A toothache is one of the most annoying and disturbing dental complaints a person can ever have. It is quite painful and unbearable and can occur at any time of the day, and usually, without any prior warning. Toothache can be caused by cavities, loose fillings, cracked teeth, an abscess on the gums. If there is a certain infection in the tooth or the gum, it may also cause swelling and redness around the affected area and a succeeding toothache.
The sharp, throbbing pain of a toothache drives a person crazy. The severity of the tooth pain ranges from mild to excruciating. When a toothache occurs at a time when the dentist is closed, and one is inaccessible to any oral tooth anaesthesia, one can resort to the following home remedies and toothache treatment for curing the toothache.
Home Remedies for Toothache Treatment
Here are the list of some of the best home remedies for toothache treatment
1. Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse is an effective first-line treatment for a toothache. Saltwater is a natural disinfectant and helps to remove the food particles stuck in between the teeth. Toothache treatment with salt water is the best way to reduce the throbbing pain in the tooth, giving a quick tooth pain relief and also helps to reduce inflammation in the affected area. Just mix 1/2 tsp of salt in a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
A hydrogen peroxide rinse is also helpful in reducing toothache. This mix reduces the pain and inflammation as well as to kill bacteria. It is also an effective treatment for lowering plaque and bleeding gums. However, before using the mix, make sure the hydrogen peroxide is diluted correctly. Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water and use it as a mouthwash. Don’t swallow the mix.
3. Cold Compress
A cold compress can also be used to relieve any pain in the tooth, and mainly if trauma has caused the toothache. When a cold compress is applied, it constricts the blood vessels in the area and reduces the pain. The cold also reduces any swelling and inflammation. To use the cold compress, hold a towel-wrapped bag of ice in the affected area for about 20 minutes at one time. Repeat these effective home remedies for tooth pain every few hours.
4. Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint tea bags are an effective method of numbing tooth pain and soothing the sensitive gums. Take a cooled down used tea bag before applying it to the affected area. Make sure the tea bag is slightly warm. One can also swap this method to use a cold peppermint tea bag. Put a used tea bag in the freezer for a couple of minutes and apply it to the tooth to reduce the pain.
5. Garlic
For several years, garlic has been recognized and used for its medicinal properties. In addition to killing harmful bacteria that causes dental plaque in the mouth, garlic can also act as a pain reliever. Crush a garlic clove to create a smooth paste and apply it to the affected tooth area. One can also add a tiny bit of salt. Alternatively, one can also chew a clove of fresh garlic to reduce the pain.
6. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract has alcohol, which gives a quick tooth pain relief. It has a lot of antioxidant properties that make it an effective healer and one of the best home remedies for toothache treatment. Dab a small amount of vanilla extract on the finger or a cotton ball. Apply it directly on the affected area a few times each day.
7. Clove
Clove is used as one of the best home remedies for toothache treatment and tooth-related issues throughout history, as the oil present in the clove can effectively numb the pain and reduce inflammation. The clove contains Eugenol, which is a natural antiseptic.
To use the clove, dab a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it on the affected area. One can also dilute the clove oil with few drops of either olive oil or water. Repeat this method a few times every day. One can also add a drop of clove oil to a small glass of water and make a mouthwash.
7. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and can effectively heal oral wounds. The guava leaves also contain antimicrobial properties that aid in oral care. For this, chew on a fresh guava leaf or add crushed guava leaves to boiling water to make a mouthwash.
8. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass has several healing properties that heal the body and mouth if taken internally. Wheatgrass effectively relieves inflammation inside the mouth and also prevents further infections. The ingredient has a high quantity of chlorophyll content which also fights bacteria. Use wheatgrass juice as an effective mouthwash.
9. Thyme Oil
Thyme contains powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties and is an effective toothache remedy. Mix a few drops of thyme essential oil and water onto a cotton ball. After dilution, apply the mix to the affected area. One can also add a drop of thyme essential oil to a glass of water and make a mouthwash.
10. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil kills the bacteria with its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also effectively reduces pain and swelling. The Carvacrol component in oregano oil is responsible for reducing the distress of the toothache and is a good toothache remedy.
When to see the Dentist
If the toothache is persisting, severe or occurs from a more serious medical condition, it is urgent to see the dentist for toothache treatment. Many toothaches require medical attention; However, not all are serious. In addition to the home remedies for toothache, an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen can also help one until they visit the dentist.
One should immediately consult a dentist if the following symptoms occur along with the toothache:
- fever
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- general pain that lasts more than one or two days
- swelling
- abnormally red gums
- foul-tasting discharge, or pus
The best way to prevent any toothache or a dental problem to occur is by keeping the teeth and gums healthy. For this regular brushing of teeth with fluoride toothpaste is necessary for twice a day.
Also, one should cut down the intake of sugary foods and opt for regular flossing to clean in between the teeth and under the gum line. It is also essential to go for regular dental check-ups to ensure shiny health teeth.
Also Read: How To Treat Swollen Gums With Braces