7 Effective Home Remedies for Toothache

Toothaches can be excruciating and disruptive, making eating, speaking, or even concentrating on daily tasks difficult. If you're suffering from a toothache, you're not alone. Many people experience toothache at some point in their lives. Toothaches can develop due to various dental causes, including cavities, gum disease, and periapical or periodontal infections. The toothache can range from continuous, gnawing pain to sharp, persistent pain. Sometimes, it may also accompany swelling and sensitivity. The good news is that there are various effective and natural ways to relieve toothache without relying solely on medication. In this blog, let's answer the question “how to relieve toothache?”.

Home Remedies for Toothache Relief

1. Saltwater rinse: A saltwater mouth rinse is one of the most effective home remedies for toothache relief. This method helps cleanse the mouth, reduce inflammation, and fight off bacteria. Mix half a teaspoon of table salt in a glass of lukewarm water to make a saltwater rinse. Then, swish this solution in your mouth for at least 30-40 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this process several times a day for relief from toothache.
2. Cold compress: Applying an ice pack to the affected area can temporarily relieve toothache. The cold temperature numbs the area and reduces swelling. For this method, wrap a few ice cubes in a thin cotton cloth or towel and hold them against the cheek near the painful tooth for about 15 minutes. Take a break for a few minutes and then repeat the process as needed. Always avoid placing ice directly on the skin to prevent the risk of frostbite. 
3. Clove: Clove has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for toothache. It contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic and antiseptic compound. You can apply a clove oil-soaked cotton ball directly to the painful tooth or gently chew on a whole clove to release its oils. Both methods can help alleviate toothache.
4. Peppermint tea bags: Peppermint tea bags can also help alleviate toothache. Peppermint has natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics that can help reduce discomfort. For this remedy, steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for a few minutes. Remove the tea bag from the water and allow it to cool slightly. Place this warm tea bag against the affected tooth and hold it there for about 20 minutes. The soothing properties of peppermint tea help ease the pain and provide temporary relief.
5. Garlic: Garlic is renowned for its antimicrobial characteristics and can be an effective home remedy for toothache relief. Crush a garlic clove to extract its natural oils, then apply the crushed garlic directly to the painful tooth. Leave it in place for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. You can repeat this process a few times a day to help alleviate toothache. It's important to note that garlic may have a strong taste and odour, so you may want to rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards.
6. Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is a delicious baking ingredient and can relieve toothache. Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can numb the area and reduce pain. Soak a cotton ball or swab in vanilla extract and put it on the affected tooth. Hold it in place for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. You can repeat this process as needed for temporary relief from toothache.
7. Other natural remedies: In addition to the aforementioned home remedies, several other natural remedies may provide toothache relief:
   • Guava leaves: Guava leaves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve toothache. Chew on fresh guava leaves or boil them in water to create a mouthwash. Gargle with the guava leaf mouthwash for a few minutes before spitting it out. It gives temporary relief from toothache.
   • Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass has natural antibacterial properties that can help reduce toothache and fight off infections. You can chew on fresh wheatgrass or use wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash. Swish this concoction around your mouth briefly before spitting it out. Repeat this process a few times a day for toothache relief.
   • Thyme: Thyme has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate toothache. You can make a thyme mouthwash by steeping a teaspoon of dried thyme herbs in a cup of boiling water. Allow this mixture to cool before using it as a mouthwash. Gargle with the thyme mouthwash for a few minutes before spitting it out. It can provide instant relief from toothache.
   • Toothache plant: The toothache plant, also known as Spilanthes, contains a natural numbing agent called spilanthol. You can chew on the leaves of the toothache plant or apply a toothache plant extract directly to the painful tooth. It can help numb the area and reduce toothache.

When to See a Dentist for Toothache Relief

While home remedies can temporarily relieve toothache, knowing when to see a dentist for professional treatment is essential. If your toothache persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by fever or swelling, or is causing severe pain, it's time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. These symptoms could indicate a more serious dental issue, such as an infection or a decayed tooth that requires professional attention. A dentist can diagnose the underlying ailment of your toothache and provide suitable treatment to alleviate the pain.

Possible Toothache Causes

Toothaches can have various causes, including:

• Tooth decay: Cavities or tooth disintegration can expose the sensitive nerves inside the tooth, causing pain.
• Gum disease: Gums and periodontal tissue infection and inflammation can cause toothache.
• Dental abscess: A periapical or periodontal pus can lead to severe toothache.
• Tooth fracture: A fractured or cracked tooth can result in pain when pressure is applied.
• Impacted tooth: When a tooth cannot emerge from the gum line fully, it can cause pain and discomfort.
• Teeth grinding: Clenching or grinding the teeth at night can lead to toothache.
• Sinus infection: In some cases, a nasal sinus infection can cause referred pain to the teeth, leading to toothache symptoms.

How to Prevent a Toothache

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to dental health. Here are some tips to help prevent toothaches:

• Brush your teeth at least two times daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss your teeth daily to remove food debris and plaque.
• Limit your sugary and acidic food products and beverages, as they can promote tooth decay.
• Visit your dentist for routine oral check-ups and professional care.
• Always wear a mouthguard if you participate in contact sports or certain activities that may result in dental injuries.
• Avoid using your teeth as an apparatus to open packages or bite on hard objects.

Following these preventive tips, you can lower the risk of developing toothaches and maintain good dental health

Conclusion

Toothache can be incredibly uncomfortable and disruptive, but there are effective and natural ways to find relief. Home remedies such as saltwater rinses, hydrogen peroxide rinses, cold compresses, and herbal remedies like peppermint tea bags, garlic, and vanilla extract can temporarily relieve toothache. However, it's essential to remember that these natural remedies are not a substitute for distinguished dental treatment. If your tooth pain continues or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek the expertise of a dentist who can diagnose and cure the underlying cause of your toothache. Oral hygiene practices and seeking timely dental care can prevent toothaches and preserve a healthy smile.