10 Natural Ways To Relieve Toothache At Home
What can you do
If you have a toothache, it's important to find out what's at the root of your discomfort. From there, you can determine the best way to relieve pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
Rinsing with salt water and regular cold compresses can help with moderate pain, but more severe toothaches may require dental intervention.
If your symptoms persist for more than a day or two, see your dentist. They can provide guidance on how to relieve your symptoms and prevent future pain.
You should also talk to your dentist before using any of the following remedies if you are pregnant, nursing or have any medical condition that could be affected by herbal ingredients.
1. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with wound healing. They also have antibacterial activity that can aid in oral care.
To use, chew fresh guava leaves or add crushed guava leaves to boiling water to make a mouthwash.
2. Cooling
You can use a cold compress to ease any pain you experience, especially if any kind of trauma is causing the toothache. When you apply a cold compress, it causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict. This makes the pain less severe. A cold can also reduce any swelling and inflammation.
To use this method, hold a towel wrap against the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. You can repeat this every few hours.
3. Mint tea bags
Peppermint tea bags can be used to numb pain and soothe sensitive gums.
To do this, allow a tea bag to be used to cool before applying it to the affected area. It should still be warm.
You can also swap approaches and use this to cool, rather than warm, the area. To do this, place a used tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it and then apply the bag to your teeth. Learn more about the health benefits of mint.
4. Garlic
For thousands of years, garlic has been recognized and used for its medicinal properties. Not only can it kill harmful bacteria that cause dental plaque, but it can also act as a pain reliever.
To use, crush a clove of garlic to make a paste and apply it to the affected area. You may want to add a little salt. Alternatively, you can slowly chew a clove of fresh garlic.
5. Gargle with salt water
For many people, a salt water rinse is an effective toothache treatment. Salt water is a natural antiseptic, and it can help loosen food particles and debris that can get stuck between your teeth. Treating a toothache with salt water can also help reduce inflammation and heal any mouth sores.
To use this method, mix 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) of salt in a cup of warm water and use it as a mouthwash.
6. Washing with hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide rinses can also help reduce pain and inflammation. In addition to killing bacteria, hydrogen peroxide can reduce plaque and heal bleeding gums.
Make sure you dilute the hydrogen peroxide properly. To do this, mix 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with equal amounts of water and use it as a mouthwash. Don't swallow it.
7. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can help relieve pain. Its proven antioxidant properties also make it an effective healer.
To use, dip a small amount of vanilla extract onto your finger or a cotton ball. Apply it directly to the affected area a few times daily.
Other natural remedies
You can make the following remedies at home, but you may need to source the ingredients. All items are available at your local health food store or online. Your mouth, teeth, and gums are potentially sensitive at this point, so it's especially important to purchase these ingredients from a reputable manufacturer. This can reduce your risk of potential irritation.
8. Cloves
Cloves have been used to treat toothaches throughout history, because the oil can effectively numb pain and reduce inflammation. It contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic.
To use this method, dip a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. You may want to dilute clove oil with a few drops of a carrier oil, like olive oil or water. Do this a few times per day.
You can also add a drop of clove oil to a small cup of water and make a mouthwash.
9. Thyme
Thyme also has powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can help treat toothaches.
To use, put a few drops of thyme essential oil and a few drops of water on a cotton ball. After diluting the oil with water, apply it to the affected area.
You can also add a drop of the oil to a small cup of water and make a mouthwash.
10. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass has a multitude of healing properties and can work to heal your body from within if taken internally. It can reduce inflammation in your mouth and prevent infection. Its high chlorophyll content can also fight bacteria.
To use, simply use wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash.
See a dentist
If your toothache is severe or the result of a more serious medical condition, you need to see your dentist so it can be properly treated. Many toothaches will require medical attention. An over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen can help until you see your dentist.
You should also see your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Pain lasts more than a day or two
- Swelling
- Pain when you bite
- Unusual red gums