A toothache is pain or soreness that you feel within or around your tooth. The main cause of toothache is decay of teeth which results from decomposition of food particles on them. It is basically a breakdown or destruction of the tooth structure by demineralisation. The sugars and carbohydrates that are present in the mouth produce acids as a result of microbial attack. These acids erode the teeth causing teeth decay.
The pulp inside your tooth is soft material filled with nerves, tissues and blood vessels. These pulp nerves are among the most sensitive in your body. When these nerves are irritated or infected by bacteria (abscess), they can cause severe pain. There are various toothache home remedies which can help reduce the pain. Let’s see below,
1.Salt Water Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with salt water can serve two purposes. The rinsing action can help to dislodge substances stuck between your teeth. And because salt is a natural disinfectant, it can help deal with any infection by reducing inflammation. Mix a ½ teaspoon of salt with warm water and gargle like a mouthwash.
2.Onion
Onions also are antibacterial and antiseptic in nature and are a great help in controlling toothache. Onion is one of the various toothache home remedies which can provide relief from pain by killing infection causing germs
Take the slice of onion and keep it on the affected tooth.Bite into the onion and keep it pressed between teeth for 10 minutes.Rinse your mouth with water.Repeat at least once a day for 2-3 weeks.Even though the taste of a raw onion is too strong, but the effect stays long.
3.Cold Compress
In general, there are two ways to stop or blunt toothache pain. The first involves reducing inflammation, while the second centers on interrupting the signals from the injury to the brain.
You can accomplish the first goal by applying a cold pack or bag of frozen vegetables to the side of your face for 20 minutes at a time. Just be sure to use a piece of cloth as a buffer, so you don’t accidentally damage your skin. This can help alleviate discomfort by blunting pain and reducing swelling.
4.Peppermint Tea
Peppermint has numbing properties that can soothe a toothache. Menthol, which gives peppermint its minty flavor and smell, is also known to be antibacterial.
One teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves can be put in a cup of boiling water and steeped for 20 minutes. After allowing to cool, it can be swished around in the mouth then spat out or swallowed.
A slightly warm, wet tea bag can also be used and held against the tooth for several minutes until the pain lessens.
5.Clove Oil
Since the ancient times, Indian Ayurvedic practitioners have been using the aromatic spice clove and its oil to get rid of tooth ache. Not only it helps in subsiding the pain but also helps in getting rid of the soreness caused in the gums due to toothache. Clove oil is mostly extracted from the bud and stem of eugenol clove. This toothache home remedy helps relieve the pain by numbing the nerve.
Take two to three drops of clove oil and mix it with half teaspoon olive oil.Soak a small ball of cotton on it and apply on the affected tooth area.Keep it on the affected area for a while till the area starts to feel numb and pain subsides.Rinse mouth with water.Repeat at least once a day for 2-3 weeks or till the time the pain has completely vanished.
Clove oil can also be mixed with coconut oil and applied on the affected area for best results.
6.Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is also useful for attacking inflammation and bacteria.
When using a hydrogen peroxide rinse, mix 1 part three percent hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water. Do not swallow the solution. Use it as a mouthwash.
7.Garlic
One of the toothache home remedies includes using Garlic. Being an antibiotic, garlic provides immense relief from tooth pain.
Take two to three pods of garlic and crush them with some salt and pepper.Apply the mixture on the affected area and keep it on till the pain subsides.Repeat the treatment daily or till the time the pain has subsided.
8.Elevate Your Head
Although it may be difficult to get to sleep when you have a toothache, lying down can exacerbate your pain because blood pressure to your head increases when you are in a flat position. When going to sleep, try propping your head up with pillows or sleep upright in a chair, if possible.
9.Ginger and Cayenne Pepper
Ginger and cayenne pepper when mixed together work magic on toothaches.
Take half a teaspoon of ginger paste and mix with equal amounts of cayenne pepper.Mix two to three drops of olive oil in it and apply the mix on the affected tooth area.Keep the mixture on for 10-15 minutes.Thereafter, rinse mouth with warm water.Repeat the process once or twice a week.
10.Hot Pack
You can reduce discomfort by applying a hot pack to the side of your jaw. If you don’t have a hot pack, you can make one by filling a clean sock with rice and tying one end. Then, place the rice-filled sock in the microwave and heat it for a couple of minutes. The heat from the pack will help interrupt pain signals from your mouth to your brain.
11.Thyme Oil
Thyme oil can be used as a rinse or applied directly to your tooth. To rinse, add a drop of oil to a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash. To apply to your tooth, dilute some oil with water, place a few drops on a cotton ball, and put on your tooth.
12.Guava Leaves
Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that can help to soothe your aching tooth. You can use the leaves to make a tea that you allow to cool and use as a rinse or simply chew on the leaves to get some relief.
