Our bodies require continuous maintenance and repair to function optimally. Pain is often the body’s way of signaling that something is amiss. However, when a healthcare professional isn’t readily available, individuals may find themselves in a predicament. For those residing in rural areas, seeking immediate medical attention can be challenging, especially in the event of an unexpected toothache in the middle of the night.
In such situations, having knowledge of home remedies for toothaches can prove to be a lifesaver, providing temporary relief from discomfort or serving as a psychological buffer until professional care is accessible.
Determine Why You Have a Toothache
As an herbalist, I’ve come to realize that when people ask me what they should take for a particular issue, my response is always to probe deeper and uncover the root cause of the problem. This principle applies equally well to oral health concerns like toothaches. To effectively address the pain or discomfort, it’s essential to shine a light on the underlying reasons driving it. By examining the affected area with a flashlight and mirror, you may be able to identify the source of your woes.
In many cases, common causes of toothache include foreign objects lodged between teeth or in the gum, such as bone chips from eating meat, poppy seeds, or other small particles that can get stuck. Other potential culprits might include bruising or cuts, cavities, cracks or chips in teeth, bruxism, periodontal disease, dental decay, hormone-related gingivitis, teething, or abscesses. If you notice a foreign object causing the pain, try to gently remove it with tweezers or dental floss.
Otherwise, inspect the area for signs of inflammation, infection, redness, discoloration, swelling, or oozing. In cases where there’s no visible damage, the ache is likely due to mild inflammation or infection.
Home Remedies to Alleviate Pain and Swelling
Pain around our teeth is often a result of inflammation, which can cause swelling and put pressure on nerves in the gums and surrounding areas. By reducing this inflammation and providing temporary relief through numbing or cooling effects, we can alleviate toothache discomfort. Fortunately, there are several simple home remedies that can be used to treat toothaches, many of which may already be found in your pantry or medicine cabinet.
Others can be easily sourced from health food stores or online herbal shops.
Paracress
Spilanthes is a plant genus that boasts an extraordinary medicinal property: it has an anaesthetic effect on the areas where it’s applied. When cultivated, simply pluck a blossom and chew on it to experience its numbing and pain-relieving effects. I prefer using the tincture as a poultice to minimize the risk of flower particles entering already inflamed tissues. Since I haven’t been able to successfully grow this plant myself, I opt for pre-made tinctures instead.
To use paracress tincture, take a piece of gauze and saturate it with the liquid extract. Then, apply pressure to the affected area and hold it there for at least 30 seconds. It’s essential to exercise caution when using this plant-based remedy: pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid it altogether.
Additionally, those who are allergic to other members of the daisy family (Asteraceae) should steer clear of paracress as well.
If you’ve had adverse reactions to chamomile, echinacea, or any other plant from this family, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid using toothache cress.
Clove Oil
The aromatic Syzygium aromaticum, more commonly known as cloves, possess a compound called eugenol that boasts impressive therapeutic properties. Eugenol’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities make it an effective natural remedy for various ailments. Moreover, studies have demonstrated that its analgesic effects are comparable to those of aspirin.
The historical use of clove oil in toothache treatment spans thousands of years, solidifying its reputation as a reliable addition to any home apothecary. To harness the benefits of this oil, blend three drops with a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil and apply the mixture to the affected area using your fingertips. For external tooth or gum pain, saturate a cotton ball with the oil and pack it between your tooth and lip for optimal relief.
Bee Balm
Bee balm, like its mint family members thyme and oregano, boasts an impressive arsenal of bioactive compounds, particularly thymol. This potent molecule exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, making it a formidable ally in combating infection. Its cooling, numbing effect also renders it effective for alleviating pain while addressing the underlying cause of the toothache.
Bee balm’s versatility is exemplified by its ability to be used either as an infused oil or tincture. When utilized as an infused oil, it can be applied directly to the affected area or via a saturated cotton ball. Alternatively, when in tincture form, simply saturate a cotton ball or gauze wedge and hold it in place until the pain subsides. Bee balm’s multi-faceted properties make it one of the most effective home remedies for toothaches.
Myrrh Oil
For centuries, myrrh (Commiphora spp.) has been a trusted remedy for alleviating dental pain and inflammation. Its multifaceted benefits include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antifungal properties, making it an effective treatment for oral issues. Just like clove oil, use myrrh in the same way to harness its natural pain-relieving and soothing qualities.
