Home Remedies for Toothache

Toothaches can vary greatly, from mild soreness to an unbearable throbbing pain in your teeth or around your jaws. Some of the main causes of toothaches are cavities, an infection, an exposed tooth root, a cracked tooth, gum disease, a loose filling, or jaw joint disorder.

A toothache (see the above diagram) happens when the central region of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes irritated or inflamed. The pulp consists of several nerve endings that are highly sensitive. Pulp can become inflamed or irritated for many reasons, some of which are noted above.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for toothaches.

1. Pepper and Salt
Salt mixed with pepper can be of great use when a tooth becomes extremely sensitive.

• Mix equal amounts of pepper and common salt with a few drops of water to form a paste.
• Apply the paste directly on the affected tooth and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
• Do this daily for several days.

2. Garlic
Use of garlic can also give immense relief from toothache. Garlic has antibiotic and other medicinal properties that can be very effective in slowing down bacterial effects.

• Mix a crushed garlic clove (or garlic powder) with some table salt or black salt and apply it directly on the affected tooth to alleviate the pain. If you prefer, you can chew one or two cloves of garlic to get relief.
• Repeat this natural treatment for a few days.

3. Cloves
No home remedy is better for toothaches than cloves. Cloves have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anesthetic properties that help alleviate tooth pain and fight infection.

• Grind two cloves, and mix it in a little olive oil or any vegetable oil. Now apply this solution on the affected tooth.
• Dab a cotton ball in clove oil and rub it directly on the sore tooth. Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of clove oil in half a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse.

4. Onion
Onions have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that can control a toothache. It can provide relief from pain by killing the germs causing an infection.

• At the first sign of a toothache, chew raw onion for a few minutes to relieve pain.
• If you are not able to chew it, place a piece of raw onion directly on the bad tooth or gum.

5. Asafetida
Dental problems such as toothaches and bleeding gums can be treated at home with the use of asafetida.

• Simply add a pinch of powdered asafetida to lemon juice and then warm it slightly. Use a cotton pad to apply the solution on the affected area. This will give you quick relief from the pain.
• Alternatively, asafetida fried in clarified butter can be put in the tooth cavity for instant relief.

6. Warm Salt Water
A simple glass of warm salt water can help treat a toothache. Mix half a spoon of common salt in a glass of very warm water and use it to rinse your mouth thoroughly. When the solution comes in contact with the affected tooth, it will extract fluid from the tissue and reduce swelling on the nerves. This mouthwash will also fight bacteria that cause infection.

7. Guava Leaves
Fresh guava leaves can also alleviate toothache.

• Simply chew one or two tender guava leaves until the juice starts working on the affected tooth.
• Another remedy is to put four to five guava leaves in water and boil it. Allow the solution to cool to a warm temperature and add some salt. Use the solution as a mouthwash.

If you don’t have guava leaves, you can use raw spinach leaves instead.

8. Wheat grass Juice
Wheat grass has natural antibacterial properties that will relieve the pain and also help fight tooth decay. Extract the juice of wheat grass and use it as a mouthwash. It will absorb toxins from the gums,reduce the growth of bacteria and keep the infection under control. If you wish, you can simply chew on wheatgrass.

9. Bayberry
Bayberry is also a good ingredient for pain relief and to strengthen your gums.

• Make a paste of bayberry bark and mix it with vinegar.
• Apply the paste on the affected tooth for relief from the pain.

10. Ice Cube
Ice can help alleviate tooth pain by numbing the nerves and gums.

• Put a small ice cube in a plastic bag and then wrap it in a thin cotton cloth. Hold it on your cheek near the aching tooth for a few minutes. You can also place ice directly on the tooth, but do so carefully. If you have exposed nerves, contact with the cold can cause more pain.
• An acupressure technique that can ease tooth pain is to rub an ice cube between your index finger and thumb for a few minutes.

If you do not get relief from your toothache after trying these remedies, consult a dentist immediately. Some dental and gum problems require more aggressive treatment then home remedies.

A healthy balanced diet plays an important role in your overall health. This includes your dental health as well. One way to prevent caries and tooth decay is to reduce or avoid the consumption of sweets and sugary foods. Instead of a diet high in junk foods and over processed meals, switch to fresh fruits and vegetables that supply your body with the vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy bones and teeth. Raw vegetables and whole grains are especially beneficial for keeping teeth strong and healthy as well. Foods high in fiber work as natural mouth cleansers and can help restrict the buildup of plaque on the gums. Calcium is important to strengthen the teeth and gums. You can get your recommended dose of calcium by increasing your intake of dairy products and fresh produce or you can opt for calcium supplements instead. When it comes to preventing toothaches and dental problems, when one eats is as important as what one eats. Snacking on the sugary stuff just before you sleep can cause irreversible damage to your teeth. Frequent snacking also creates an environment for bacteria in the mouth to thrive. This can contribute greatly towards tooth decay and cavities and ultimately lead to toothaches or worse.