Toothaches vary greatly, from mild soreness to intolerable pain in your teeth or around your jaws. Toothaches can be caused by cavities, an infection, an exposed tooth root, a cracked tooth, gum disease, a loose filling, or jaw joint disorder. But whatever it is, a lot of people turn to home remedies to relieve dental pain. Here are some of these remedies:
A mixture made of clove oil
Oil of clove is already an age-old home remedy. It has a chemical eugenol which is contained in the oil, and has anesthetic and antibacterial properties. Have a mixture of two to three drops of clove oil and ¼ teaspoon of olive oil. Soak a cotton ball on the mixture and put it in your mouth near the tooth that hurts. Bite down in order to keep it in place.
Cough drops or lozenges
Cough drops or lozenges may relieve minor tooth aches, as they typically contain a small amount of anesthetic (menthol and sometimes benzocaine). Try to pop one or two in your mouth and suck on them, but do not chew. Another alternative is to apply a bit of Vick’s VapoRub on the outside of your cheek where your tooth hurts. Then, lie down on that side with a paper towel on your pillow.
Floss, rinse, or use interdental brushes
The cause of a toothache can sometimes be a food that’s trapped between your teeth. With this, you may try flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, or using interdental brushes (small brushes that work between the teeth). However, if food usually gets stuck in your teeth, try to consult a dentist as this could be an issue with your gums that needs medical attention.
Other kitchen staples
There are other home remedies that you may not be familiar with but proven to help toothaches. These include applying a hot tea bag directly to the tooth. Tea can reduce swelling, with its tannic acid. To numb the pain, you can have a cucumber slice placed on the tooth or a cotton ball soaked in brandy. Other kitchen staples that are reported to relieve pain are garlic, onions, spinach, wheat grass, or a simple salt water rinse.