10 Home Remedies for Toothache

Looking for home remedies for toothache? This is an insightful article on what you need to know to get relief from that aching tooth. 

A toothache is an annoying and rather painful feeling, causing discomfort to the individual experiencing it. The pain experienced can become severe with time leading to the inability to eat. It is essential to find out the root cause of one’s toothache. This will help determine how to manage and treat it effectively. 

Some basic home remedies such as using a cold compress or rinsing one’s mouth with warm salt water consistently for a few days can help relieve the toothache. However, if it persists, do seek medical help from a professional. Before starting up any of the suggested home remedies that will be discussed in this article, it is advised that a dentist is consulted for advice, especially if the individual:

• • • is pregnant, 
    • a nursing mother,
    • has a medical condition. 

This article will look at ten toothache remedies that can be easily done at home. 

Picture courtesy: medicalindiatourism

1. Warm Salt Water Rinse 

Naturally, saltwater is a disinfectant that can loosen food particles stuck between the teeth. Using a warm saltwater mixture to treat a toothache helps heal any injury in the mouth and decreases inflammation.

Application – The mixture can be applied as a mouthwash by simply adding less than 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. The mixture is stirred, after which it is used to gargle the mouth. This can be done 2-3 times a day for a few days for effective results.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic that helps heal bleeding gums, kill bacteria and reduce plaque in the mouth. When a toothache develops, it can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.

Application – Do not use concentrated hydrogen peroxide; always dilute it, and it never is swallowed. Three percent of hydrogen peroxide is added to equal parts of water, and the mixture is stirred. Then it is used to rinse the mouth like a mouthwash.

3. Cold Compress

A cold compress can always be used to relieve any form of pain. It works by constricting the blood vessels of the area applied. As a result, the pain reduces as well as any inflammation and swelling.

Application – A bag of ice wrapped with a clean towel can be held to the affected area of the mouth for 15 – 30 minutes for about an hour. This can be done several times in a day for effective results.

4. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract has antioxidant properties. It can also be used to numb pain due to the alcohol it contains.

Application – A clean cotton swab is used to soak up a small quantity of natural vanilla extract. Then it is applied to the affected area. For effective results, apply a few times a day.

5. Peppermint Tea Bags 

Peppermint is an aromatic herb, and its tea is considered medicinal. The tea bags can be utilized to soothe sensitive gums and reduce pains. They contain menthol, which helps to numb the pain suffered from a toothache.

Application – A peppermint tea bag can be used either warm or cold, depending on how the individual wants it. If used warm, a hot tea bag is allowed to get warm and applied to the affected tooth. As a cold compress, the teabag is placed in a freezer and allowed to get cold. When it gets cold, it is applied to the affected tooth.

6. Thyme

Thyme is a medicinal herb whose antibacterial and antioxidant properties help it treat toothache and even tooth decay. 

Application – Thyme essential oil is diluted with a carrier oil and then applied to the affected area. Alternatively, it can be used as a mouthwash by adding a small drop of thyme essential oil into a glass of warm water.

7. Garlic

Garlic is a herb known for its medicinal purposes. It reduces dental plaque by killing bacteria that cause it. It can also serve as a pain reliever.

Application – A clove of garlic is crushed and made into a paste. It is then applied to the affected area. An alternative method involves chewing a clove of fresh raw garlic slowly. 

8. Guava Leaves 

The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of guava leaves are in healing wounds and the care of the oral cavity.

Application – Fresh guava leaves can be chewed or crushed and put into boiling water to be used as a mouthwash.

9. Toothache Plant

Botanically known as Acmella oleracea, the toothache plant has medicinal properties that can be used to reduce the pain associated with toothaches. Also known as paracress, its active ingredient, spilanthol, has anti-inflammatory properties. Pregnant women, alcoholics, people with prostate cancer, diuretics, and allergic to the daisy family are advised against taking this plant.

Application – The toothache plant can be chewed on to numb the pain.

10. Clove

The use of cloves to treat toothaches is an age-old practice. An ingredient of clove oil, eugenol, has antiseptic properties. 

Application – The oil of the clove is extracted, diluted, and a few drops are then rubbed on the affected area with a clean cotton swab.

When To See A Dentist 

An individual should consult a dentist if they experience:

• • • fever,
    • pains that persist and become severe,
    • difficulty breathing or swallowing,
    • discharge or pus,
    • swelling, etc.

Effectively carrying out one of these home remedies can help reduce toothaches from becoming severe and even stop the pain altogether. However, if the home remedies do not work, then the next step is to visit a dentist. Overall, practicing good dental hygiene helps to prevent toothaches from occurring. Good dental hygiene includes:

• • • brushing the teeth at least twice a day,
    • flossing regularly,
    • rinsing one’s mouth with a good mouthwash.

FAQ

What painkiller is best for a toothache?

For toothache, one can use painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and acetaminophen.

 

How do you get rid of toothache overnight?

Toothaches are usually painful and prevent one from eating. The following steps can help with toothaches overnight.

• • • One can use painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and acetaminophen.
    • The head should be kept in an elevated position.
    • Acidic, cold, or hard food should not be eaten.
    • The mouth should be rinsed with mouthwash before bed.
    • One should apply a cold compress to the affected area.

 

Why is toothache worse at night?

Toothaches seem to be worse at night as a result of our sleeping positions. When we sleep, more blood rushes to our brain, and due to the increased blood flow, pressure is exerted more on the painful tooth.