How to Use Garlic for Toothache

How to Use Garlic for Toothache
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A toothache is an aching pain in or near a tooth that is caused by decay. Tooth decay is caused by sticky plaque that clings to and eats through the enamel of your teeth, causing pain and sometimes creating a cavity. According to Suresh Babu, author of "A Treatise on Home Remedies," you can relieve a toothache by applying garlic to the troubled tooth. Garlic has long been used for its medicinal properties, which include allicin, a chemical that might relieve pain and act as an anti-inflammatory. Talk to your doctor before taking any alternative treatment.

Step 1

Prepare a paste by peeling two fresh garlic cloves. Toss the cloves and 1 tsp. of salt into a mortar or other bowl.

Step 2

Use your pestle or other utensil to create a paste of the two ingredients. If the paste is too dry, add a few drops of olive oil to the mixture.

Step 3

Apply the paste to the affected tooth and hold in the mouth for at least 30 minutes. The pain should subside with continued use, up to four times a day. If your toothache pain persists after one week, seek further treatment with a dentist.

Things You'll Need

  • Fresh garlic
  • Salt
  • Spoon
  • Pestle
  • Mortar
  • Olive oil

References

Article reviewed by OmahaTyppo Last updated on: Feb 8, 2011

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