by Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
~ Peacefulmind.com
A toothache can be quite a discomforting experience, and understanding its causes and finding natural ways to alleviate the pain can help provide relief. Here are 12 natural remedies to ease toothache pain and help remedy the situation:
Saltwater rinse: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out. This can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Clove oil: Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and gently place it on the affected tooth. Clove oil contains eugenol, which has natural analgesic properties and can provide temporary pain relief.
Cold compress: Wrap a bag of ice or a cold pack in a thin cloth and apply it to the affected area for 15 minutes. The cold temperature can numb the area and reduce swelling.
Peppermint tea: Brew a cup of peppermint tea and let it cool down. Rinse your mouth with the peppermint tea to soothe the area and reduce pain.
Garlic: Mash a garlic clove and mix it with a pinch of salt. Apply the mixture directly to the affected tooth. Garlic has antimicrobial properties and can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Hydrogen peroxide rinse: Dilute hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and use it as a mouthwash. Swish the solution around your mouth for a minute and then spit it out. It can help kill bacteria and reduce pain.
Tea tree oil: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and apply it to the affected tooth using a cotton ball. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and can help alleviate toothache pain.
Vanilla extract: Soak a cotton ball in pure vanilla extract and gently apply it to the affected tooth. Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can help numb the area and relieve pain temporarily.
Turmeric paste: Mix turmeric powder with water to form a paste and apply it directly to the affected tooth. Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Guava leaves: Chew on fresh guava leaves or boil them in water to make a mouthwash. Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with toothache pain.
Ginger and cayenne paste: Mix equal parts of ginger and cayenne powder with water to make a paste. Apply this paste to the affected area to temporarily relieve pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: When experiencing a toothache, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort. Follow the recommended dosage instructions.
While these natural remedies can help ease toothache pain, it’s important to recognize that they provide temporary relief. It is crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible to address the underlying cause of the toothache. Possible reasons to seek dental care include tooth decay, gum disease, tooth fractures, or an abscess. A dentist can provide a thorough examination, determine the cause of the toothache, and recommend appropriate treatment options to resolve the issue effectively.
