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Toothache remedies can alleviate the pain and discomfort that you're currently feeling, without making an immediate trip to the dentist's office.
But be mindful that while toothache remedies can work in the short term, they're unlikely to treat the underlying cause of the ache in the first instance, so bear this in mind as you consider your treatment options.
If you're experiencing moderate to severe toothache, here are some different things you can try to dull or eliminate the pain.
What is the best remedy for tooth pain toothache?
If you notice a dull or sharp pain in your teeth, gums, or mouth, it's likely caused by toothache. There are numerous potential causes of toothache, so you may need to visit the dentist if the pain persists.
However, in the short term, there are several remedies that you can try at home to reduce the discomfort, including:
1. Rinse
You can rinse your mouth with either saltwater or hydrogen peroxide to try and combat toothache. Saltwater can reduce inflammation and may heal any dental wounds that you have. Hydrogen peroxide can also reduce inflammation, while it is also known to kill bacteria. Though simple, a saltwater or hydrogen peroxide rinse is perhaps the best toothache remedy at home.
2. Cold compress
If you think that some form of trauma has caused your toothache, you can apply a cold compress to your cheek, directly on the tooth that is causing the pain. This can reduce the swelling and inflammation and can reduce the pain, at least in the short term. Apply a cold compress or ice pack for a period of 20-30 minutes for the best results.
3. Garlic
Garlic is well known for its antibacterial properties and it has been used for centuries to dull pain and treat various health conditions - including tooth pain. To apply garlic to your toothache, crush a clove to create a paste and add it to the affected tooth.
4. Peppermint tea
Another option is to brew a cup of peppermint tea. But instead of drinking the tea, remove the bag from the water, let it cool down, and apply it to your tooth. Peppermint is known to numb pain and it can help sensitive gums, so it's worth trying if you have a stock of herbal tea in your kitchen cupboards.
Severe toothache remedy - what's the best option?
Each of the above remedies can potentially reduce the symptoms of moderate to severe toothache. However, these are not treatments. They will only potentially help to dull or reduce the pain.
If the pain comes back and is severe, you need to contact your dentist to schedule an appointment. Severe toothache can be a sign of numerous issues, including:
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Tooth decay
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A chipped, cracked, or damaged tooth
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A serious dental infection
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The onset of gingivitis or periodontitis
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Damage to a filling or issues with previously completed dental work
It's perfectly fine to try any of the above toothache remedies to manage the pain and symptoms, but the sooner you visit the dentist, the quicker you can receive treatment for whatever is causing the pain in the first place.
What's more, if you have severe toothache, visit your local pharmacy and request some advice regarding over-the-counter pain relief that you can take as you wait for your dentist's appointment.
Best homemade remedy for toothache
There are several natural remedies for toothache that you can try. Perhaps our top toothache home remedy for fast relief is using a cold compress, as it is a great way to dull the pain in the short term.
After a very short period (10 minutes or so), you should notice a reduction in the pain that your toothache is causing, so it's a good approach to start with.
Numerous herbs that you may already have in your kitchen pantry can also serve as home remedies for toothache, including:
|
Natural ingredient |
Why it works |
How to use it |
|
Vanilla extract |
It contains alcohol to numb the pain. It also has antioxidant properties. |
Apply a small amount of vanilla extract to a cotton swab and dab it directly on the painful tooth. |
|
Clove |
It can numb pain and reduce inflammation. Clove also contains eugenol, which is a natural antiseptic. |
Dilute clove with an oil (sunflower oil works fine) and dab a small amount on your tooth several times a day. |
|
Guava leaves |
Guava leaves are naturally anti-inflammatory, which can reduce swelling and pain. |
You can simply chew on guava leaves or you can add them to boiling water to make a brew. Let the water cool and then use the drink as a form of mouthwash. |
Conclusion
Toothache can be seriously painful. It can also affect your quality of life, limiting your ability to talk, eat, and even sleep.
The good news is you can try any of the above simple toothache remedies, which can alleviate or even null the pain in the short term.
However, please remember that these are not treatments, so you will need to visit your dentist's office if the pain persists, so they can treat the underlying cause of the ache.
FAQ
Q1: What's the best pregnancy and toothache remedies?
When pregnant, you can try most of the above remedies for toothache. For instance, it's perfectly fine to rinse your mouth with saltwater and to use a cold compress to reduce the pain in your tooth.
Q2: Are there any home remedies for toothache and nerve pain?
Yes - you can try any of the above methods, including rinsing your mouth with saltwater/hydrogen peroxide, applying a cold compress, and even chewing garlic to reduce the pain and inflammation.
Q3: How to remedy toothache without visiting the dentist?
You can alleviate the pain of toothache with numerous herbs and natural ingredients, such as vanilla extract, clove, and guava leaves. However, these ingredients don't treat the cause of the toothache, so you will need to visit the dentist if the pain persists.
