A bad toothache can ruin most people’s appetite for even their favourite foods. Toothaches have often been classified as some of the painful experiences an individual can suffer from. While the best option in such circumstances is to go see your family dentist, it may not be a feasible choice for all in immediate circumstances. Unsurprisingly, people often resort to home remedies like using onions and garlic to stop their tooth pain fast.
Toothache can be caused by several causes; tooth decay, cracked tooth, loss of filling etc. can all be possible reasons for pain arising in teeth and the surrounding gums.
Commonly Used Home Remedies for Tooth Ache
Ice Pack:
Holding an ice pack for a few minutes against the cheek above the tooth that hurts is known to ease toothache. The ice pack works by temporarily numbing the nerve endings that cause tooth pain and providing momentary relief.
Saltwater Rinse:
One of the most commonly used home remedies for toothache is using saltwater mouthwash or rinses. Saltwater is a natural antiseptic and helps reduce bacteria in the mouth that are responsible for causing pain. It also helps in the reduction of any swelling that may be present and promotes healing of tissues.
Garlic:
Allicin, a compound that is present in garlic, is known to have antimicrobial properties that help in reducing the bacteria responsible for causing toothache. Garlic also acts as a natural painkiller and helps in the reduction of tooth pain. If you are wondering how to apply garlic for your toothache, simple crush a single clove of garlic and mix it with salt to form a paste that can be applied directly onto the aching spot. Chewing on a raw clove of garlic may also prove helpful.
Clove:
Much like garlic, cloves too have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in the reduction of infection-causing bacteria. It is one of the most commonly used home remedy for severe toothache and tooth infection. Cloves also have a numbing effect that helps in reducing the throbbing pain caused during a toothache. A single clove can be placed directly onto the tooth that hurts and chewed on to help with the ache; alternatively, clove oil can also be used directly onto the affected spot.
Aloe Vera:
Another natural toothache remedy, aloe Vera is particularly useful if the toothache is due to inflamed or infected gums. The soothing properties of aloe Vera can help in the reduction of pain and inflammation and even prevent bleeding gums. Aloe Vera can be applied directly in the form of the gel from the plant or by making a mixture of natural aloe Vera and water and using it as a mouth rinse.
The Need to See a Dentist
All the home remedies mentioned above are meant to provide temporary relief only and are not supposed to be an alternative to going to a dentist. Since seeking dental help may occasionally not be an immediate option for everyone, such home remedies can provide adequate relief until proper intervention by a qualified dentist can be obtained.
It is important to seek dental advice for toothache as soon as possible, which if neglected, may lead to more serious problems like chronic infections and gum diseases. Visit Le Sueur Family Dental for the best personal dental care and for more details about the services we offer.
