7 home remedies to relieve toothache

Toothache is a very common problem, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a second thought. This symptom always indicates that there is a problem in oral health, which can be a cavity, gum recession, inflammation or an infection.

The ideal thing is that you look for a dentist to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. However, if you still have to wait a few hours to seek professional care, you can relieve your toothache with these 7 home remedies:

1. Warm salt water

Mix 1 level tablespoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water to make a mouthwash. The mouthwash with this mixture helps to reduce the swelling of the inflamed gums because the sodium chloride has antiseptic power and the temperature of the water helps to drain the liquids that form the edema.

2. garlic

Garlic is known to strengthen the immune system and can also help relieve toothache due to its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. To use it, crush two cloves of garlic to extract its juice and apply it on the painful area.

3. Onion

Onion has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, so it can momentarily relieve a toothache. To do this, simply chew a piece of onion or rub it over the sore tooth until the juice is released.

4. Clove

Eugenol, as clove essential oil is called, has an anesthetic effect, so it causes numbness in the inflamed gums and relieves pain. You can use it in three ways:

• Paste: mix a teaspoon of ground cloves or powder in the same measure of olive oil or coconut oil and apply on the painful area;
• Whole cloves: place two cloves close to the tooth and wait for the anesthetic effect. You can chew them to speed up the release of eugenol;
• Essential oil: if you have eugenol at home, mix 3 drops in a teaspoon of olive oil and apply directly to the painful tooth with the help of a cotton swab.

5. Ice

Placing an ice cube in the mouth or applying a cold compress to the affected area can also provide momentary relief from inflammation and infection. This is because low temperatures reduce the flow of blood to the site, in order to combat swelling.

However, if the pain is caused by a gingival recession, which leaves the root exposed, exposure to higher or lower temperatures will worsen the situation, as the tooth will be very sensitive.

6. Mint

Like cloves, mint also helps fight pain due to the benefits provided by its essential oil, which is analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.

To take advantage of them, you can chew some fresh mint leaves or use them to make a tea at a ratio of one tablespoon to each cup of water. Let the tea cool so that it also has a cooling effect and reduces swelling.

7. Propolis

Concentrated propolis has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory action, so it is a good home remedy for toothache. It is worth remembering that honey will not have this effect, as the concentration of propolis will not be sufficient.

It is essential to consult your dentist

While home remedies can provide momentary relief from a toothache, they should not replace the advice and treatments given by a dentist. That way, you should only turn to them when you need to wait to be seen – at night or on the weekend, for example.

A cavity or inflammation of the gums, which are common causes of pain, are gateways for bacteria that can lead to very serious infections, such as tooth abscess – a complication that can reach the jaw and jaw bones and cause tooth loss. if not properly treated.

So, a toothache is always a reason to visit the dentist – a habit you should maintain at least twice a year even if you don’t have pain. Having good oral hygiene habits, ensuring brushing and flossing after every meal, is the best way to prevent oral problems.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.