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12 Natural Ways To Get Rid of Toothaches

There is nothing quite as painful and frustrating as a toothache.  The good news is that you can treat the toothache with a dozen natural home remedies to help alleviate the pain. There's also a very good chance that you have most of the items on the list inside your fridge or kitchen cabinet drawers.  

A toothache is the result of an irritated or inflamed pulp, which is situated within the central region of the tooth. The sensitive nerve endings inside the pulp can get triggered by foods or beverages that are either too cold or too hot. It's important to first get a better understanding of the most common causes and symptoms before you begin the home remedies.

NOTE: None of these are a replacement for an actual dentist. These remedies will help you pass the time until your dentist appointment or alleviate some of the pain after, but do not skip the dentist visits. Teeth problems are serious health problems and should be treated as such.

toothache

Causes of Tooth Pain: 

  • Abscessed tooth
  • Infected gums (gingivitis)
  • Tooth decay
  • Damaged fillings
  • Dental injuries, such as a chipped or fractured tooth
  • Sinus infection
  • Wisdom teeth
  • Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)

Symptoms of Tooth Pain:

  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth
  • Sharp pain when pressure is applied to tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods

12 Natural Home Remedies for a Toothache:

1. Cloves

When it comes to natural home remedies for tooth infections, there is nothing that ranks higher than cloves! Cloves contain extremely powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic properties that help alleviate tooth pain. The anesthetic properties also help to fight off the infection. 

natural remedies for toothache

The Remedy:

  • Take a pair of cloves and grind them with a little mix of olive oil or vegetable oil.
  • Dab clove oil solution onto a cotton ball, and rub directly on the affected tooth. 
  • You can also mix a few drops of clove oil in half a glass of water, and use it as a mouthwash after the dabbing process.

2. Warm Salt Water

All it takes is a glass of warm water mixed with a bit of salt, and you can reduce the pain of a toothache. This homemade mouthwash solution will assist in fighting bacteria that cause tooth decay and infection.

The Remedy:

  • Mix half a spoon of common salt in a glass of very warm water. 
  • Gargle thoroughly with the warm saltwater solution.
  • Repeat a few times, or until you feel better. 

3. Ice Cube

Head over to the freezer and pull out a couple of ice cubes. The ice cube helps numb the infected nerves that cause the horrible pain. Dentists use ice to test for sensitivity on teeth as well.

natural remedies for toothache

The Remedy:

  • Place an ice cube inside a Ziploc bag and wrap it in a thin cotton cloth. 
  • Hold the bag over your cheek near the aching tooth for a couple of minutes. 
  • The ice will then indicate the exposed nerves. Take a bit of caution when applying the ice. 

4. Salt and Pepper

The next remedy can be found on your kitchen table. Salt and pepper provide wonderful relief when combined together. The natural antibiotics inside the mouthwash can help ease the uncomfortable pain within the pulp region. 

The Remedy:

  • Mix equal amounts of regular table salt and pepper with a few drops of water. This will form a natural kind of paste.
  • Apply the paste directly on the tooth, and allow the paste to take effect for a couple of minutes.  
  • Repeat the process for a few days, or until the tooth feels better.

5. Garlic

It's no secret that garlic is the "cure-all" when it comes to home remedies. Garlic is not only ideal for treating a common cold, but also for treating toothaches. Garlic contains a bunch of antibiotic properties that can help get rid of tooth pain.
natural remedies for toothache

The Remedy:

  • Mix a clove of crushed garlic or use some garlic powder together with a sprinkle of table salt, and apply to the painful tooth.
  • You can even chew on a few cloves of garlic for some quick relief.
  • Continue the garlic remedy for several days, or until pain stops.

6. Asafetida

The powdered gum resin inside the Asafetida can help reduce pain during a toothache, and for bleeding gums. The odor of the Asafetida might not be too pleasant, but the natural pain remedy is worth the bad smell! 

The Remedy:

  • Add a pinch of powdered Asafetida with lemon juice. 
  • Warm up the solution, and use a cotton pad to apply the mixture to the affected area. 
  • Asafetida can also be fried in clarified butter, and placed inside the tooth cavity for instant relief. 

7. Baking Soda

Baking soda helps whiten your teeth and acts as a natural painkiller for toothaches when mixed together with a bit of water. Baking soda promotes quicker healing of painful or swollen gum tissue, which is the reason why many toothpastes feature the sodium bicarbonate on the labels. 

natural remedies for toothache

The Remedy:

  • Take a cotton swab and moisten it with a bit of water. 
  • Dip the wet cotton swab in baking soda. Coat the swab really well so that it absorbs the baking soda before applying to the infected tooth. 
  • A mouth rinse can be made by mixing a large spoonful of baking soda into a small glass of warm water. Let the baking soda dissolve before swishing the rinse in your mouth.

8. Guava Leaves

Guava leaves are used to heal mouth sores and aching teeth. The juice of the guava leaves contains many antibacterial properties that thwart off tooth decay or gingivitis. You should feel the effects of the guava leaves shortly after applying to the sensitive areas. 

The Remedy:

  • Chew on a couple of guava leaves until the juice begins to work on the affected tooth.
  • Place 4 to 5 guava leaves in water and let it boil. 
  • Allow the solution to cool off a bit before adding a pinch of salt, and rinse your mouth thoroughly with it. 

9. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract contains Eugenol, which has antiseptic and analgesic properties that are used to fight off tooth decay. Eugenol helps get rid of that unwanted toothache and provides a quick pain relief solution. 

The Remedy:

  • Saturate a cotton swab or cotton ball with 3-4 drops of vanilla extract, and place on the affected tooth. 
  • Use your finger to rub the vanilla extract on the affected area. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly beforehand. 
  • Repeat process until the pain goes away. 

10. Onion

Onions offer great pain relief to people suffering from tooth abscesses or sensitive gums. Onions are highly regarded by dentists for their natural and powerful antimicrobial properties. Onions have even been compared to taking 8 Advil capsules, or an entire bottle of Orajel! 

natural remedies for toothache

The Remedy:

  • Slice a piece of fresh onion and hold it inside your mouth.
  • Gently bite the onion until the juices come out for a few minutes to alleviate pain. 
  • You may also put a piece of onion on the painful tooth so that it absorbs the antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
  • Continue the process until the pain reduces.

11. Bayberry

The root bark of the bayberry is used to help strengthen gums. The berries are ideal for treating aching wisdom teeth as well. The natural antibiotics of the bayberry should go to work very quickly on your aching tooth.   

The Remedy:

  • Mix the bayberry bark together with vinegar to form a natural paste.
  • Apply the paste on the affected tooth as a pain relief.
  • Use the paste when needed, or several times per day. 

12. Lime or Lime Juice

The citric acid of the lime juice helps kill the germs that cause tooth infections. Lime juice also contains vitamin C, which keeps your teeth protected against decay. Mixing lime juice and baking soda can also help whiten teeth.
natural remedies for toothache

The Remedy:

Lime Juice

  • Combine the lime juice together with Asafetida to form a paste.
  • Apply the lime paste on the infected tooth. 
  • Keep your mouth slightly open to allow the paste to dry on the tooth.
  • Apply the paste 2-3 times a day to reduce the pain. 

Limes

  • Cut a lime wedge or slice, and bite directly into it. Try to extract some of the juice. 
  • Allow the lime to sit outside for a bit if you’re feeling any sensitivity to cold.
  • Repeat the process as needed, or until the pain goes away. 

 

Related articles:

1. 8 Natural Ways to Fight Back Against Plaque

2. Cavity Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

3. Everyday Habits That Promote Tooth Decay

4. 12 Easy Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

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