A toothache is a sign that something is wrong, it might indicate a cavity, an infection, gum disease, a loose filling or any number of other problems in the mouth. But until you can get it fixed, the best thing to do in the meantime is to turn to a home remedy to relieve the pain. In A toothache is a sign that something is wrong it might indicate a cavity, an infection, gum disease, a loose filling or any number of other problems in the mouth. But until you can get it fixed, the best thing to do in the meantime is to turn to a home remedy to relieve the pain. In fact, you might have just what you need your in your own kitchen, or bathroom cabinet.
- Garlic
Aside from warding off vampires, garlic is practically a medicinal wonder, proven to be a very effective antiseptic with potent antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years dating back to 2,000 BC, used by the Romans, Greeks, ancient Egyptians and Chinese. What makes it so effective for healing is a compound known as allicin, it offers a powerful antibiotic effect which is released when garlic is crushed, providing relief to the affected area it’s applied to.
To use it, finely chop one garlic clove, then smash it and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes in order to activate the allicin. Apply a small amount directly onto the affected area be careful not to use too much as it can burn. Leave on for a few minutes, and then rinse with warm salt water. Rinsing with salty, warm water helps to draw out the infection and kill bacteria while removing any lingering burning sensation from the garlic paste.
It also helps to fight the infection from the inside, as there is likely to be a significant amount of inflammation and swelling. Use the remedy above, and try to add as much garlic to your meals as you can. You may even want to take it on its own by mixing a few cloves that have been crushed and a lot to sit for 10 minutes or so into plain yogurt. Keep in mind that unlike antibiotic drugs, bacteria doesn’t build a resistance to garlic no matter how often you ingest it, though you may want to stock up on parsley chewing a sprig of parsley afterward helps to eliminate the odor.
- Salt water
Salt water helps to cleanse any loose debris in the mouth as well as any potentially harmful bacteria that might be in or around the affected area. To treat a toothache, simply add salt (preferably sea salt) to a small amount of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat once or twice, several times a day.
- Onions
Onions offer antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that are known to kill the bacteria in the mouth that contributes to pain. Placing a piece of raw onion over the painful area is something that’s even been recommended by some dentists. Sufferers have gone as far as saying that it’s as effective as eight capsules of Advil and a bottle of Orajel. While that’s saying a lot, sucking on an onion probably doesn’t sound all that pleasant, but if it works, it’s definitely worth it, right?
Just cut a piece of onion into a size that comfortably fits into your mouth and apply it to the affected area. It’s important that the slice is freshly cut so that some onion juice is released. Allow it to sit for five minutes, or even longer if you can.
- Guava leaves
Guava leaves are also known for alleviating toothaches as well as relieving swollen gums and mouth ulcers, due to its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial properties, as well as its high level of flavonoids. Herbalists recommend using them in paste form to maintain good oral hygiene as they’re known to reduce gum inflammation and leave breath fresh and clean.
Simply chew a leaf or two until the juice starts going to work on the affected tooth. Or, place five guava leaves into boiling water, allow the liquid to cool to warm temperature, and then add a sprinkle of sea salt. Use the solution like you would a mouthwash, swishing and then spitting it out, several times a day.
