10 home remedies for acute toothache

There are times when you have a shooting pain in your tooth late in the light that just will not let you sleep. Rather than popping a pain killer at such instances, you can try some home remedies that will reduce toothache. These remedies will also help prevent the causes that damage the teeth like infections, cavities or gum diseases.

1. Cloves

It is well known that cloves are great for the teeth. Clove has a chemical called eugenol that is known to numb pain. All you have to do is to place a clove on the tooth where you feel the ache and it relives the toothache. You could also use a drop of clove oil on a cotton swab and rub it on the paining tooth. Make sure that you do not use too much of it.

2. Garlic

Applying some crushed garlic and salt on the affected area helps in easing the pain in the tooth too. Since garlic has antibacterial properties, it also beneficial in countering any infection that you might have in the tooth.

3. Fresh ginger

Simply wash and peel an inch of fresh ginger and start chewing it slowly around the affected area, allowing the ginger to ooze its juices. Keep it for an hour or two and replace if needed.

4. Salt water gargle

Salt water works not just on a sore throat but also on toothache. Simply heat a cup of water and dissolve a tsp of salt in it. Allow it to become luke warm. Swish this liquid in your mouth a couple of times. Repeat if necessary.

5. Onions

Onions are known to be very effective against toothaches. Just cut a slice of onion and place it between the teeth and chew gently. The antimicrobial properties in onion will get to work immediately. It also helps in reducing any swelling that you might have because of the toothache.

6. Salt and pepper paste

Mix in a tsp of salt with a tsp of crushed pepper. Add a few drops of water to it to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and leave it for a few minutes. Repeating this will help alleviate toothache.

7. Vanilla extract

Add a few drops of vanilla extract on a cotton ball and place it on the tooth that is aching. Do not leave it for too long or swallow the extract. Repeat this twice every day. You could also use peppermint extract in place of vanilla extract.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric is known for its healing properties. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Simply make a paste of turmeric powder with some water and apply it on the affected area. Do not leave it for too long since it can cause staining. It can also be mixed with some honey instead of water and applied on the aching tooth.

9. Lemon

Lemon is rich in vitamin C which is great for the teeth. Simply cut a wedge of lime and place it between your teeth near the problem area. Suck the juice out well. Replace with a new wedge if necessary.

10. Ice pack

This is the easiest of the techniques to alleviate toothache. Simply place an ice pack near the area where you have the ache. Or wrap an ice cube in a cotton cloth and place it inside your mouth. The ice will numb out the area and make you oblivious of the pain.

More than all this, maintain good dental hygiene- brushing twice a day, rinsing the mouth after consuming anything, regular flossing and rinsing with a mouthwash. In case you have sensitive teeth, try switching to toothpaste made for sensitivity.