Home remedies that can relieve toothache

It throbs, pinches or pulls. When teeth hurt, it is extremely unpleasant. One possible cause is caries. Microorganisms penetrate through a hole, however small, into the interior of the tooth and trigger an inflammation. The tooth nerve is irritated or perhaps even damaged.

A hole in the tooth is the classic cause of toothache. In addition, exposed tooth necks, inflamed gums, defective fillings or stress-related teeth grinding can also lead to toothache.

Toothache should always be controlled by a dentist, because only the expert can find the cause and also remedy it. Ailments that are treated too late can have dire consequences, because pathogens from the oral cavity can enter the bloodstream and trigger other inflammations, for example rheumatism, respiratory diseases or heart problems.

However, you may not be able to make an appointment with the dentist you trust. Because it's the weekend, you're on vacation, or for some other reason it's not convenient. Then you can try to alleviate the pain with proven home remedies to bridge the time until you visit the dentist.

In general, it is advisable to stop consuming nicotine and alcohol when you have an acute toothache. Also, refrain from eating hard as well as sugary foods. Every person reacts differently to home remedies for toothache. Therefore, it is worth trying different remedies to find out what works best.

Proven home remedies for use with toothache

Ice pack for cooling

Cool the cheek with ice packs, compresses or cooling pads. Alternatively, you can suck small ice cubes to cool the painful area more specifically. The cold numbs the nerve endings, which can relieve pain and reduce swelling. It also constricts blood vessels and slows down inflammatory processes.

Tea as a mouth rinse

Numerous types of tea can have an anti-inflammatory effect. Dentists recommend rinsing with green tea, peppermint, chamomile, or sage tea two to three times a day for toothaches. A decoction of St. John's wort, valerian or lemon balm can also relieve pain.

You can drink the tea or rinse your mouth for one to two minutes. Additionally, you can let the tea bag cool and gently press it on the painful tooth. Sage leaves can also be chewed directly.

Chopped onion

Dice an onion and put the cubes in a handkerchief or thin towel. Place the bag on the outside of the affected area. The antibacterial effect of the onions can help relieve the inflammation and, consequently, the pain.





Ginger

Fresh ginger can help with inflammation in the mouth. Ginger root is said to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which has pain-relieving and antibacterial effects. Cut fresh ginger into small pieces and pour hot water over them. Let the decoction cool and rinse with it several times a day. Alternatively, you can chew a piece of ginger with the aching tooth if possible. Chewing it will release the juice right where it hurts.

Savoy cabbage leaves

Savoy cabbage contains certain enzymes that have a decongestant effect on gingivitis. Wrap fresh savoy cabbage leaves in a damp cotton or linen cloth and hold it on the sore cheek. An analgesic effect may begin after half an hour.

Essential oils

Clove or tea tree oil can have a disinfecting as well as antiseptic effect on bacterial inflammation in the mouth. To do this, dab the oil diluted with water on the aching tooth or prepare a rinse (5 drops of oil to 250 ml of water). The mixture is used only for rinsing and then spit out again.

Alternatively, you can chew on a clove for several minutes, preferably with the aching tooth, so that the oil can act on the spot.

Last but not least, please note: no home remedy is a substitute for a visit to the dentist. Both home remedies and painkillers only relieve the symptoms, but do not fight the cause.