Toothaches are most commonly the result of tooth decay and typically indicate the need for dental care. If you experience a toothache, call your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, home and herbal remedies may help relieve some of the pain. MayoClinic.com recommends rinsing your mouth with warm water, flossing to remove trapped food particles and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever. A few herbs can also help reduce the discomfort caused by a toothache. Use them alone, or as a supplement to pain relievers to dull the ache.
Cloves
Germany's Commission E, the country's panel of natural medicine experts that recommend herbal treatments to the government, endorse the use of clove essential oil as a local anesthetic for toothaches. A study published in the Journal of Dentistry in 2006 found that homemade clove gel worked better than a placebo and similarly to benzocaine for reducing pain caused by needle sticks to the gums. Clove oil is applied directly to the tooth for relieving toothaches. To use, apply two to three drops to a cotton swab and rub it over the affected tooth. Whole cloves produce similar effects, although not as strong, and should be slightly dampened with saliva before placing it on the painful tooth.
Cayenne Pepper
When applied to the tooth, the hot ingredient in cayenne pepper known as capsaicin depletes the area of the substance responsible for transmitting pain signals. In his book "The Health Benefits of Cayenne," John Heinerman recommends combining 1 tsp. cayenne pepper powder with 1 part strong whiskey, and allowing the mixture to stand for two weeks. Shake the bottle every day, strain the mixture into a dark-colored glass bottle, and store it in a cool, dark place. To use, place 3 to 4 drops on a cotton swab and apply to the tooth. For a faster solution, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper with hot water, and dip a cotton swab in the solution. Wring it out and apply it directly to the tooth. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling cayenne pepper to avoid getting the substance into your eyes.
Ginger
A compress made with ginger may help alleviate toothache pain, according to James A. Duke in his book "The Green Pharmacy." Ginger works as a counterirritant, which means the surface irritation it causes helps diminish the deeper pain of the toothache. Mix 1/4 tsp. powdered ginger with 1/8 tsp. warm water to form a thick paste. Dip a cotton ball into the paste, and apply it to the affected tooth. Do not allow the cotton to touch your gums; this can cause burning. If the paste causes discomfort, remove the cotton and rinse out your mouth with warm water.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Toothache First-Aid
- PubMed.gov: The Effect of Clove and Benzocaine Versus Placebo as Topical Anesthetics
- "The Health Benefits of Cayenne"; John Heinerman; 1999
- "The Green Pharmacy"; James A. Duke; 1998
