Toothache is a common dental problem that affects individuals of all ages. It is an uncomfortable and often painful condition with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true home remedies for temporary relief.
This article will explore the use of clove oil, garlic, salt water, ice packs, and hydrogen peroxide as quick fixes for toothache pain. Each remedy will be discussed in detail so that readers can make an informed decision about what may work best for them.
Key Takeaways
– Clove oil, garlic, salt water gargling, ice pack, and hydrogen peroxide are common home remedies for toothache.
– Clove oil has antiseptic properties and can be combined with other remedies for best results.
– Chewing sugar-free gum or applying pressure with an ice pack may also help.
– Proper dental care is necessary for long-term relief.
Clove Oil
Clove oil has historically been used to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with toothaches. It serves as a topical analgesic, meaning it numbs the affected area when applied directly to the gum or a cotton ball.
Clove oil is also known to have antiseptic properties which work in tandem with its pain-reducing effects.
For best results, it should be combined with other remedies such as cold compress, herbal tea, gum massage and mouth rinse.
The combination of these techniques can provide temporary relief from toothache symptoms while waiting for a visit to the dentist for further treatment options.
Garlic
Garlic has been used for centuries to treat dental pain due to its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Chewing a whole clove of garlic can help reduce inflammation in the affected area, while creating a paste from it by mixing it with water or olive oil and applying it directly to the sore tooth can provide temporary relief.
The use of garlic as an oral remedy is usually done raw, either chewing it slowly or making a paste out of it and applying it on the affected tooth. The effects are caused by allicin, which is an active component of garlic that provides antimicrobial protection against bacteria. Allicin works best when raw, so cooking or frying garlic should be avoided if used for medicinal purposes. A combination of these two methods can give better results: first chew the garlic and then apply a paste made with crushed cloves mixed with water or olive oil on the affected area. Additionally, gargling with warm saltwater may also help reduce inflammation around the gums and mouth tissue.
| Method | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| ——- | ——— | ———– |
| Chewing Whole Clove Garlic | Reduced Inflammation | Taste/Smell; Temporary Relief Only |
| Garlic Paste (mixed w/ Water or Olive Oil) | Temporary Relief; Antimicrobial Protection Against Bacteria | Taste/Smell; Possible Irritation To Soft Tissues In Mouth ; Temporary Relief Only |
| Gargling With Warm Saltwater | Reduced Inflammation Around Gums & Mouth Tissue | Discomfort From Temperature Of Water; Temporary Relief Only |
Salt Water
Gargling with salt water has been a common practice to reduce inflammation around gums and mouth tissue. The salt helps draw out excess liquid from the swollen tissues, thus reducing pain.
To make a salt water solution, mix 1 teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and stir until dissolved. Then rinse your mouth thoroughly with the mixture for up to 30 seconds at a time. It is important to not swallow any of the solution as it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
Additionally, some people find that chewing sugar-free gum or drinking herbal tea may also help reduce toothache pain temporarily. In both cases, the pressure on the swollen tissues created by either activity may help reduce pain. However, these activities are only temporary fixes and do not replace proper dental care for long-term relief from toothache symptoms.
Ice Pack
Placing an ice pack on the affected area is a popular method to reduce the sensation of pain associated with toothaches. An ice pack can be made at home by freezing a damp washcloth in a plastic bag and then wrapping it in a towel. The cold temperatures of the pack can help dull pain and inflammation around the tooth, making it more bearable for the patient. Additionally, adding essential oils such as tea tree oil or peppermint oil to the cloth may also provide relief for those dealing with toothache discomfort.
| Essential Oil | Benefit | Method Of Use |
|---|---|---|
| ————— | ——– | ————– |
| Tea Tree Oil | Anti-inflammatory properties Analgesic effects Antibacterial action |
Mix 1-2 drops of tea tree oil into damp washcloth before freezing in plastic bag |
| Peppermint Oil | Pain relieving effect Numbing qualities Anti-bacterial benefits |
Mix up to 10 drops of peppermint oil into< br >damp washcloth before freezing in plastic bag |
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has been embraced as an unorthodox and amusing solution for toothache discomforts, as the bubbling effects of the chemical can provide a welcome distraction from the pain. However, it is important to understand that hydrogen peroxide should only be used as a temporary relief of symptoms, not a long-term remedy.
While hydrogen peroxide can help relieve the immediate discomfort associated with toothache by numbing nerve endings in teeth and gums, it cannot address the underlying cause of pain. Therefore, if symptoms persist or worsen after using hydrogen peroxide, further dental care is recommended to identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
In addition to relieving pain, hydrogen peroxide also has antibacterial properties that can help improve gum health. Rinsing with diluted hydrogen peroxide regularly can help reduce plaque and kill bacteria that lead to bad breath and gum disease.
That said, those who have sensitive teeth should use caution when using this remedy as hydrogen peroxide may irritate already sensitive teeth due to its acidic nature. As a result, people with sensitive teeth are advised to try other home remedies before attempting this one or consult their dentist about proper methods for utilizing this potential aid in dental hygiene.
Conclusion
Toothaches can be an extremely uncomfortable and distracting experience. Fortunately, there are a few home remedies that can provide temporary relief from the pain.
Clove oil, garlic, salt water rinses, ice packs, and hydrogen peroxide all have properties that can reduce inflammation and potentially lessen discomfort.
While these remedies may bring temporary relief to a toothache episode, they should not be confused with professional dental care.
A visit to the dentist is still necessary to identify the exact cause of the toothache and treat it accordingly.
As they say ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’so regular visits to the dentist are essential for continued oral health.
