’s mouth for several seconds. However, you should not bite the ice as it can cause damage to your teeth.
18. Willow Bark
Some evidence suggests that willow bark may be able to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Huang says that salicin is found in willow bark, which is very similar to aspirin. You can either drink willow bark tea or apply a paste of it to the area that causes pain.
When do you need to visit a dentist
These home remedies will only provide temporary relief. If a toothache persists more than a few days, it is crucial to contact a dentist immediately.
If dental pain is not treated straight away, it might lead to more serious problems, such as gum disease or a dental ‘abscess. An abscess occurs when bacteria infects the innermost tooth, the dental pulp.
Tips-
It is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy in order to avoid a toothache. These are the steps to follow:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes
- Reduce sugary foods and beverages
- Regular flossing and using an interdental toothbrush to clean between your teeth and below the gum line is a good idea.
- Avoid smoking as it can worsen dental problems
- having regular dental checkups
For advice and treatment, see your dentist if you have a toothache that persists for more than two days.