Home Remedies for Toothache

Toothache or tooth pain is caused when the nerve to a tooth is irritated. Dental infection, gum disease, plaque, dental decay, injury, or loss of a tooth  are the most common causes of dental pain.

Toothaches can vary greatly, from mild soreness to an unbearable throbbing pain in your teeth or around your jaws. Some of the main causes of toothaches are cavities, an infection, an exposed tooth root, a cracked tooth, gum disease, a loose filling, or jaw joint disorder.

A toothache  happens when the central region of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes irritated or inflamed. The pulp consists of several nerve endings that are highly sensitive. Pulp can become inflamed or irritated for many reasons, some of which are noted above

If you have toothache, it is best to seek immediate advice from a dentist before the problem becomes worse. But if you are not able to make it to the dentist, you can try some natural remedies to relieve the pain.
There are instances, however, where pain originating outside the dental area radiates to the mouth, thus giving the impression of tooth pain. This often happens when there is a problem with the jaw joint  or ears. Occasionally, heart problems can give the sensation of tooth pain.

One can prevent the majority of dental problems through flossing, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and having teeth professionally cleaned on a regular schedule. The dentist may apply sealants and fluoride, which are especially important in children.

Causes of Toothaches:
Toothaches occur from inflammation of the central portion of the tooth called pulp. The pulp contains nerve endings that are very sensitive to pain. Inflammation to the pulp or pulpitis may be caused by dental cavities, trauma, and infection.

Toothache Symptoms and Signs:

Toothache and jaw pain are common complaints. It is not unusual for one to feel mild pain from pressure, and hot or cold exposure to the tooth. However, if the pain is severe and persists for longer than 15 seconds after the pressure or temperature exposure, then this could be an indication of a more serious problem. If there is severe inflammation of the tooth, the pain can radiate to the cheek, the ear, or the jaw. The signs and symptoms that might lead one to seek care include the following:

*Pain with chewing
*Hot or cold sensitivity
*Bleeding or discharge from around a tooth or gums
*Swelling around a tooth or swelling of the jaw or cheek
*Injury or trauma to the area
These signs and symptoms may sometimes be associated with dental decay or gum disease . Dental decay or an area of redness around the tooth's gum line may point to the source of pain. If one taps an infected tooth, it may make the pain more intense. This sign may point to the problem tooth even if the tooth appears normal.
A toothache needs to be differentiated from other sources of pain in the face. Sinusitis, ear or throat pain, or an injury to the temporomandibular joint  that attaches the jaw to the skull may be confused with toothache. Pain from a deeper structure  may be passed along the nerve and be felt in the jaw or tooth. In order to pinpoint the source of the pain and get relief, call the dentist or doctor.

Here are the top home remedies for toothaches:

1. Pepper and Salt:
Salt mixed with pepper can be of great use when a tooth becomes extremely sensitive.
toothache home remedy salt pepper

Mix equal amounts of pepper and common salt with a few drops of water to form a paste.
Apply the paste directly on the affected tooth and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Do this daily for several days.

2. Garlic:
Use of garlic can also give immense relief from toothache. Garlic has antibiotic and other medicinal properties that can be very effective in slowing down bacterial effects.

Mix a crushed garlic clove (or garlic powder) with some table salt or black salt and apply it directly on the affected tooth to alleviate the pain. If you prefer, you can chew one or two cloves of garlic to get relief.
Repeat this natural treatment for a few days.

3. Cloves:
No home remedy is better for toothaches than cloves. Cloves have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and anesthetic properties that help alleviate tooth pain and fight infection.

tooth pain cure using cloves

Grind two cloves. Mix in a little olive oil or any vegetable oil and apply on the affected tooth.
Dab a cotton ball in clove oil and rub it directly on the sore tooth. Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of clove oil in half a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse.

4. Onion:
Onions have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that can control a toothache. It can provide relief from pain by killing the germs causing an infection.
At the first sign of a toothache, chew raw onion for a few minutes to relieve pain.
If you are not able to chew it, place a piece of raw onion directly on the bad tooth or gum.

5. Asafetida:
Dental problems such as toothaches and bleeding gums can be treated at home with the use of asafetida.
Simply add a pinch of powdered asafetida to lemon juice and then warm it slightly. Use a cotton pad to apply the solution on the affected area. This will give you quick relief from the pain.
Alternatively, asafetida fried in clarified butter can be put in the tooth cavity for instant relief.

