Poor dental hygiene can cause tooth decay and infection. Also loose, broken fillings and receding gums can cause pain of the gums. So how to treat a toothache at home.
However it is always best to consult a dentist as soon as possible and have it looked at. Simple remedies made from ingredients usually available at home can provide temporary relief from the discomfort.
Here are few remedies how to treat toothache at home when our dentist isn’t within reach
1. Cold compress or ice pack
Pack a few cubes of ice in poly bag or pack of frozen peas and hold it for a few minutes on the area. The cold treatment forces the blood vessels in the area to constrict, reducing the flow of blood to the affected area. After a few minutes of application, the ice numbs the pain, reduces swelling and inflammation.
2. Saltwater Rinse
To prepare the salt water rinse, dissolve 1 teaspoon of refined salt in a glass of warm water, stir well till it dissolves. Take a mouth full of water and swish it around the mouth for 20 or 30 seconds before spitting out. Repeat this process every one or two hours, if symptoms persists. The salt in the water helps loosen and dislodge debris lodged in cavities or between teeth while it also reduces swelling, boosts healing and relieves pain.
3. Garlic
Garlic has been used in medicine throughout history. The secret to its health inducing property is it contains Allicin; which accounts for its powerful antibacterial properties. Crush a fresh clove of garlic with salt and the mixture applied to the affected tooth. Hold on as far as possible, while spitting out the saliva or swallowing it.
4. Peppermint tea
Just like cloves, peppermint has the ability to induce a numbing effect that can helps to treat toothache. The presence of Menthol in the peppermint leave is what gives its tingly flavor and smell, which is known to display antibacterial properties.
Add a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to a cup of boiling water and allow to cool down to just warm. Gargle with it and spit it out. A slightly warm, wet peppermint tea bag can be held against the tooth for several minutes until the pain reduces. If you have peppermint oil, take a few drops of it in a cotton ball and hold it with your teeth for as long as possible.
5. Aloe vera
The gel of Aloe vera, which can be removed by splitting open the succulent plant’s leaves, has long been used to heal burns and minor cuts. The gel should be applied to the painful area of the mouth and gently massaged.
6. Cloves
Directly bite into a Clove to release its oily content. Also soak a bit of cotton with the clove oil and place where it hurts. Cloves contain eugenol, a chemical compound that acts as a natural anesthetic, with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore can help fight tooth and gum infections. Dried whole cloves can also be bit into.
These home remedies are meant to provide temporary relief only. It is important to seek immediate treatment from a dentist once a toothache lasts for more than a day or two.