Home Questions Asked
Health Advice
Health Advice On Toothache: What Is The Best Home Remedy For A Toothache? Does Applying Heat or Cold Compresses Help?
(Last Updated: May 16, 2006)
A toothache can often cause unbearable pain and prevent you from doing pretty much anything. If you have to wait a while before you see your dentist, there are things you can do to take care of the pain at home. Just remember that it’s important to visit your dentist at the earliest to get to the root cause of the problem. Ignoring the issue will just worsen the situation and lead to more dental problems in the future. Causes of toothaches can range from cavities to an infected root or gums and treating the problem is the only long-term solution to your pain.
In the meantime, if your tooth is paining too much, you can try the following home remedies to reduce the discomfort:
- Cloves: Clove oil is an age-old remedy for tooth problems. Tuck a whole clove between your gums and affected tooth to numb the area and reduce the pain. Alternatively a few drops of clove oil can be applied to the tooth for instant pain relief. However, just make sure you do not use too much clove oil as it can be harmful.
- Garlic: Garlic is a natural analgesic and is an effective natural remedy for tooth pain. The allicin present in garlic helps reduce any bacterial infection and decreases the pain.
- Wheatgrass: Another natural antibiotic, gargling or rinsing the mouth with wheatgrass juice can prevent the infection from spreading in the mouth. You can also chew on fresh wheatgrass for similar results.
- Onion – Onion has antiseptic properties that can help reduce tooth pain. If you find it difficult to chew pieces of raw onion with your affected tooth, simply place a piece of onion on the tooth and leave for some time.
- Spinach: Chew some raw spinach leaves or paste the leaves and apply to the tooth that is hurting.
- Vanilla: Vanilla extract used in baking cakes can be used to treat a toothache. The alcohol in vanilla helps reduce the inflammation and cure the pain.
Other home remedies that can help with a toothache include using heat or cold on your tooth. Apply an ice pack to the cheek against your affected tooth to numb the pain. A warm compress may also help but make sure the temperature is not too hot or you risk burning yourself. At the same time avoid extremely hot or cold food as your tooth is extra sensitive and may hurt more as a result.
answered by G R
Applying cold compresses to the outside of the cheek just outside the area of pain numbs the area and masks pain. Cold compresses are advised till you go and meet the dentist. Do not use heat for toothache as it can spread infection. Home remedies using garlic and clove will be beneficial to you.
answered by P P
Read more questions in Health Advice