Toothache, among many other reasons, can be caused by cavities, inflammation or jaw joint disorders. But no matter what the root cause is, a painful tooth can bring about intolerable suffering, therefore, urgent analgesia is needed. Besides harsh medicine there are also effective home remedies for toothache. They bring relief from the pain, have anti-inflammatory properties, and are much less drastic than prescription painkillers.
Mother Nature Helps Against Sore Teeth
Many natural herbs and spices have been used for thousands of years for their painkilling characteristics, chamomile being the most well-known among them. It eases the pain right away, and, as a positive side effect, also reduces inflammation. Its tea, cooled down after brewing, should be used as a mouthwash several times a day to reach the desired result.
Similarly, cloves are also able to bring immediate relief from the pain, and reduce redness. Whole cloves can be chewed on the aching side of the mouth, or applied to the sore area as a paste when grated and mixed with oil or water. Its essential oil can be dropped on a q-tip, and used as a swab.
Ice packs can help all these natural remedies work with full force in fighting the pain. Ice cubes should be wrapped in a clean cloth, and applied for 15 minutes to the sore area. The cold numbs the nerves, and also reduces inflammation, providing comfort from the misery.
Painkilling Mouthwashes from Scratch
Cleaning the mouth and teeth can provide relief in itself, since rinsing clears up debris from interdental areas or cavities, often being the cause of the pain and swelling. Therefore, mouthwashes with extra painkilling and anti-inflammatory ingredients can be extremely effective remedies for sore teeth. Rinsing with a simple lukewarm salt water solution extracts fluid from the swollen area, reducing the irritating and painful feeling of pressure, and also cleanses and disinfects.
A 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide, available at pharmacies, kills bacteria, therefore, it is especially useful when the pain is caused by an infection in the mouth. One should swish very carefully to avoid swallowing the solution, and also rinse multiple times with water after that.
But, remember, these home remedies for sore teeth are only stopgap measures, and in case of a dental emergency one should see their dentist as soon as possible. To avoid toothache, one should wash their teeth at least 2 times a day, use an antibacterial mouthwash, and stay away from cavity-inducing snacks.
