There are a few things that are as frustrating and debilitating as a toothache. Even a small amount of pain can make you miserable, and prevent you from eating properly and carrying out your day to day activities.
Even worse, the infection could spread and cause more health complications.
There are a number of things that lead to a toothache, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
You should always see a dentist as soon as you start to experience pain, but while you wait for your appointment to come around, there are some natural remedies you can try to get some short-term relief.
1. Clove oil
One of the most popular remedies for an aching tooth is clove.
According to Colgate.com, cloves contain eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antibacterial, that will reduce the pain and inflammation.
The dark, pungent spice itself can be placed on the sore area to bring you temporary relief, but the potent oil is much more effective.
Clove oil can be found in most grocery stores, drugstores, and natural health food stores, but if you prefer to make it at home, here's how you can do it.
Put two to three drops of the oil on a cotton ball and place it against the tooth.
2. Salt water rinse
Salt, or sodium chloride, is a natural disinfectant, which makes it effective for soothing a toothache.
A salt water rinse will loosen up any food particles stuck in and around the tooth that hurts. It will also reduce inflammation and help the wound heal faster.
Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water then use it as a mouth wash as needed.
3. Myrrh wash
Myrrh is a resin that comes from a tree called Commiphora. It has astringent and anti-septic properties that will fight inflammation and prevent bacteria from growing.
Myrrh is available in both essential oil and powder format. If you opt for the oil, then all you have to do is add a few drops into filtered water then swish the solution around your mouth.
For the powder, you'll need to combine 2 cups of water with one teaspoon of the powder and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Mix one teaspoon of the solution with half a cup of water and use it up to six times a day.
4. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
If your toothache is showing signs of an infection, including a fever, headache, or a foul taste in your mouth, hydrogen peroxide is what you'll need to bring you relief.
Get your hands on a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and use it to rinse your mouth when you experience a toothache. Swish it for a few seconds, then rinse several times with water.
5. Black or peppermint tea
Black and peppermint tea are both standard remedies for a toothache.
Black tea contains tannin, an astringent plant polyphenol that is believed to be effective in temporarily reducing swelling and pain, while peppermint will help by numbing the sore area.
For the best results, place a warm black tea bag against the affected area for a few minutes.
Alternatively, you can boil a teaspoon of peppermint tea leaves in one cup boiling water and let it steep for 20 minutes. Once it cools down, use it to rinse your mouth then spit out.
6. Garlic
It's pungent, but garlic has plenty of health benefits, including killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
There are many ways you can use garlic to quell the pain caused by a cavity or infected tooth. Some prefer to cut a piece of garlic, mix it up with some salt and place it against the aching tooth, while others simply chew on it.
You can also combine a clove of garlic with a sprinkling of salt and make a paste. Apply the mixture onto the affected tooth and leave it on for several minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
The rinse will get rid of any lingering stinging sensation that the garlic paste may cause.
7. Vanilla extract
Due to the alcohol in the baking staple, it does wonders in numbing toothaches.
Vanilla extract tastes amazing in sweet treats, but on its own it's nasty, so you'll want to use it in moderation.
Soak a cotton swab or cotton ball with pure vanilla extract then place it against the affected tooth for temporary relief.
For something stronger, whiskey has been found to be really effective in numbing pain for hours at a time. Swish a shot of the liquor around your mouth, or place a whiskey-soaked cotton ball on the sore tooth.
8. Wheatgrass
The anti-bacterial properties of wheatgrass will slow down tooth decay while relieving pain.
You can either chew on the leaves or juice it and use it as a mouth wash. This will help reduce bacteria growth and absorb toxins from the gums, so the infection can heal faster.
9. Acupressure
Applying pressure strategically can quickly stop a tooth ache. Acupressure makes the brain release endorphins, or feel-good hormones, which will make you feel less pain.
Using your thumb press the point on the back of your hand where your index finger meets the base of your thumb. Keep it up for two minutes, and you'll start to notice a difference.
10. Guava leaves
Guava leaf is becoming more and more popular as a short-term toothache remedy.
Due to their analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, guava leaves are very effective in alleviating toothaches.
For quick relief, you can chew on the leaves. You can also crush the leaves to form a paste then apply it to the aching tooth and let it be for 10-20 minutes. Use the paste twice a day, or as needed.
11. Colloidal silver
Stop a toothache in its tracks with the help of colloidal silver, oregano oil, and salt water. This antibiotic remedy works best for pain caused by an abscess or infection.
Put a few drops of oil of oregano under the tongue, then let it sit for a few minutes before swishing with colloidal silver.
Continue using the oregano oil and colloidal silver as frequently as once every hour for the best results.
Is there a natural or homemade toothache solution you swear by? Let us know!
For more more natural remedies, check out:
10 Common Health Issues You Can Remedy With Foods You Can Find In Your House
8 Natural Remedies For Helping You Battle Migraines
