Home Remedies for Toothache Relief

Toothaches may be caused due to dental problems ranging from tooth decay, inflamed dental pulp, gum problems, or chipped and abscessed teeth. More often than not, poor dental hygiene and lack of dental care is the reason behind dental problems. Pain is often felt by a person when the pulp chamber of the tooth (which contains the nerve endings and tiny blood vessels), gets affected.

You should consider yourself lucky if you have not gone through the anguish and agony of toothache. However, you never know; it may develop at any point of time. You should know a few potent home remedies for relieving toothache, which will help you to be in the position to stub that pain, quickly and effectively. Although, a visit to the dentist is unavoidable, some of the time-proven home remedies do offer instant relief from the agony.

Note: Though most of the remedies given in this story are safe, it is not advisable to continue using them if the condition does not subside. Besides, it is better to consult your dentist for the right diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the remedies which are said to offer a great deal of relief from toothaches.

One of the easiest methods is application of an icepack over the affected area. You may either place it over the affected tooth, or on the cheek. Some people rub ice cubes in the V-shaped area between the thumb and forefinger to get relief from pain.

- Flossing is a recommended activity by dentists the world over; however, only a handful abide by this rule of thumb. It helps dislodge food particles. The more the particles remain stuck between the gum and the tooth, the greater the pressure and chances of developing an infection and inviting pain. Thus, you ought to be gentle when flossing, as your gums should not be irritated.

- While lukewarm peppermint tea is used as a mouth rinse, a small amount of peppermint extract is applied on to the affected gums for relief from tooth pain. Consumption of peppermint tea is also said to be useful for this purpose. Even dried leaves of this herb can be placed over the aching tooth for at least 20 minutes, to obtain relief.

- Clove is a spice with various medicinal properties. If you have clove oil, apply a few drops over the affected tooth and gums (dilute it, if required). Clove being analgesic in nature will reduce the soreness and pain. If clove oil is not available, you may resort to chewing or placing a whole clove on the affected area for relief. Bear in mind that clove oil when used cautiously has its benefits; however, if accidentally ingested in excess, it may cause respiratory troubles, or liver damage.

- If you suspect the presence of an abscess along with the toothache, then place some oats there. This is said to be useful for drawing out the pus. The pain will also reduce.

- Place some thick cucumber slices around the affected tooth for a soothing effect. You may also refrigerate the slices before use as it may numb the nerves around the affected area. However, if your teeth feel extremely sore, use cucumber slices at their normal room temperature.

You may try the aforementioned remedies; however, if the symptoms are persistent or worsening, consult a dentist to treat it on time. It would be better to seek the opinion of your dentist, even if the symptoms subside with the home remedies so as to diagnose the underlying cause if any.

There are a few preventive measures, which can be used effectively to counter the emergence of toothache. After each meal and at bedtime, rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water. If this doesn't work, use flossing techniques. Every morning, gently massage your gums. So the next time you have a toothache, look closely, and you may find your kitchen shelf having a remedy or two!

Disclaimer: This story is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your dentist is the safest way to diagnose and treat any dental condition.