If you’re suffering from a toothache, you might think you need to head to the dentist.
And while that’s a good idea for serious symptoms, have you considered home remedies for toothaches?
Read on for 9 of the best methods of toothache pain management to try out before making that trip to the dentist.
1. Saltwater
A simple but effective way to help toothache is saltwater. Swilling it around in your mouth can really help to soothe the pain. It’s a tried and tested old school method but it definitely works.
Simply dissolve about a teaspoon-size portion of salt in boiling water, allow to cool slightly, and then swill it for between 30 seconds to 1 minute.
The salt combined with the hot water cleans debris, reduces swelling, and draws out any nasty fluid that could be causing you a toothache.
2. Tea
A nice cup of tea solves so many things. But a lesser-known fact about tea is that it can help with toothache.
Peppermint tea is your friend here. It’s effective in numbing the pain in your teeth. Allow it to steep for a while before swilling it around and spitting it out.
Similarly, a black tea bag is said to help swelling inside the mouth. You need to hold one of these against the sore area to see if it helps.
3. Ice
Another simple but effective home remedy for toothache is ice. This is perhaps an obvious solution as ice is often applied to areas of the body that are sore or injured.
Make an ice pack by putting a cube inside a plastic bag and wrapping it in a cloth. Apply it to the tooth for 15 minutes on and off. If the tooth is too awkward to get to, put it on your cheek.
This works because the freezing cold sensation helps to numb the nerves that are experiencing pain.
4. Onions
Raw onion can be an effective home remedy for treating toothache.
Twice daily, take a wedge of uncooked onion and place it against the aggravated tooth, pressing it there for a few minutes. This has been proven as a very useful way of numbing a throbbing sensation in teeth.
The only downside is that onions have a pungent scent that can remain in your mouth afterward. As well as this, they can make your eyes water.
But it’s worth this temporary inconvenience as onions are also very good when it comes to fighting against nasty bacteria and killing germs.
5. Ginger and Cayenne
Create a homemade paste using ginger and cayenne. These are both hot spices ideal for soothing pain.
To apply the paste, roll a small cotton ball in it and dab it against your tooth. Be sure to avoid the gums and the tongue as this can cause irritation in those areas.
This will burn a little, but it’s effective. Keep it applied to your tooth for as long as you can stand it.
6. Acupressure
There’s an acupressure technique in which you can press the point on the back of your hand with the thumb of your other hand, where the thumb and index finger meet.
Do this for about 2 minutes. It should help the brain release endorphins which helps with temporary pain management.
This will travel to your painful tooth and with any luck will soothe the area. If you are pregnant, though, this is not a home remedy you should try.
7. Cloves
Cloves feature a chemical compound called eugenol, which acts as a natural anesthetic.
Obtain some clove oil and apply two drops to a cotton ball and place it against the uncomfortable tooth. Check out these other toothache essential oils too.
You can also use a powdered clove or an actual whole clove. But beware! Cloves can cause irritation on the tongue or gums, so apply with caution.
8. Myrrh
Myrrh is a lesser-known solution to toothache management.
It is very helpful at treating inflammation if you rinse your mouth with it, killing bacteria in the process.
You’ll need about a teaspoon of this, which should be simmered in approximately 2 cups of water for 30 minutes. After this, strain it and leave it to cool down. Then rinse several times across the course of a day for the most effective pain relief results.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide
Rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide will help to kill off bacteria.
You want to use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. This is especially effective if you are suffering from a fever and a nasty taste in the mouth as well as toothache.
This is definitely more a method of temporary pain management. And with those extra symptoms, the infection will need to be treated by a dentist sooner rather than later.
Do not swallow this solution, and be sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterward.
Try Out These Home Remedies for Toothaches Today
These home remedies for toothaches are all great ways to try tackling the problem of oral pain. And what’s even more helpful is the fact that they are inexpensive and simple. These natural tools can all be picked up from your local grocery store in most cases, too.
As well as these top 9 methods, we also recommend swishing with olive oil or applying the oil to the area with a toothbrush. Also, try ginger, baking soda, or even a dash of whiskey.
The important thing to remember is that a toothache can be a sign of more severe damage or infection. it is very important that any persistent discomfort be treated by a dental professional. Don’t let inconvenience put you off booking that all-important appointment!
For more great health tips, be sure to check out our other blogs and articles.
