Are you suffering from toothache or a hole in the teeth?
Let me walk you through the causes and the perfect home remedy for toothache
Toothache usually occurs when the nerve of the tooth is stressed or irritated.
However, there are always factors that trigger it, they are gum disease, dental infection, dental decay, injury, plaque, cracked teeth, poorly placed fillings or crowns, loss of a tooth and poor dental hygiene.
If you have a toothache, the first step is to figure out the root of the ache and afterwards consider any of the following home remedies yourself from it
1. Cold Compress
A cold compress can be used to relieve toothaches, especially aches caused by injury, trauma or swollen gums. It works by causing the blood vessels in the area to contract, thereby reducing the pain. A cold compress can also reduce inflammation and swelling of the affected area.
Simply wrap a bag of ice in a towel and apply to the affected area, for 10 minutes at a time and repeat every few hours until you feel better. You can also use a bag of frozen peas in place of an ice pack.
2. Saltwater Rinse
Warm salt water can reduce swelling and relieve toothache. A saltwater rinse can also remove food particles lodged between the teeth which may be sometimes responsible for the toothache.
To make a salt water rinse, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish this solution in your month for 20 seconds and then spit it out. Repeat as often as possible until the pain reduces.
3. Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, a compound that gives it powerful antibacterial properties which account for its medicinal uses through the years.
To use garlic as a pain reliever, crush a fresh garlic clove, mix with a little salt and apply the paste on the aching tooth. Leave this on for a while and rinse with warm salt water after an hour.
4. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is rich in numbing properties that can soothe toothaches and sensitive gums. It also has menthol, an antibacterial that gives peppermint its minty quality.
There are different ways to use peppermint tea. You can steep a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and swish in the mouth and spit out afterwards. You can also hold a warm tea bag against your tooth for few minutes until you feel relieved or put the teabag in a freezer to chill and then hold the tea bag against your tooth.
5. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel from the aloe vera plant has soothing and healing qualities. It also has antibacterial properties that can destroy tooth-decaying germs.
To use, apply aloe vera gel to the affected area and massage gently. Aloe vera gel is safe and can be swallowed afterwards.
6. Cloves
Cloves contain eugenol, a chemical compound that can induce anaesthesia naturally. Cloves also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities which can combat toothaches.
To use, chew a whole clove slowly to release its oil and leave it on the affected part for about 15 minutes. You can also soak a small cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the painful tooth. Leave this on for about 15-20 minutes as well.
7. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract has antioxidant properties that make it excellent for healing. It also contains alcohol, which can help to reduce pain sensations.
To use vanilla extract, put few drops on a cotton ball or your finger and apply to the affected area.
Repeat this about 3-4 times daily.
8. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory qualities for speedy healing of wounds and antimicrobial activity that can boost dental treatments.
To use this, chew fresh guava leaves and allow the extracts to stay on the affected part for a while or add boiling water to crushed guava leaves to make a pain-relieving mouthwash.
9. Thyme Oil
Thyme oil is an essential oil with antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can soothe toothaches.
To use it, mix few drops of thyme oil with few drops of water, soak up with a cotton ball and apply to the affected area. You can also add few drops of thyme oil to a glass of water and use as a mouthwash daily.
– See a dentist
These home remedies can provide temporary relief only for toothache. It is important to see a dentist for further treatment if your toothache is severe.
