Getting a toothache out of the blue is painful as well as inconvenient. It’s important to get to the dentist as soon as you can for treatment and to prevent anything from getting worse.
Until you are able to visit the dentist or still gathering the courage or haven’t made up your mind, we found these trusted home remedies that can relieve a toothache.
Saltwater
A teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of boiling water makes a pain-killing mouthwash which will clean away irritating debris and help reduce swelling. Swish it around for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Saltwater cleanses the area around the tooth and draws out some of the fluid that causes swelling. Repeat this treatment as often as needed.
Garlic
Mix equal parts of these two heat-packing spices with enough water to make a paste. Roll a small ball of cotton into enough paste to saturate it, then place it on your tooth while avoiding your gums and tongue.
Clove oil
Cloves are a traditional remedy for numbing nerves; the primary chemical compound of this spice is eugenol, a natural anesthetic. But clove oil needs to be used carefully. Pouring the oil on the aching area can actually worsen the pain if you get it on sensitive gum tissue or on your tongue. Instead, put two drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and place it against the tooth itself until the pain recedes. In a pinch, use a bit of powdered clove or place a whole clove on the tooth. Chew the whole clove a little to release its oil and keep it in place up to half an hour or until the pain subsides.
Cold compression
A pack of cold ice on the cheek can help make your toothache feel better too. A word of caution though, if a toothache is caused by an exposed nerve, the extreme cold could make the pain worse instead of better.
Tea
Peppermint tea has a nice flavor and some numbing power. Put 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup boiling water and steep for 20 minutes. After the tea cools, swish it around in your mouth, then spit it out or swallow. (Love the smell of peppermint? The oil is a known headache remedy.)
Hydrogen peroxide
Just like salt water, you can rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide. This also cleans the gums around the problem tooth and will provide some pain relief. It will kill any bacteria and can help you manage the discomfort until you are able to see your dentist.
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