Looking for a natural remedy for tooth and gum pain? Check out the best tips on how to get rid of a toothache quickly and naturally.
If you have a toothache, it is important to understand what is causing your discomfort. From there, you can determine how best to relieve pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
A simple salt water rinse and a cold compress can usually resolve minor pains, but a more serious and severe toothache may require dental intervention.
If symptoms persist for more than a day or two, see your dentist. They can provide guidance on how to relieve symptoms and prevent future pain.
You should also talk to your dentist before using any of the following medications if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition that may be affected by the herbal ingredients.
Keep reading to learn some quick tips on how to relieve a toothache naturally.
The best ways to get rid of toothache naturally
1. Rinse with salt water
For many people, salt water brushing is an effective first-line treatment.
Salt water is a natural disinfectant and can help loosen food particles and debris that can get stuck between your teeth. Treating a toothache with salt water can also help reduce inflammation and heal mouth sores.
To use this approach, mix 1/2 teaspoon (teaspoon) of salt into a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash.
2. Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide
Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide can also help relieve pain and inflammation. In addition to killing bacteria, hydrogen peroxide can reduce plaque and heal bleeding gums.
Be sure to dilute the hydrogen peroxide well. To do this, mix 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with a little water and use it as a mouthwash. Do not swallow it.
3. Cold compress
You can use a cold compress to relieve any pain you have, especially if any type of trauma has caused your toothache.
When you apply a cold pack, it causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict. This makes the pain less severe. Cold can also reduce swelling and inflammation.
To use this approach, keep an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. You can repeat this every few hours.
4. Mint tea bags
Peppermint tea bags can be used to relieve pain and soothe sensitive gums.
To do this, allow the used tea bag to cool before applying it to the affected area. It should still be a little warm.
You can also switch access and use it to cool rather than heat the area.
To do this, place a used tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes to cool, then place the bag on your tooth.
5. Garlic
For thousands of years, garlic has been recognized and used for its medicinal properties.
Not only can it kill the harmful bacteria that cause plaque, but it can also act as a toothache reliever.
To use it, crush a clove of garlic to create a paste and apply it on the affected area. You might want to add a pinch of salt. Alternatively, you can slowly chew a clove of fresh garlic.
6. Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can help relieve pain. Its proven antioxidant properties also make it an effective healer.
To use it, apply a small amount of vanilla extract to your finger or a cotton ball. Apply it directly to the affected area several times a day.
Other natural remedies for toothache
You can use the following natural remedies at home, but you may need to research the ingredients. All products are available at your local health food store or online.
Your mouth, teeth and gums are probably sensitive at this point, so it is especially important to buy these ingredients from a reputable manufacturer. This can reduce the risk of potential irritation.
7. Clove
Throughout history, cloves have been used for the natural treatment of toothaches, as the oil can effectively relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It contains eugenol, which is a natural antiseptic.
To use this approach, apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. You may want to dilute the clove oil with water or a few drops of a carrier oil, such as olive oil. Do this several times a day.
You can also add a drop of clove oil to a small glass of water and make a mouthwash.
8. Guava leaves
Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal wounds. They also have antimicrobial activities that can help in oral care.
To use it, chew fresh guava leaves or add crushed guava leaves to boiling water to make a mouthwash.
9. Wheat grass
Wheatgrass has countless healing properties and can work to heal your body from the inside if taken internally.
It can relieve inflammation in the mouth and prevent infections and pain. The high chlorophyll content can also fight bacteria.
To take advantage of this, simply use wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash.
10. Thyme
Thyme also has strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can help treat toothaches.
To use it, put a few drops of thyme essential oil and a few drops of water on a cotton ball. After diluting the oil with water, apply it to the affected area.
You can also add a drop of oil to a small glass of water and make a mouthwash.
When to visit your dentist?
If your toothache is severe or is the result of a more serious medical condition, you must visit your dentist in order to be able to treat it properly.
Many toothaches will require medical attention. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, may help until you visit the dentist.
You should also see your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- fever
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- general pain that lasts more than a day or two
- swelling
- pain when you bite down
- abnormally red gums
- foul-tasting discharge or pus
Along with the tips above, it is important to practice good dental hygiene. This can be especially difficult for those who suffer anxiety about going to the dentist, like children. The following resource has great tips for helping your child overcome their dental anxiety and practice a lifetime of good dental habits.
Provided by Cosmedent – dental continuing education