When you get a toothache, you might not be able to see your dentist immediately, and you will need to turn to home remedies. The Mayo Clinic recommends rinsing your mouth with warm water, using dental floss to remove any wedged-in food particles, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce discomfort. If you're still in pain, other home remedies are available to help you cope until you see a dentist.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide may kill the bacteria and germs that cause tooth pain, Bill Gottlieb writes in his book "Alternative Cures." Gottlieb recommends flossing, then swishing a large mouthful of 3% hydrogen peroxide in your mouth for about five seconds. Let the mixture sit in your mouth for about five minutes, then discard, and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Perform this treatment once per day for two to three days. Never swallow peroxide, as it can burn the esophagus and cause stomach cramps. And don't go beyond three days with this treatment, as excessive peroxide use may burn the gums.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea can slightly numb the mouth, which may help alleviate a painful toothache. In the book "1,801 Home Remedies," the editors of "Reader's Digest" recommend steeping one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in one cup of boiling water for about 20 minutes, then strain and allow to cool. Swish the tea around in your mouth for several seconds before spitting it out; repeat as needed. Use peppermint tea bags, generally available at supermarkets or natural health stores, if you can't find dried peppermint leaves.
Cloves and Clove Oil
One of the most popular home remedies for a toothache, clove oil provides instant relief from pain by numbing the affected area on contact. Clove oil works so well that even dentists use it as a topical anesthetic. One study, published in the November 2006 edition of the "Journal of Dentistry," found that gel containing clove oil worked just as well as benzocaine as a topical pain reducer. To use, place a few drops of clove oil on a piece of sterile cotton, and apply directly to the affected tooth. If you don't have clove oil, use whole cloves; dip them in warm honey and chew, slowly rolling around the problem tooth. This will release the essential oil, and provide fast relief.
Vinegar and Pepper
In their book "Healing Remedies," Joan and Lydia Wilen recommend using vinegar and pepper, an old folk remedy for toothaches. Cut a cheek-sized piece out of a brown paper bag, then soak it in white distilled vinegar. Sprinkle on one side with black ground pepper, and place the peppered side against the side of the face with the toothache. Secure it in place with a bandage, and allow it to remain for up to one hour, or until the pain subsides. While there's no proof that this remedy is effective, it may work in a pinch to at least dull the pain.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Toothache First Aid
- The Effect of Clove and Benzocaine Versus Placebo as Topical Anesthetics
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Reader's Digest; 2004
- "Healing Remedies"; Lydia Wilen, Joan Wilen; 2008
