17 Remedies For Toothaches

There are a dozen reasons why people get toothaches. Some of these are having cavities, a cracked tooth, loose fillings, a sinus condition or worse yet, an abscess, which is an infection within the gum line. While it’s important to figure out the reason behind the toothache, there are some home remedies that can work regardless of the cause. Although it’s always best to seek out medical advice from a professional until you get the chance to see your dentist, here are 17 natural remedies for toothaches that you can try at home.

1. Salt Water Rinse

Much like a sore throat, a saltwater rinse can a helpful solution for a toothpaste. Because saltwater is a natural disinfectant when used as a rinse, it helps loosen any food particles that might have gotten stuck in between your teeth, and it also reduces any inflammation of the gums and heals wounds. This is also why salt water rinses are used for cold sores, plus the recipe is incredibly simple. Just take ½ teaspoon salt and mix in a glass of warm water until the salt dissolves, then use as you would a mouthwash.

2. Cold Compress

Using a cold compress can be very effective when dealing with the pain from a toothache. When pressed against the affected side of the jaw where the toothache is, the cold from the ice will make blood vessels in that particular area constrict, which will then help lessen the pain. The cold compress will also lessen the inflammation and swelling at the same time. If you don’t have an ice pack to use, just take a regular hand towel and wrap some ice inside of it, placing it on the area for 20 minutes at a time every couple of hours.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Much like a salt water rinse, making a hydrogen peroxide rinse can also help with pain and inflammation of a painful tooth or area within the mouth. It’s not only known to kill bacteria, but it can also help lessen plaque and heal any bleeding within the gums. Because hydrogen peroxide is a mild acid, it needs to be diluted before using. Mix 3% Hydrogen Peroxide with equal amounts of water and use as you would a mouthwash, trying to focus more on the side with the painful tooth. Be sure not to swallow any of it also.

6. Clove Oil

Cloves are the buds of a clove tree and they’re used for a number of things due to the number of incredible healing properties they have. They contain antioxidants, kill off bacteria and even improve overall liver health. Another amazing property is its ability to act as a natural antiseptic. Because of this, clove oil can help numb pain as well as lessen inflammation of toothaches. In order to use it properly, place a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and place it directly on the affected area every few hours throughout the day. If you find that the taste is too strong for your liking, you can add a few drops of olive oil to it as well. If you prefer, you may also make it into a tea and gargle with it.

7. Vanilla Extract

Most people use vanilla extract for baking and cooking, but what they didn’t know is that it is also known to have analgesic and antiseptic properties, which in turn make it highly effective as a pain reliever. One particular property in vanilla extract, Eugenol, is sometimes used for temporary fillings in dental offices as a partial fix until the tooth can be fixed properly. To use effectively as a toothache reliever, be sure to use only pure vanilla extract to be more effective, and place some on your finger or on a cotton ball and apply to affected tooth or area throughout the day to help relieve pain.

8. Guava Leaves

Another natural remedy for toothaches is using guava leaves. Not only do guava leaves have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, they are also analgesics and can make up for a lack of minerals within the body. One way to use guava leaves is by making a mouthwash by taking a few fresh leaves, crushing them and boiling them in water. Another way, which happens to be even more simple, is by washing the leaves and chewing on them straight on the affected side, making sure that the juice that’s released reaches the distressed tooth or gum area.

9. Thyme

Much like garlic and clove, thyme is another herb that has tons of medicinal properties. It can help lower blood pressure, be used for a persistent cough, and also boost your immune system. But when used for toothaches, it’s the ability of thyme to disinfect that will most come in handy. Dab some thyme essential oil on a cotton ball, add a few drops of water and apply it to the distressed area. The thyme will help remove bacteria, which in turn will also lessen the swelling and pain, plus it will help keep tooth decay at bay.

10. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass has been used for years to help treat a bunch of maladies. While studies show that it contains properties and is a natural antioxidant to lessen oxidative stress, it also boosts the metabolism, prevents diseases and helps lessen inflammation. Oftentimes, toothaches are heightened because of the inflammation surrounding the concerned area, which is where wheatgrass can help. Just grind up some fresh wheatgrass and use it as a mouthwash a few times a day. The high chlorophyll content can also fight bacteria.’

11. Myrrh

Most people know myrrh as one of the gifs of the three wise men to the baby Jesus on his birthday, but more than that, it is one of the richest substances that can be used as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and even for cancer treatments. Like you would use astringent, myrrh can aid with inflammation, kill bacteria and reduce swelling. To use, take 1 teaspoon of powdered myrrh and simmer it in 2 cups of water for at least 30 minutes, then strain it out and allow it to cool. Once the mixture is cool enough, take 1 teaspoon and mix with ½ a cup of water and use it like a mouthwash every 3 hours or so.

12. Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil, also known as melaleuca, has become increasingly popular for a number of reasons. It can be used to kill certain toxins like mold, bacteria and other viruses. It can also be used to treat dry scalp, fight acne and even heal skin issues and infections. When used for toothaches, all you’ll need is a couple of drops on a cotton ball, which is placed on the affected tooth or gums to relieve pain, as well as disinfect the concerned area. It can be also be added to a small glass of warm water and used as you would a mouthwash to help cleanse and heal the affected tooth and gums.

13. Oil Of Oregano

Oil of oregano is popular amongst many of the health advocates, especially because of its natural antibiotic properties and ability to help lower cholesterol. It can even be used to treat yeast infections as it’s quite high in antibacterial qualities, and can even improve overall gut health. Fresh oil of oregano can also be used to aid in sore throats when necessary. For toothaches, find a pure oil of oregano essential oil, mix a few drops in some olive oil or warm water if you prefer, and dip a cotton ball into the mixture. Place it directly on the damaged area to ease pain and inflammation.

14. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar has all sorts of benefits including aiding in weight loss, reducing blood levels, lowering cholesterol and helping improve many symptoms of diabetes. And while it has become more popular for those that are trying to lose weight, it is also used for toothaches. Because of the antibacterial properties, it kills bacteria, lessens inflammation and pain, and helps remove infections within the mouth. To use, dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply directly onto the troubled area at least three times a day to see results.

15. Alcohol

Probably the most fun of all the home and natural remedies is the use of alcohol to help with a toothache. In case you weren’t aware, alcohol actually helps weaken germs and bacteria that happen to be inside the mouth. No, we’re not suggesting that you drink until you’re so drunk that not only will you no longer feel your toothache, but you won’t feel anything at all, but rather all you’ll need is a small shot of whiskey or alcohol-based wine. Take that shot and swoosh it around inside your mouth, attempting to keep it closer to the painful area in order for it to work its magic.

16. Pain Killers

There are times when a toothache is just too intense that the only thing that will work is over the counter pain killers. Unfortunately, severe toothaches cause headaches, migraines and just overall pain all throughout the body. Most dentists suggest that children with toothaches use acetaminophen. For adults, on the other hand, ibuprofen based medications might work faster and more effectively. While a pain reliever is a temporary remedy, you should always make an appointment with your dentist and see him or her as soon as possible.

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