6. Warm Salt Water:
A simple glass of warm salt water can help treat a toothache. Mix half a spoon of common salt in a glass of very warm water and use it to rinse your mouth thoroughly. When the solution comes in contact with the affected tooth, it will extract fluid from the tissue and reduce swelling on the nerves. This mouthwash will also fight bacteria that cause infection.

7. Guava Leaves:
Fresh guava leaves can also alleviate toothache.
Simply chew one or two tender guava leaves until the juice starts working on the affected tooth.
Another remedy is to put four to five guava leaves in water and boil it. Allow the solution to cool to a warm temperature and add some salt. Use the solution as a mouthwash.
If you don’t have guava leaves, you can use raw spinach leaves instead.

8. Wheatgrass Juice:
Wheat grass has natural antibacterial properties that will relieve the pain and also help fight tooth decay. Extract the juice of wheat grass and use it as a mouthwash. It will absorb toxins from the gums,reduce the growth of bacteria and keep the infection under control. If you wish, you can simply chew on wheat grass.

9. Bayberry:
Bayberry is also a good ingredient for pain relief and to strengthen your gums.
Make a paste of bayberry bark and mix it with vinegar.
Apply the paste on the affected tooth for relief from the pain.

10. Ice Cube:
Ice can help alleviate tooth pain by numbing the nerves and gums.

Put a small ice cube in a plastic bag and then wrap it in a thin cotton cloth. Hold it on your cheek near the aching tooth for a few minutes. You can also place ice directly on the tooth, but do so carefully. If you have exposed nerves, contact with the cold can cause more pain.
An acupressure technique that can ease tooth pain is to rub an ice cube between your index finger and thumb for a few minutes.

11.Hydrogen Peroxide: 
Swoosh a bit of hydrogen peroxide. If the taste is too horrid for you, try diluting with a bit of water.
Alcohol: Swoosh a bit of whiskey, scotch, brandy or vodka. A strong mouthwash that contains alcohol will do the trick too.

12.Vanilla Extract: 
Saturate a cotton ball with vanilla and hold in place. Can also use a cotton swab dipped in extract.
Other extracts that have the same effect are:
*Almond Extract
*Peppermint Extract
*Lemon Extract

13.Tea Tree Oil: 
Just a drop or two will do the trick. You can also add some to a cotton swab and hold in place or add a few drops of tea tree oil to a small glass of lukewarm to warm water and rinse your mouth with it.

14.Oil Of Oregano: 
Mix a few drops with a bit of olive oil, then saturate a cotton ball with mixture. Can replace the olive oil with lukewarm water if preferred.

15.Apple Cider Vinegar: 
Soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar (ACV) and hold it in place. Can also try regular household vinegar.

16.Potato: 
Cut a fresh piece of potato (raw, skin off) and hold in place. Can also pound a piece of raw potato, mix in a bit of salt and use the mash.

17.Lime: 
Cut a slice or wedge of lime and apply, bite into it if you can to release some of the juice.

Tips:

If the pain is unbearable and there’s no dentist available, call your local hospital’s emergency room–chances are they have a dentist on call that can treat you .
Try gently brushing your teeth and flossing–this might bring some relief.
One old time remedy that you should not follow is to place an aspirin against the sore tooth.  You will have just as much if not more of an effect by swallowing the aspirin.Aspirin is actually an acid and placing it directly against your gums or teeth will cause corrosion of your teeth and acid burns on your gums.
If the side of your face is in severe pain and it feels like you’re going to lose your mind (I’ve been there, done that)it could be a sinus infection or an allergy that affects your sinuses rather than a problem tooth.Try taking a decongestant or if that is not available, a shower set on the hottest setting may help clear your sinus cavities.
This might help relieve things until you get to a doctor. Chances are a prescription antibiotic is what you’ll need to clear up the sinus infection.

If it is a sinus infection please don’t wait to get it taken care of!  I have permanent damage to my left eardrum from a sinus infection that became so congested it literally burst my eardrum as a pressure relief valve.

Please be aware: 

These are notes I have collected in my personal life over the years, in my own research as well as tips gathered from my grandparents and great grandparents.

They are not by any means professional medical advice and a trained dentist should always be contacted as soon as possible.
If you do not get relief from your toothache after trying these remedies, consult a dentist immediately. Some dental and gum problems require more aggressive treatment then home remedies.