Home Remedies and Herbs for Toothache

Toothaches, (also termed dental pain, odontalgia, dentalgia, odontodynia, or odontogenic pain) are discomfort in and around the teeth and jaws. Toothaches can be mild or severe, come and go, or be constant. Toothache pain can be worse at night, particularly when lying down. Eating or drinking can make the toothaches worse, particularly if the substance is overly hot or cold. Toothache symptoms can be difficult to determine if the pain is in upper or lower teeth. Aches centered in lower teeth can feel like uppers and vice-versa. A dentist should be consulted for toothaches lasting over two days. Fortunately, toothache symptom relief is available from a number of toothache home remedies.

What Causes Toothache?

Toothache symptoms are generally the result of inflammation of the soft, center part of the tooth, however toothache pain can have any number of different causes: ^1,2,3

• Cavities (tooth decay)
• An accumulation of food and debris between your teeth
• Infection at the root of the tooth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Damaged fillings
• Repetitive motions (chewing or grinding)
• Infected and ulcerated gums
• Alveolar osteitis - "dry socket", a possible complication of tooth extraction
• Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis - a gum infection, also called "trenchmouth"
• Periapical abscess – pus at the end of the tooth caused by a bacterial infection
• Periodontal abscess – pus in the gums caused by a bacterial infection
• Sinusitis – sinus infections causing pain around the upper jaw
• Injuries to teeth and jaws

Toothache Symptoms

Tooth and mouth pain are primary toothache symptoms but the type of pain can vary and present itself in multiple ways: ^1,2,3

• Sharp, throbbing, or constant pain
• Tooth pain that only occurs when pressure is applied
• Swelling, painful gums
• Bad taste in the mouth (from an infection in a tooth)
• Fever or headache
• Increased pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food
• Bleeding around the tooth or gums
• Swelling around the tooth
• Swelling of the jaw

Toothache symptoms often start suddenly and can vary from mild discomfort to agonizing pain. Professional treatment may be necessary in chronic toothache cases but for acute events, there are many toothache pain relief home remedies.

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Toothache

Nature provides many organic sources for controlling toothache symptoms and supplying toothache home remedies. The best substances for toothache pain relief are:

• Garlic - Garlic is the most effective, readily available, and economical treatment for toothache pain relief. It’s applied to the gums around the affected tooth in raw or powdered form. Application should be several times daily for three days.
• Clove Oil - Clove oil is also applied to the gums and has an immediate numbing, anesthetic relief of toothache pain. Whole or ground dried cloves can also be used and are particularly effective for dry sockets.
• Vanilla Extract - Vanilla Extract is a liquid home remedy that’s swabbed on the gums for pain relief. It’s fast acting and has a calming side effect.
• Apple Cider Vinegar and Warm Water - Apple Cider Vinegar is mixed with warm water as an oral rinse. It’s swished in the mouth, then spit or swallowed. Three to four applications per day are required to relieve toothache symptoms.
• Onion - The antiseptic qualities from chewing raw onion are a well-known toothache pain relief. Only a small piece of onion is necessary and, despite the strong odor, it’s highly effective.
• Activated Charcoal - U. S. Pharmacopoeia (USP) charcoal powder has been used for centuries as treatment for toothache, gum disease, and canker sores. It’s applied topically and available in most drug stores.

With relief readily available through these economical and effective home remedies, there’s no need to suffer from toothache pain.

References

1. https://draxe.com/home-remedies-for-toothache/
2. http://www.rd.com/health/conditions/home-remedies-for-toothache/
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/toothaches