Toothache can be very painful, depressing, and interfere with daily life. In addition to the pain itself, other symptoms may occur, such as a slight fever or swelling in the area of the infected tooth. There are various natural remedies for this problem that have been put into practice since ancient times and that have been passed down from generation to generation. While they can help relieve pain, you should always consult a dentist to make sure there are no cavities or other dental problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. Rinse your mouth with warm saline to relieve swelling
Warm water combined with salt is an effective treatment in case of an infection in the oral cavity. This is because the salt draws fluids from the site of infection, relieves tension in the soft tissues, and reduces pain.
- To make the saline solution, take a glass of warm water, add a teaspoon of common table salt and mix thoroughly to dissolve it completely.
- Make sure the water is hot but not hot, as it doesn't have to burn your mouth.
- Rinse by putting a sip of the solution in your mouth and shaking it all over your mouth, especially in the area of the aching tooth. Hold the mixture for a minimum of 30 seconds before spitting it out; do not ingest it.
- Repeat the treatment every hour; you may be able to relieve toothache.
- If you don't have salt, simply rinsing your mouth with warm water should give you some relief.
Step 2. Remove food and plaque using dental floss
After rinsing your mouth, you should continue cleaning by carefully removing any plaque or food debris stuck between your teeth. Clean carefully around and between your teeth with dental floss. Be careful not to irritate the sore tooth more; however, it is important to eliminate anything that may make the infection worse.
Step 3. Dab some clove oil on the aching tooth
This is an ancient remedy for toothache, as it has antibacterial and pain relieving properties. It can reduce inflammation and is also effective as an antioxidant.
- To apply it, put a few drops on a cotton ball and rub it gently on the aching tooth for about a minute. You should quickly feel the pain begin to subside. Repeat three times a day for best results.
- Although it is safe in small doses, overdoing it with clove oil can cause health problems; so be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
- You can buy clove oil at health food stores or pharmacies, but if you want to make one yourself, just crush two nails and mix them with olive oil.
Step 4. Apply a cold pack
Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth or tissue and place it directly on the tooth or rest it on the cheek adjacent to the sore tooth for about 10 minutes.
- The cold leaves a feeling of numbness which helps relieve pain. Instead of the ice cube, you can also apply an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables.
- Never place it directly on the gum, as this could damage the delicate tissue.
Step 5. Try applying a wet tea bag to the affected tooth
This is a very simple remedy that is readily available in all homes. Simply moisten a tea bag in a cup of hot (not hot) water, squeeze out the excess water and place the tea bag on the painful tooth for about 15 minutes.
- The tea bag contains the tannins which have strong astringent properties and provide temporary pain relief.
- Eucalyptus or peppermint should be especially effective.
- Using this method repeatedly could stain your teeth and gums.
Step 6. Relieve toothache with turmeric
In fact, this is not only a fragrant spice that is often used in cooking, but it has also proved effective in many medicinal uses. Turmeric contains curcumin, the active ingredient responsible for reducing the level of histamine, and thus helps reduce pain.
- In 240 ml of boiling water, dissolve five grams of turmeric, two cloves of garlic and two dried leaves of guava. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Pass the mixture through a sieve to let it drain. Let it cool and then rinse your mouth with the solution for a minute.
- Alternatively, take two tablespoons of ground turmeric and toast it in a pan. Let it cool and gently apply it to the aching tooth with a clean cotton swab. This remedy eliminates pain and swelling.
Step 7. Know what to avoid
In addition to trying to relieve toothache, you should be equally careful to avoid certain things that could irritate the tooth and make the pain worse. This varies from person to person, so you need to be able to use your own judgment. Typically, for toothache sufferers, eating or drinking foods or liquids that are too cold or too hot will be particularly painful.
Part 2 of 3: Understanding the Limitations of Natural Remedies
Step 1. Proceed with caution with natural remedies
They can certainly help relieve pain and discomfort, but if the toothache persists, the root of the problem must be resolved. You will most likely need to see a dentist. There is no absolutely certain evidence to support the effective effectiveness of herbal remedies in the dental field.
- If you opt for herbal medicine and you realize that it is not effective, stop. Do not continue to apply the herbal remedy thinking that increasing the dose may be more effective, as it could, on the contrary, aggravate the pain.
- Immediately rinse your mouth with distilled water if you experience burning or a stinging sensation after using medicinal herbs. Do not use mouthwashes as their alcohol content can further irritate the delicate tissues of the mouth.
Step 2. Understand the cause of toothache
If your teeth hurt, you need to understand why and take steps to prevent relapse once treatment is finished. Toothache is caused by inflammation of the middle section of the tooth, known as the pulp. The ends of the nerves in this section are extremely sensitive to pain, which can make toothache incredibly annoying. Inflammation is usually caused by tooth decay, infection, or trauma.
- The key to avoiding toothache is to maintain excellent dental hygiene. Keep your gums and teeth clean and healthy by limiting your intake of overly sugary foods and drinks, washing them twice a day, and using dental floss and mouthwash for a more thorough clean.
- The next time you have a toothache, it means you probably have tooth decay or an infection. Keep in mind that although it is possible to relieve pain with natural remedies, you will still not be able to eliminate the cause.
Step 3. Know that a toothache caused by an infection will not go away without treatment
Natural remedies can only relieve pain temporarily, but you will still need medical attention if you have an infection. Otherwise, the toothache will return. If you have an infection, it's best to see a dentist.
Also keep in mind that the infection will only get worse if left untreated
Part 3 of 3: When to See Your Doctor
Step 1. Make an appointment with your dentist if the toothache continues for more than two days
If the pain does not go away, there is likely to be some problem with the tooth. For example, you may have cavities, an infection, or a broken tooth. The dentist can examine it and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
- A neglected tooth could lead to an abscess.
- Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be more effective than natural remedies for pain relief.
Step 2. Get medical attention if you have a fever or difficulty breathing or swallowing
While this may not be extremely worrying, these symptoms could be a sign of something more serious, such as the presence of an infection. On top of that, whenever you have trouble breathing or swallowing, it is an emergency situation. Whether it's your dentist or your doctor, they can help you get treatment immediately so you can heal.
Ask your dentist if he can see you the same day or call your primary care physician. Another alternative could be going to the emergency room
Step 3. See your dentist if there are any signs of an infection
A broken tooth or tooth decay can lead to an infection in the tooth or gums. When this happens, you need medical attention for it to heal. If you neglect it, the infection is very likely to get worse. Call your dentist if you notice the following symptoms of an infection:
- Swelling
- Pain when you bite
- Red gums
- Spills of unpleasant tasting matter
