Toothache is undoubtedly one of the most feared types of pain. Some even claim that toothache is more horrendous than giving birth but much less rewarding. It is true that each person has a certain tolerance for pain, and what is considered just painful for some could be really terrible for others. However, when it comes to toothache, most people tend to agree that it’s a nightmare.
And since we just mentioned the nightmares, what would you do if you woke up one night with a terrible toothache? You can’t leave everything and run to the dentist’s office so late at night, so What other options do you have to relieve pain and discomfort? This is what we will discuss today, in this article. ¡ So, let’s dive in and take a look at some traditional remedies you can use at home to relieve toothache!
1. Coldwater with lemon juice
Yes, we know it sounds more or less like a recipe for lemonade (just add some honey leaves and mint!), but lemon juice can be quite efficient at fighting cavities. All you have to do is take the juice of a lemon and add it to a full glass of water with ice cubes.
Wash your mouth with this “lemonade” at least three times a day. If your gums are infected, or there is swelling, you can use the ice cube to cool them down and relieve discomfort.
2. A pinch of salt and water as a mouthwash
It doesn’t sound too pleasant, but what we can tell you for sure is that it is an effective home remedy for toothache. So, if you’re in pain and you can’t run to the dentist’s office, you can use salt and water to feel better.
For this natural remedy, you need one or two teaspoons of sea salt and a glass of warm water. Dissolve the salt in the water, then use the liquid to wash your mouth. Repeat the procedure several times for a few minutes, and you will notice that the pain is not as strong as before.
3. Alcohol
You’ve seen it in the movies. When it comes to a toothache, they go straight for the vodka bottle and start gargling. ¡ But this might not be the best idea, especially if you want to go to work in the morning!
However, it is true that applying alcohol to the area where you feel pain can help relieve toothache. Keep in mind that this is a short-term solution that could get you drunk if you are not too careful to spit out alcohol afterward.
4. Garlic
We know you don’t want to smell like garlic when you haven’t even enjoyed an aioli sauce; however, in some critical situations, garlic maybe your best option for getting toothache relief. Allicin, a substance in garlic, has soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. That’s why garlic can help you get rid of toothache.
To make this natural remedy, you need to crush the garlic and add some salt. Apply the paste to the problem area and let it act for at least 15 minutes, preferably longer. You can use this paste up to four times a day, and you will notice that the pain decreases.
5. Bags of mint tea
Mint tea bags can also be used to relieve pain and soothe sensitive gums. All you have to do is prepare a tea as you would normally do – add the tea bag to a cup of hot water. Let it infuse for about 10 minutes or longer (that is, longer than your usual cup of tea!).
Apply the hot mint tea bag to the area that hurts. Alternatively, you can put the teabag in the freezer after making the infusion and apply it cold in the affected area.
6. Oil of cloves
Clove oil is a renowned home remedy used in many parts of the world for centuries. It contains eugenol, a substance considered a natural antiseptic. For toothache relief, just add one or two drops of clove oil to a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area.
If you have sensitive gums, you can dilute clove essential oil in vegetable oil such as olive oil, for example, before application. You can also use clove oil to gargle, just add a drop of oil into a glass of water and use the liquid.
7. Brush your teeth with mustard oil
¡No, not with the mustard you use in your hot dogs, for this home remedy you will need mustard oil! Mustard oil has soothing properties and could be very effective in relieving the pain associated with dental problems.
What you can do is mix a little mustard oil with lemon juice, apply the mixture to your toothbrush, and brush your teeth with it a few times a day. You will notice that the pain is less intense. This natural remedy is also recommended for people with chronic tooth or gum pain. If this is your case, use it as often as possible and for a long period of time.
