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A toothache is one of the most common dental complaints and can be quite painful and debilitating. Toothaches can occur anytime, and usually, without any warning.
If there is an infection in the tooth or gum, you may also experience swelling and redness around the affected area. The sharp, throbbing pain can drive you crazy, and if you do not treat it right away, you may end up losing the tooth. The severity of the pain can range from mild to excruciating. Some people also suffer from chronic toothache. Irrespective of your gender or age, a toothache sends you scurrying to the dentist.
It is quite strange that toothaches tend to manifest usually at nights, during weekends or holidays when most dental clinics are closed. When you have this pain, the last thing you want is to be told is that you will have to wait a day or two before you can see a dentist. You know the wait will be excruciating, and during that time, you will not want to eat or talk to anyone. All you will want is for the pain to disappear. The best way to tackle a toothache is by using effective home remedies. But remember, these home remedies for toothache do not cure the underlying problem. They will only provide relief from the pain.
Home Remedies For Toothache Pain Relief
There are many toothache home remedies that make use of common ingredients found in most homes. You can use these ingredients to get relief from the debilitating tooth pain you are experiencing. However, be sure to visit a dentist to find out the cause of the pain and get treated for it as soon as possible.
#1 Clove Oil
You Will Need:
1-2 drops clove oil
What You Have To Do?
Apply this oil directly on the affected tooth and leave it on.
Try to not lick the oil. Let it stay in place.
How Often You Need To Do This?
You can apply this oil three to four times a day.
Why This Works?
Cloves have been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to provide quick relief from a toothache. After a couple of minutes of applying the oil, you will notice your tooth pain diminishing. This is because of a key component of clove oil called eugenol that diminishes pain
Be prepared for a little pungency as cloves are a pungent spice.
#2 Vanilla Extract
You Will Need:
2-3 drops vanilla extract
Cotton swab
What You Have To Do?
Apply the liquid directly on the affected tooth using a cotton swab.
How Often You Need To Do This?
Repeat as and when required.
Why This Works?
If you want instant relief, this is the toothache home remedy that you should be using. Vanilla extract has antiseptic and analgesic properties that will relieve a toothache quickly
#3 Tea bag
You Will Need:
A tea bag
Water
What You Have To Do?
Take the tea bag and wet it with some water.
Apply the tea bag on the tooth.
If your tooth is not sensitive to cold, place the tea bag in ice water for some time before applying it.
How Often You Need To Do This?
Apply this once or twice a day, as required.
Why This Works?
The tannins from the tea will help reduce swelling and also provide relief from the pain.
#4 Baking Soda
You Will Need:
Baking soda
Water
Cotton ball
What You Have To Do?
Moisten the cotton ball with some water and cover the entire ball with baking soda.
Place the cotton ball against the affected tooth to eliminate tooth pain.
You can also mix a heaped teaspoon of baking soda in a little bit of warm water. Dissolve the powder and use this liquid as a mouth rinse. It will work the same way.
How Often You Need To Do This?
Apply this on the tooth twice or thrice till you get relief from the toothache.
Why This Works?
It is amazing how many uses baking soda has! It has anti-inflammatory properties that will relieve any swelling. Its antibacterial nature will also help in treating any tooth or gum infection that may be causing the pain.
#5 Hydrogen Peroxide
You Will Need:
3% hydrogen peroxide
What You Have To Do?
Take the hydrogen peroxide and rinse your mouth thoroughly with it.
After rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, rinse your mouth several times with plain water.
How Often You Need To Do This?
Repeat this when required.
Why This Works?
This mouthwash will ease the infection and also the discomfort. Usually, this home remedy for toothache is suited for an infected tooth that causes a foul taste in your mouth as well as fever (6). This, like all home remedies, is a temporary treatment for toothache.
#6 Oregano Oil
You Will Need:
Oregano oil
Q-tip
What You Have To Do?
Using the Q-tip, apply the oregano oil directly on the tooth with the pain.
How Often You Need To Do This?
You can reapply after a few hours if the pain persists.
Why This Works?
Oregano oil not only kills the bacteria causing the pain, but it also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce the pain and swelling. Carvacrol is the component that is responsible for this.
#7 Oil Pulling
You Will Need:
1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
Warm water
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
What You Have To Do?
Swish the coconut oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes.
Do not ingest the oil. After 20 minutes, spit the oil into a trash can.
Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Follow this by brushing your teeth normally.
How Often You Need To Do This?
Do this twice a day till you get relief from the toothache.
Why This Works?
Also called as the oil swishing therapy, this technique has been used for ages to treat tooth infections, bleeding gums, gingivitis, and other oral problems. Coconut oil contains a high amount of lauric acid that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, making this an effective solution for toothache relief.
#8 Whiskey
You Will Need:
Whiskey (or brandy)
Cotton ball
What You Have To Do?
Take the ball of cotton and soak it in some whiskey or brandy.
Apply the soaked cotton ball on your tooth.
How Often You Need To Do This?
Keep replacing the cotton ball until you can visit a dentist.
#9 Ginger
You Will Need:
A small piece of ginger root
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Water
Cotton ball
What You Have To Do?
Powder the ginger root, and to it, add the cayenne pepper and water to make a thick paste. Dip the ball of cotton into the paste so that it gets completely covered with it. Now, apply the cotton on your tooth. Leave it on for a few minutes.
How Often You Need To Do This?
Repeat the above steps as and when required.
Why This Works?
This toothache home remedy will provide relief from the pain immediately and treat the toothache for good. Ginger has the ability to decrease any swelling and inflammation and also reduce the pain. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which is extensively used for pain management.
#10 Olive oil
You Will Need:
Virgin olive oil
Cotton ball
What You Have To Do?
Dip the cotton ball in the oil and apply this on the affected tooth.
How Often You Need To Do This?
Repeat this twice or thrice a day to stop toothache.
Why This Works?
Virgin olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties due to its phenolic compounds content. It reduces the toothache inflammation and provides relief.
#11 Onion
You Will Need:
A piece of raw onion
What You Have To Do?
1. Place the raw onion on the affected tooth.
2. Leave it on for a few minutes.
How Often You Need To Do This?
Repeat this twice a day.
Why This Works?
In all likelihood, you will not care that your mouth is reeking of onions if it can alleviate the throbbing pain from your tooth. Onion will not only ease the pain, but will also kill the germs that are causing the pain.