Toothaches may seem minuscule, but if you have suffered one in recent times, then you know all too well just how painful this can be. Toothaches often stem from the irritation of inflammation of the tooth’s central region which is made up of living cells. This central part is referred to as the pulp, and since it contains several nerve endings, its irritation gives way to intense pain.

The presence of cavities in your teeth can also lead to tooth pain. Cavities are caused by bacterial populations that live off food remains, in effect causing erosion of the teeth. Over time, this erosion reaches the pulp, and that marks the beginning of sleepless nights.

Man With Toothache

In some cases, however, cavities are not to blame. Instead, cracked teeth resulting from accidents, infection of the gum and loosening of teeth are all potential causes of toothache.

Depending on the nature of your toothache, you may choose to see a dentist before the problem deteriorates. The use of natural toothache remedies, however, offers an opportunity to reduce the pain before you can get to the dentist.

It is important to ascertain the cause of the toothache by visiting the dentist. You should avoid self-diagnosis as this only exacerbates the condition.

 


1. Clove and Olive Oil Mixture:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Clove oil, olive oil, and cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Clove oil is a versatile home remedy, and has since found many uses for a wide range of conditions. The reason it works so well is because eugenol, one of the active ingredients in the oil, works as a great anesthetic (means it helps reduce pain by temporarily eliminating sensation in the affected area) and an effective antibacterial.

The latter is important in eliminating bacterial populations that lead to tooth decay. Olive oil on the other hand, is a powerful anti inflammatory that effectively provides toothache pain relief. The synergistic action of the two oils offers relief for patients suffering from toothache, particularly at bedtime. The explanation behind this is that when you go to sleep, there’s an increase in the flow of blood in the head, thus amplifying the pain.

Directions:

  1. Mix three drops of olive oil with an equal amount of clove oil in a small container.
  2. Soak a handful-sized ball of cotton wool in the oil mixture and allow it to absorb a reasonable amount of the oil.
  3. Place the soaked cotton ball in your mouth at the point of the tooth that hurts, then bite to secure it in position.

NB: Note that while the oil mixture may cause a stinging sensation at first, its relieving benefits far outweigh the throbbing tooth pain that keeps most people up at night. In addition, you are also advised not to sleep with the cotton ball in your mouth as this always poses the risk of choking.

 


2. Ginger and Red Pepper Paste:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Fresh ginger or ginger powder, red pepper (also known as cayenne pepper), quarter cup of drinking water, and some cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Powdered ginger is an effective home remedy for tooth pain. The antibacterial properties are an additional benefit in treating the redness and swelling that characterizes aching teeth. Red pepper is also used in this home remedy because the main active ingredient, Capsaicin, is a strong pain reliever. Water in this remedy acts as a base for the two powders as it is impossible to use the dry powder mix.

Directions:

  1. Mix the powdered ginger and cayenne in a small container.
  2. Add a few drops of water to the powder to create a thick consistent paste.
  3. Using the cotton wool included in the list of requirements, roll a small ball into the mixture to fill it with the paste.
  4. You will then be required to carefully place the soaked cotton wool on the affected tooth, making sure you avoid the gums as this hot mixture could easily lead to irritation of the gums.
  5. Bite on the saturated cotton wool to keep it in place for about 10 minutes in intervals through out the day.
  6. The other alternative is to use fresh ginger. Chop a sizable piece of the fresh ginger and clean it well before peeling it to get rid of the skin. You will then put the piece of ginger in your mouth and bite on it to allow the natural juices trickle down the affected tooth.

Both methods are effective, and the better choice is really dependent on your personal preference.

 


3. Myrrh:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Powdered myrrh, 2.5 cups of drinking water, and a strainer.
Difficulty: Moderate

 

Myrrh is yet another important tooth pain remedy loved for its wide array of benefits. When it comes to getting rid of a toothache, myrrh has astringent properties that help reduce inflammation. Its anti bacterial properties also come in handy as tit destroys the bacteria responsible for causing infections in the oral cavity.

Directions:

  1. Take 1 teaspoon of the powdered myrrh and add it to 2 cups of water, making sure you stir vigorously.
  2. Simmer the resulting mixture for about 20 minutes to extract the powder’s active ingredients.
  3. Strain the mixture and allow to cool.
  4. Transfer a teaspoon of the strained liquid and add it to half a cup of water. Use this water as mouth rinse about five times throughout the day. Alternatively, place half a teaspoon of the diluted solution on the affected tooth for quick tooth pain relief.

