5 ways to help with a Toothache at home

We’ve all been there; that nagging pain in the side of your mouth – you’ve got a toothache. While it’s important to get to the bottom of what’s causing your pain, these home remedies will help to ease your symptoms in the meantime. If symptoms continue for more than a few days make sure you see a dentist.

Talk with a dentist before using any of the following remedies if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical condition that may be impacted by herbal ingredients.

Rinsing

• Salt water

Try mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth. As a natural disinfectant, the salt water will reduce inflammation and help heal oral wounds. It won’t taste great if you swallow it though – yuk.

• Thyme mouthwash

Add a few drops of thyme essential oil to water and make a mouthwash.

As well as being a powerful antioxidant, Thyme has antibacterial properties that help treat toothaches. You could also rub the oil directly on the affected area. Also good when paired with beef, for when your toothache is all better

• Guava mouthwash

Chow down on some fresh guava leaves or boil the leaves in water to make a mouthwash.

Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, guava leaves also have antimicrobial activity that can blunt pain and sterilize wounds in your mouth.

• Wheatgrass

You can drink Wheatgrass as a shot (not sure about the taste) or again swish it around like a mouthwash.
Amongst other nutrients, it is high in chlorophyll which helps combat bacteria. Wheatgrass is also anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting. They don’t call it a superfood for nothing

Cold Compress

Wrap a bag of ice in a small towel and apply to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. Repeat this every few hours. Disclaimer; hands may get cold in the process.

Reduce inflammation and reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels around the affected area. Particularly good if any trauma is the cause of your toothache

Peppermint Tea

Hold off on boiling that kettle. These peppermint tea bags are best served cold. Throw them in the freezer for a couple of minutes and apply to the affected area. This should have a numbing effect for short periods. People also apply when slightly warm and let cool while on the area itself.

Garlic

Crush a garlic clove to create a sticky paste and apply it to the area or if you really like garlic you can chew a clove in your mouth.
Garlic has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years; killing harmful bacteria and relieving pain while also tasting so good.

Just try not to breathe on anyone for a while afterwards.

Cloves

Dab a small amount of diluted clove oil onto some cotton wool and apply to the area a few times a day. It’s best to dilute with a ratio of 15 drops of clove oil to one ounce of carrier oil (e.g. sunflower oil). You can also drop some clove oil in some water to make a mouthwash.

Clove oil has been used to treat toothaches from the day dot and it works by reducing inflammation and numbing oral pain. It contains a magical natural antiseptic called eugenol that does the trick.