Thyme
Common household thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a valuable source of thymol, which has been shown to be highly effective in oral health care. In fact, it’s the primary ingredient in Euthymol toothpaste. When using thyme oil, you can employ it in much the same way as clove, myrrh, or monarda, making it a versatile and useful addition to your natural oral care routine.
Tea Tree Oil
When it comes to toothaches, the unusual aroma of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil holds a surprising benefit. Its triple threat of antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties can not only identify the source of the pain but also alleviate it by numbing the affected area. This natural remedy has been shown to be particularly effective in treating gingivitis, with its ability to eliminate bacteria such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium.
To harness its power, you can apply it directly to the tooth or mix a few drops (five to 10) with water to create a mouthwash-like solution.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil’s unique properties offer rapid relief from various oral pain and inflammation issues. Its analgesic effect can swiftly alleviate toothaches, while also providing comfort from canker sores, cuts, and sore throats. Moreover, peppermint’s antinociceptive property enables it to block pain receptors, as demonstrated in a study by Yousef A. Taher at the University of Triipoli, which discovered that peppermint had a significant pain-blocking effect on mice.
This remarkable feature makes peppermint an excellent natural remedy for persistent toothaches. To harness its benefits, mix 2 drops of peppermint oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or soak peppermint tea bags in warm water and apply them to the affected area.
Asafoetida
While asafoetida may not be a familiar spice to those who rarely cook Middle Eastern or Indian cuisine, its unique properties make it a valuable natural remedy for alleviating dental pain. The dried latex of the Ferula species, native to Iran and Afghanistan, boasts antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal qualities that can help address various oral health issues.
To harness asafoetida’s benefits for toothache relief, simply mix 1/2 teaspoon of the powder with a small amount of lemon juice until a paste forms. Then, apply this mixture to the affected area, leaving it in place for 20-30 minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water.
Hydrogen Peroxide
While not everyone may have herbs like chamomile or lavender at home, a common household item like hydrogen peroxide is likely within reach. For those who don’t typically keep herbal remedies on hand, this over-the-counter staple can be surprisingly effective in alleviating toothache discomfort. When mixed with equal parts water, the solution can help combat infection and inflammation that may be contributing to the pain.
Simply swish the mixture around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out into the sink and rinsing with warm water. However, it’s essential to note that peroxide should not be used when a toothache is caused by a broken tooth, exposed nerve, or a fallen crown, as it may exacerbate the issue. Instead, consider alternative remedies for these specific cases.
Salt Water
Toothache relief is just a saltwater rinse away. This simple and cost-effective home remedy is also incredibly accessible. To prepare the solution, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water until fully incorporated. Next, gently swish the mixture around your mouth, focusing on the area where you’re experiencing pain. Continue this process for several minutes before spitting out the liquid and rinsing with warm water to complete the treatment.
Know When to See Your Doctor
While home remedies for toothaches may not eliminate the pain entirely, they can help alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation until you can schedule a dental appointment. However, if you have a broken tooth with exposed nerves, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Before attempting any home remedy, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on potential allergies or contraindications that may arise.
Consult with a healthcare professional or alternative medicine expert if you’re unsure about the suitability of a particular remedy for your specific needs. Additionally, consult with your healthcare provider regarding any home remedies that may be contraindicated for you. What works for one individual may not be suitable for another, and vice versa. Prevention is key to maintaining good oral health.
Floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup, and brush your teeth gently with fluoride-free, natural toothpaste. You can also create your own mouthwash to reduce bacteria and treat early stages of inflammation.
References:
A recent study by Shourie et al. (2012) investigated the impact of menstrual cycles on periodontal health, revealing a significant correlation between the two. The researchers published their findings in Oral Health Prev Dent, highlighting the importance of considering this factor in oral healthcare. In a separate study, Marchese and colleagues (2017) examined the antimicrobial properties of eugenol, a compound found in essential oils.
Their work was published in Critical Reviews in Microbiology and shed light on the mechanisms underlying this activity. Additionally, Taher et al.’s research (2015) explored the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic effects of clove oil in mice, while another study by Taher (2012) evaluated the antinociceptive properties of Mentha piperita leaf aqueous extract.
These studies collectively underscore the complex interplay between hormones and oral health, as well as the potential therapeutic applications of certain essential oils.