 


4. Saline Solution:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon of salt, and a glass of warm drinking water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Saline solution is basically salt solution, and is yet another effective toothache home remedy. The use of salt not only ensures that the oral cavity is cleaned, it also sucks out some of the fluid that accumulates in the swollen area around the affected tooth.

Directions:

  1. Place a teaspoon of salt in the glass containing warm water and stir well.
  2. Use the solution as mouth rinse. Make sure you swish the solution for about half a minute before spitting. Use this solution as many times as required throughout the day.

 


5. Peppermint Tea:

Time Required: 40 Min
What You Need: 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves, a cup of water, and a source of heat.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Peppermint tea not only has a delightful flavor, it also contains ingredients that make it a perfect natural remedy for a toothache. The anti inflammatory properties of peppermint leaves make it great for stopping toothaches fast at home. In addition, drinking this tea also helps decrease the rate of swelling in the affected area.

Directions:

  1. Boil a cup of water and as soon as it starts bubbling, add the dried peppermint leaves.
  2. Allow the mixture to blend for about 20 minutes before you allow it to cool.
  3. On cooling, use the peppermint tea as mouth rinse, swirling it in your mouth for about 5 minutes before spitting. Repeat this procedure as many times as is practical throughout the day, or until the toothache subsides.

 


6. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: 3% Hydrogen peroxide solution, and a cup of warm drinking water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Hydrogen peroxide is anti bacterial in nature, making it an ideal remedy for severe toothaches. This is because it not only kills bacteria in the oral cavity, it also soothes the affected region and offers relief from discomfort. Added benefits of the solution include the elimination of foul smell and a refreshing sensation.

Directions:

  1. Transfer some of the hydrogen peroxide to a cup and use as mouth rinse, making sure to swirl and swish for a couple of minutes before spitting out.
  2. Rinse your mouth using warm drinking water.

NB: If the taste of the hydrogen peroxide is overbearing, you can always dilute it with water before using as mouth rinse.

 


7. Different Types of Extract:

Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: 15ml of vanilla/lemon/peppermint extract, and some cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Vanilla extract is known to contain a significant amount of alcohol which creates a harsh environment for bacteria in the oral cavity. Lemon extract on the other hand, has mild antiseptic properties that serve the same purpose as the vanilla extract. The benefits of peppermint have been elucidated above (See Peppermint tea).

Directions:

  1. Roll a ball of cotton wool in any of the extracts and allow it to soak.
  2. Place the soaked cotton wool on the affected tooth and bite on it gently to secure it in place.
  3. Remove the cotton ball after about 10 minutes. Make sure you never sleep with the drenched cotton ball in your mouth as this is a choking hazard.

 


8. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Organic apple cider vinegar, and some cotton wool.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Organic or raw apple cider vinegar is loved for its excellent anti inflammatory properties which help reduce the pain of a toothache. Additionally, the acidic properties of the vinegar make it impossible for bacteria to survive in the oral cavity, making it an excellent anti-bacterial. This type of vinegar is not only one of the best natural toothache remedies readily available, but it is also superb in maintaining good dental health.

Directions:

  1. Cut a small piece of cotton wool and saturate it with the organic apple cider vinegar.
  2. Dab the soaked piece of cotton wool on the affected tooth for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.

 


9. Onion:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: 1 fresh medium-sized onion, knife, chopping board, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Onions have not only found use in the culinary field; they are also an effective home remedy for toothache. Onions are antiseptic in nature, and have anti microbial properties that help get rid of microbes that cause infection in the mouth. These dual properties make onions an effective way to get rid of tooth pain .

Directions:

  1. Take the fresh onion and peel it to reveal the fleshy parts of the onions before cleaning well.
  2. Cut the onion into small rings.
  3. Chew the onion rings for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, cut a thick ring and bite on it with the affected tooth. This squeezes the onion juice and allows it to trickle down to the affected area, thus providing relief.

NB: If you cannot stand the smell of raw onions afterwards, you can always rinse your mouth using freshly squeezed lemon juice. This has the added benefit of providing natural tooth pain relief, thanks to the presence of citric acid in the juice.

 


10. Ice Pack:

Time Required: 5 Min
What You Need: 5 ice cubes, clean towel.
Difficulty: Easy

 

The idea behind using an ice pack is to stop a toothache by numbing the affected area.

Directions:

  1. Wrap the ice cubes in a clean towel and hold it on the cheek at the place where the affected tooth is closest.
  2. Do this as often as is required, taking care not to overexpose the skin to the cold temperatures.

 


While having the best remedy for a toothache might help to relieve the pain, it is important for you to note that proper oral health is actually the first step to dealing with dental problems.

Regular dental appointments are one of the most effective way to preventing toothaches as causative agents can be dealt with early enough.

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