Table of contents:
- Several choices of natural toothache remedies
- 1. Salt
- 2. Cloves
- 3. Guava leaves
- 4. Garlic
- 5. Thyme
- 6. Peppermint
- 7. Ice cubes
- Be careful with natural toothache medications
- When to see a doctor?
Seeing a doctor is the best solution when you have a toothache. However, dentists are usually unable to do anything as long as the teeth are still sore. Dont worry! You may be able to try some of these natural or herbal toothache remedies while waiting for your next appointment.
Several choices of natural toothache remedies
There are many things that cause toothache. Starting from cavities, infections, gum disease, or disorders of the jaw joint. But whatever the cause, the pain you feel usually makes it difficult not only to eat and drink but also to spread to the head.
Here are a fewtoothache medicine natural and traditional that can help before you go to the doctor:
1. Salt
Gargling with salt water is a first aid step before you go to the dentist.
Gargling can help remove food debris that is still stuck between your teeth. While salt itself absorbs water so it is effective in killing bad bacteria in the mouth.
Bacteria can only breed in an acidic and humid environment. So when the mouth is dry, the bacteria cannot survive.
Ultimately, gargling salt water helps relieve toothache and relieve swelling of the gums. This traditional toothache remedy also speeds up wound healing.
How to use salt water as a natural toothache remedy is very easy. Simply dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle with salt water at least twice a day or until the toothache subsides.
2. Cloves
source: Natural Pigments
Cloves have been known for a long time as herbal toothache remedies in Chinese and Indian medicine.
A study from the Journal of Dentistry reports that the eugenol compound in cloves can relieve pain naturally. Cloves are also known to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause toothaches.
How to use cloves as a natural toothache remedy varies. Some suggest biting a whole clove stem on the area of the tooth that hurts for a while. There are also those who suggest using a cotton ball dipped in clove oil and affixed to the aching tooth.
However, be careful with the risk of irritation, shortness of breath, and bleeding when using cloves. Also be careful with the risk of irritation to the eyes if the hand that has been holding the cloves directly touches the eye.
In addition, ingested clove seeds or oil can also increase the risk of sore throat and vomiting. So, make sure that the clove oil doesn't drip onto your tongue or sensitive gums.
This negligence can cause a burning sensation in the gums or damage to the tissues and nerves around the sore tooth. Clove oil should not be used in pregnant and lactating women, children, and people with a medical history.
3. Guava leaves
Natural toothache remedies or other herbs that you can try at home are guava leaves.
Summarizing various studies, these leaves are reported to help relieve pain in teeth and inflammation due to periodontitis. Two different studies, one from the Philippines and one from Cameroon, have also proven that guava leaves are effective in treating canker sores.
How to use it, chew 1-2 leaves until the water comes out. Then apply the extracts of the leaves with your tongue directly on the sore tooth. Don't like the bitter taste of the leaves?
Alternatively, you can boil four to five guava leaves and then strain them in a glass. Let stand until lukewarm, add a pinch of salt. Use the guava leaf solution as a mouthwash.
4. Garlic
The benefits of garlic have been known for thousands of years as a natural remedy for toothaches. Garlic works to relieve pain by killing bacteria that cause tooth infections.
How to use garlic as a traditional toothache remedy is very easy. You can chew raw garlic for a few minutes on the side of the mouth where the teeth are burning.
If you don't like that method, thinly slice the onion and bite the slices on the sore tooth area. You can also grind the garlic to be rubbed on the sore tooth area.
However, be careful when using garlic for toothache medicine. According to research from India, raw garlic that is left in the mouth for too long can cause burns to the lining of the mouth.
Other studies have also found that raw garlic applied directly to the skin can cause burns as well.
5. Thyme
Have you ever heard of the thyme plant? You can also use this plant as a herbal toothache remedy. Thyme is claimed to have high antibacterial and anti-oxidant properties that can help treat toothaches.
Simply put enough essential oil on a cotton ball, then apply it to the area of the tooth that hurts. Not only that, you can also mix it in water and make a mouthwash.
6. Peppermint
Almost the same as cloves, peppermint or peppermint has properties that are deadly and relieve toothache. This herbal toothache remedy also contains menthol which is known as anti-bacterial.
Simply soak the dried peppermint leaves in hot water and let it sit for 20 minutes. If it feels warm or cold, you can use it as a mouthwash and even drink it.
7. Ice cubes
Another recommendation for natural toothache remedies is ice packs. The cold temperature of the ice cubes numb the nerves that trigger the pain, providing temporary pain relief.
In addition, the coldness of the ice cubes also stimulates the constriction of blood vessels in the face and slows down blood flow to the injury site. This can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.
The trick is to put a few ice cubes into the plastic and then coat it again with a thin washcloth. Place the compress on the sore cheek for 15 minutes. You can also bite an ice cube directly on the surface of the tooth that hurts.
Another trick is to massage the ice cubes between the thumb and forefinger on the back of the hand that is the same side of the tooth that is aching. So for example the sore tooth is on the right side of the face, massage the back of the right hand right in the middle of the thumb and index finger using ice cubes.
The nerves in your fingers send out a “cold” signal that may overlay pain signals from your teeth.
Be careful with natural toothache medications
Many people choose to use natural ingredients to treat various diseases because they are considered safer and have minimal side effects. In fact, herbal remedies and natural ingredients are not always sure to be safe.
For example, cloves. Ingesting clove oil can not only cause nausea and vomiting, but it also increases the risk of seizures, kidney failure, and liver damage if too much is ingested.
Everyone may experience different reactions or side effects. If you get a good effect, not necessarily other people will also feel that way. So, always be careful when using natural ingredients to treat diseases.
It is better to always consult a doctor before you use herbal remedies or any natural ingredients.
But remember, the various choices of natural or herbal toothache remedies above are also only temporary. If your condition doesn't get better or gets worse, don't hesitate to consult a dentist immediately.
When to see a doctor?
Don't underestimate the toothache you experience. If not treated properly, toothache can lead to dangerous complications.
In general, you should rush to the dentist if:
- The pain and throbbing did not subside even after taking pain relievers.
- Have a high fever.
- A foul-smelling or foul-smelling pus discharge from the infected tooth.
- Difficulty biting or swallowing food, even just opening your mouth.
- Toothache spreads to the ears.
- The gums are swollen or have abnormal bleeding.
- The toothache you experience is so debilitating that you can't do your activities.
Toothache treatment at the dentist will be adjusted to the symptoms and underlying causes. So don't hesitate to go to the dentist immediately if you feel something unusual or strange about your body. The sooner the toothache is treated, the better.