Tooth pain or toothache happens when the nerve in the root of the tooth or surrounding the tooth is irritated. This is usually caused by tooth decay, infection or injury. Tooth pain can be excruciating and we will want to stop it immediately.
We will usually treat tooth pain with over-the-counter medications, just like any other pain. What if there are no available medications on hand for us to use? Or some of us would like to avoid pharmaceutical drugs and prefer a more natural way for pain relief, are there any home remedies that we can use?
Let us find out more about home remedies and what are the best home remedies for tooth pain that provide us quick relief.
What Are Home Remedies?
Home remedies originated from folk remedies that used natural ingredients to treat ailments, pains and aches. They are also known as traditional medicine that is not prescribed by a medical professional. A lot of households have some type of home remedies that are passed down by their ancestors. Unfortunately, a lot of these traditional remedies are lost due to urbanisation and people no longer look for herbs to treat their ailments. They now rely on the convenience of a medical professional and ready-made pharmaceutical products for quick relief and cure.
Just like any other pain, ancient people do have remedies to treat their tooth pain. There are many herbs and methods are used by the various ethnic groups in the early days to provide relief for tooth pain. In this article, we will examine some of the home remedies used to treat tooth pain.
Home Remedies for Tooth Pain – Follow Our Ancestors
Natives in most countries in the world use herbs to treat all their ailments. Some of these remedies have been passed down from generation to generation. The jungle is God’s gift to mankind. Long before western medicine exists, people use leaves, roots, barks and stems of plants for food and medicine. There are natural remedies to relieve pain such as headache and toothache. There are also herbs to cure tooth decay, prevent tooth cavities, relieve toothache, reduce the formation of plaque, treat receding gums and mouth sores.
Let us learn from our ancestors the natural way to cure our tooth pain instead of relying on pharmaceutical drugs. A toothache may happen when there is no available medication or dentist, therefore it is good to learn how to use something that we can find from our kitchen to help us get relief from our aching tooth. Home remedies are also good for people who are allergic to pain killers.
Home Remedies for Tooth Pain – What Did our Ancestors Use
Throughout history, ethnic groups have used various types of plants, herbs and spices to treat their ailments and dental problems. The following herbs and spices are known to be used to treat toothache:
1. Clove
Clove is a home remedy in India used to treat common ailments such as headache, toothache, cough and asthma. It has a natural antiseptic called eugenol. Clove oil is sold in drug stores to treat toothache. Apply one or two drops of clove oil directly into the tooth cavity will help relieve the pain.
2. Thyme
Thyme has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties and amongst other ailments, it can be used to treat gum problems and prevent tooth decay. The Romans and Greeks have used thyme to treat various types of aches and pain. Thyme oil is sold at health food stores and you can use it to treat toothache by applying one or two drops directly onto the tooth.
3. Sage
Sage is a herb commonly used for western cooking has antibacterial properties that can cure tooth decay. Boil one or two tablespoons of fresh or dried sage with water to make a mouth rinse, which can use to relieve your toothache. Sage mouth rinse can be used as part of your daily oral routine as sage has antibacterial properties that can help prevent tooth decay.
4. Garlic
Garlic has been used by many ancient civilisations to treat various ailments due to its health properties. As garlic has antibacterial properties, many people have used it to treat their toothaches. To relieve your toothache, crush a clove of garlic to a paste and mix it with a pinch of salt and apply the mixture to the affected tooth.
5. Goldenseal herb
Goldenseal herb was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat several diseases including digestive problems and liver conditions. Tea made from this herb can be used as a mouth rinse or gargle to treat mouth sores and sore throat.
6. Myrrh
Myrrh – An ancient herb used in Biblical days for various medicinal purposes. To cure mouth infection and maintain good dental health, add 30 drops of myrrh tincture to a glass of warm water and use it as a mouth rinse.
7. Chamomile
Chamomile is a herb that was used by the Egyptians in 1500 BC and the Europeans started using it around the 1st century BC. It has antimicrobial property and it is used to treat infections. It is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal problems, irritable bowel syndrome, rashes and skin problems. Drinking chamomile tea help to calm nerves, soothe the digestive tract and decrease inflammation.
Due to its antimicrobial property, chamomile is used to treat toothache and reduce swollen gums. Rinsing your mouth with chamomile tea regularly can help to prevent gum infection and tooth decay.
8. Marjoram
Marjoram is a sweet herb, often confused with oregano because they look similar. The Greeks in ancient times used it to treat several ailments. The Egyptians used it to soothe their toothaches.
People in the Middle East relieve their tooth pain by putting a few drops of marjoram oil onto the affected tooth.
Best Home Remedies for Tooth Pain That Is Easier to Use
Some of the herbs used to treat toothache may not be readily available in our kitchens as the type of herbs depends on the cuisines that we cook and their availability in the places we live. So, I have selected here 3 types of home remedies that have common ingredients found in most homes and are easy to use.
1. Saltwater rinse
Saltwater rinse is the easiest way to get relief from your tooth pain. Just mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash. The saltwater can help remove some pieces of food stuck in between the teeth and reduce the swelling and provide some relief to the toothache. Repeat this as often as needed.
2. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties that kill germs. Rinsing your mouth with warm peppermint oil can help to relieve toothache. Some people prefer to put the warm peppermint tea bag on their infected tooth for a soothing effect.
3. Chamomile tea
Chamomile has antimicrobial properties that can reduce swelling and provide relief for toothache. To relieve tooth pain, steep a chamomile tea bag in a cup of boiling water and allow the tea to cool down first before rinsing your mouth with it. Or you can apply the tea bag after it has been cooled down directly onto the aching tooth.
If you do not have peppermint or chamomile tea bags in your kitchen, try using a black tea bag. Black tea contains tannin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve tooth pain.
It Is Only A Temporary Relief
All these remedies as well as over-the-counter medications only provide temporary relief to ease your pain. A visit to the dentist is essential to have the tooth checked and treated. Small holes in the tooth can be healed naturally. However, when the tooth is very painful and the gums are swollen, the tooth decay has likely damaged the tooth nerve. This situation requires the attention of an oral care professional.
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