A severe pain can throb throughout the head, gums can become inflamed, and the mouth becomes sore and sensitive. If you are experiencing toothache or looking for quick toothache remedies, it is important to know that the solutions below can temporarily relieve discomfort but do not replace dental treatment.
Sometimes, patients look for remedies for toothache from a draught, molar ache remedies or natural remedies for molar ache, but the real cause could be a cavity, an infection, gum inflammation or a tooth root problem. Do not delay your consultation: go to the dentist as soon as possible.
Rinse your mouth with warm, salt water.
Until you can get to the dentist, one of the best things you can do is rinse your mouth with warm, salt water. An optimal mixture is obtained by adding half a teaspoon of salt to a 250ml glass of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this mixture and do not swallow it.
2. Over-the-counter remedies for toothache
Dentists recommend children's acetaminophen from the over-the-counter medication category, and ibuprofen for adults. If you choose aspirin, swallow it – do not place it directly on the tooth or gum! Folk remedies don't work and can harm oral health.
3. Compress
If your face is swollen, place an ice pack on your cheek, as it may relieve the pain. Swelling of the face could also mean you have an abscess, a pocket of pus or a deep cavity at the roots of your tooth. This can cause a serious infection in your jaw and other teeth. Signs include a fever and swollen gums.
4. OTC Anaesthetics
For the removal of toothache, apply anaesthetic gels and liquids directly to the inflamed tooth and nearby gums. These substances contain benzocaine, which will numb your mouth slightly. Caution: use this remedy for a short period.
5. Ice
Hold a piece of ice in the hand on the same side of your body as the tooth that is causing you pain. Hold the ice in the space between your thumb and forefinger for 7 minutes or until the area becomes numb. Why does this remedy work? Researchers believe the ice stops pain signals to the brain.
6. Clove oil
This natural remedy is one of the most effective solutions to tackle pain. Apply clove oil directly to the painful area or soak a piece of cotton wool, fold it, and then place it on the area of the aching tooth and gums. It can be as effective as benzocaine.
7. Oil change
This ancient Hindu practice consists of swishing oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes and then spitting it out, much like we do with mouthwash. Sunflower, coconut, or sesame oil is typically used, and this technique removes toxins from the oral mucosa and beyond.
Does it improve oral health? A small study from India found that this method can treat gingivitis, but it's not yet certain if it's a true remedy for toothache as well.
8. Garlic
When you crush a clove of garlic, you release allicin, an oily liquid that is a true natural fighter against disease. Will.
Hydrogen peroxide
It's highly likely you have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet right now. Hydrogen peroxide is a common remedy for dental issues. It's not clear if it will ease toothache, but it's a powerful fighter against bacteria and germs. Make sure you mix the peroxide with water, because – if used in a high concentration – it will affect your teeth and gums.
10. Plant for toothache
With a name like that, we can bet our bottom dollar that this plant will ease your toothache symptoms and pain.
Orange plantSpilanthes Oleracea syn. Acmella Oleracea It is known for the shape of its flowers, resembling an eyeball. Its leaves contain a natural analgesic with which you can quickly relieve toothache just by chewing a few leaves.
Preventing toothache
The most important thing in prevention is maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
Antiseptic mouthwashes are also recommended, which kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath, cavity development, and gingivitis.
Choose a balanced diet, reducing your intake of foods containing sugar and starch, which are responsible for causing tooth decay.
Avoid snacking between meals as this habit predisposes teeth to decay, as a result of increased acidity of the pH in the mouth.
Avoid energy and carbonated drinks – they contain phosphoric, citric and organic acids, which damage your teeth. To limit the effects of these drinks, you can drink them through a straw.
Do not smoke! As well as staining your teeth, smoking affects your gums by reducing blood flow. Another unpleasant effect is bad breath.
Oral piercings (in the tongue or lips) can cause allergic reactions, infections, damage to the nerves in the tongue, and gum disease.
Visit the dentist periodically, once every 3-6 months. They can spot dental problems early, which would otherwise progress without symptoms.