Odds are, you’ve probably experienced a toothache at a time or two in your life. There are several reasons you may have a toothache ranging from minor to severe. If you’re experiencing a toothache, always consult your dentist; however, there are a few home remedies you can use in the meantime to mitigate pain or resolve your toothache.
Ease Your Toothache With Salt Water
If you have a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Salt water may be an effective solution for you because it helps reduce inflammation and is a natural disinfectant, which can aid in healing any mouth wounds. Rinsing with salt water can also help to loosen any debris or food particles that you may be stuck in between your teeth.
To make a saltwater rinse, add half a teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water and mix the solution well. It’s best to use distilled or filtered water for your saltwater solution; however, tap water will work just fine.
Ease Your Toothache Hydrogen Peroxide
You can also rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide to reduce inflammation and ease pain or discomfort for a toothache. Hydrogen peroxide is known for its ability to kill bacteria, which can aid in wound healing.
It can also help heal bleeding gums and reduce plaque. To rinse with hydrogen peroxide, use a one-to-one ratio of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Note that this should be used as a mouthwash. It should not be swallowed.
Use a Cold Compress For Your Toothache
A cold compress is another effective home remedy for toothache. This treatment can be effective to remedy a toothache caused by trauma to the mouth. A cold compress will constrict the blood flow which will help reduce any inflammation causing your toothache.
When using a cold compress, make sure it’s not held directly against your skin. Use a cloth or towel as a barrier between your skin and the compress. You should also limit the amount of time you’re using the compress. Unless otherwise instructed, don’t exceed 20 minutes when using your cold compress.
Peppermint Oil as a Toothache Remedy
Peppermint is also an effective remedy for toothache. You can use peppermint essential oil and apply 3-4 drops directly to your tooth. This will give you a numbing effect and decrease your pain.
You can achieve a similar effect by using peppermint tea bags. If you use a tea bag, steep the tea in warm water for a few minutes. Let it cool slightly and then apply directly to your tooth for 3-4 minutes.
Other Toothache Remedies
Garlic
Garlic is another home remedy for toothache that has been effective. People around the world have been using garlic for millennia for several medicinal purposes, including the treatment of bacterial infections, the reduction of dental plaque, and relief from pain.
When chewed, crushed, sliced, or chopped, garlic releases a substance called allicin, which kills bacteria that may be causing your pain. You can either chew on a fresh piece of garlic or make a paste using crushed garlic mixed with a pinch of salt. For either method, allow the garlic to rest on your tooth.
Vanilla Extract
Some people find vanilla extract to be effective as temporary gum and toothache reliever. The primary reason this home remedy is effective is the numbing effect of the alcohol in the vanilla extract. Additionally, vanilla extract, as long as it is real rather than an imitation, has antioxidant properties. This can help to facilitate faster healing.
To treat your symptoms with vanilla extract, simply use a cotton swab and apply a bit of the extract to the affected area directly. This home remedy should not be used more than a few times daily.
Clove Oil
Clove oil, like garlic, has been used throughout history to treat toothaches. This oil contains a natural antiseptic called eugenol, and it has been used to reduce inflammation and numb pain. To use clove oil, dilute it with carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil. It is generally advisable to use a ratio of one ounce of carrier oil per 15 drops of clove oil.
Once you make your solution, dab up a bit with a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area up to three times a day. Another way to use clove oil to treat your mouth problems is to make a mouthwash with a small cup of water and a single drop of clove oil.
Guava Leaves
Guava leaves are another popular home remedy for people experiencing toothache. Some of the benefits of guava leaves include antimicrobial properties that can help keep your mouth healthy and anti-inflammatory properties that can help facilitate faster wound healing. If you think guava leaves could benefit you, all you have to do is chew on fresh guava leaves. However, you can also make a mouthwash by boiling water with crushed guava leaves.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a nutrient-rich leaf with very high chlorophyll content. It is known to fight bad bacteria, boost your immune system, and reduce inflammation. Use wheatgrass as a mouthwash to help reduce the pain from your toothache.
Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is another essential oil that can be used with carrier oil to ease toothache symptoms. Like clove oil, this essential oil should be diluted. Once you make your solution, you can use it as a mouthwash by adding it to a small glass of water or using a cotton ball to apply it to the affected area.
There are several benefits of thyme oil. Some of the most compelling benefits of this treatment include antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
There are several home remedies you can try if you are experiencing a toothache. However, home remedies are meant to ease the pain and are not long-term solutions. If the pain persists, or you have swelling, fever, or bleeding, contact your dentist right away.
Are You Suffering With A Toothache In The Martinsburg Area?
If you are suffering with a toothache you should speak with an experienced dentist as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
