Toothaches hurt! And when you have one, you want to get relief fast. But if you're not a fan of using products with synthetic ingredients, you might be in search of natural remedies to try instead. We've got you covered!
There are several natural remedies for teeth pain that you can use to reduce the discomfort until you can see your dentist. We've listed a few of them below to help you get started.
Natural Remedies to Try:
1. Apply a Cold Compress to Your Cheek
This natural option can be helpful if you have swelling along with a toothache. Just take a cold compress and put it against your cheek for 20 minutes. If you need more relief, wait an additional 20 minutes before reapplying the cold compress to the outside of the cheek. The goal here is to temporarily bring the swelling down, while also numbing the pain in the tooth.2. Feel Better with Clove Oil or Peppermint Oil
Clove oil is a natural pain reliever, but it can also help with swelling. Start by absorbing several drops of clove oil with a cotton ball. Rub it gently over the gums and teeth that are causing discomfort. Just keep in mind that, like other remedies on this list, this one can provide temporary effects, but you might be surprised by how well this oil works.Another natural way to numb the pain would be by using peppermint oil to get short-term relief. Once again, you can apply it using a cotton ball. Soak up a few drops of peppermint oil with a cotton ball, and then apply it to the painful area in your mouth.
3. Numb the Pain with Peppermint Tea or Black Tea
If you don’t have peppermint oil, you can also use peppermint tea. Take a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves and steep it for 20 minutes in a cup of boiling water. Once it cools down, use this as a rinse by swishing it around in your mouth. You can either swallow it or spit it out.Don’t have peppermint tea? No problem! Grab some black tea instead, which is also capable of reducing pain and swelling. To make the most of this natural remedy, you’ll need a wet tea bag (warm is most comfortable). Simply put it against the tooth that’s aching to help relieve the discomfort temporarily.
4. Rinse Your Mouth with Salt Water or Hydrogen Peroxide
Warm salt water can serve as a pain-relieving mouth rinse when you have a toothache and swelling in the gums. Put anywhere from ½ teaspoon to 2 teaspoons of salt in a cup (8 ounces) of water and swish it around for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Make sure the water is warm, rather than hot or cold, as that will provide the most relief without causing more discomfort.Alternatively, you could try rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide to reduce pain and swelling. Mix a small amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide in an equal amount of water before swishing and spitting. Like the salt water rinse, this shouldn’t be swallowed. And, after spitting it out, rinse your mouth a few times with pure water.
Have a Toothache? Make an Appointment to See Your Dentist!
Toothaches and swollen gums shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s time for a checkup. So make an appointment with your dentist to figure out what’s going on, and to receive the appropriate treatment that will provide permanent relief.Worried about affording trips to the dentist? Then consider signing up for one of the many affordable dental insurance plans on the Direct Benefits Marketplace! With the right plan, you’ll receive the financial support you need to keep your teeth and gums strong, healthy, and pain-free.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/home-remedies-toothache
https://www.thehealthy.com/dental/home-remedies-for-toothache/
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/4-tooth-pain-home-remedies
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities/four-homemade-toothache-remedies