Toothache Pain: Home and Natural Remedies
If you have a toothache, it’s critical to determine what’s causing your suffering. You can then figure out how to treat any pain, swelling, or other symptoms. Minor discomfort may usually be treated with a saltwater rinse and a cold compress, but more acute toothaches may require the assistance of a dentist.
They can provide you advice on how to get rid of your symptoms and avoid future discomfort.
If you’re pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition that might be affected by herbal components, see your dentist before taking any of the following treatments.
1. Rinse with salt water
A saltwater rinse is an excellent first-line therapy for many patients. Saltwater is a natural disinfectant that can aid in the loosening of food particles and dirt trapped between your teeth. A toothache can be relieved by gargling with salt water, which also helps to decrease inflammation and cure any oral sores.
To apply this method, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it.
2. Rinse with hydrogen peroxide
A hydrogen peroxide rinse may also aid in pain and inflammation relief. Hydrogen peroxide can decrease plaque and treat bleeding gums in addition to eliminating germs.
Make sure the hydrogen peroxide is suitably diluted. To do so, make a mouthwash by mixing 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with equal amounts of water. Don’t take it down.
3. Apply a cold compress
You can use a cold compress to ease any pain you’re having, especially if your toothache is caused by trauma. Swelling and inflammation can be reduced by the cold.
Hold a towel-wrapped bag of ice to the afflicted region for 20 minutes at a time to utilize this method.
4. Teabags with peppermint
Teabags made from peppermint can be used to relieve pain and soothe irritated gums.
Allow a used tea bag to cool before putting it in the afflicted region to achieve this.
You may also switch gears and utilize this to cool rather than heat the space. To do so, cool a used tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes before applying it to your tooth.
5. Garlic
Garlic’s therapeutic qualities have been known and utilized for thousands of years. It has the ability to destroy dangerous germs that create tooth plaque as well as function as a pain reliever.
To use, make a paste out of a garlic clove and apply it to the afflicted region. You might want to season with a pinch of salt. Alternatively, you can eat a fresh garlic clove gently.
6. Vanilla flavoring
The vanilla extract includes alcohol, which can be used to aid with pain relief. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities make it a powerful healer.
To use, dab a little quantity of vanilla essence onto a cotton ball or your finger. Several times each day, apply it immediately to the afflicted region.
Other natural solutions
The following treatments may be done at home, although you may need to obtain the necessary components. All of the ingredients may be found at your local health food shop or on the internet. Because your mouth, teeth, and gums are likely sensitive at this time, buying these components from a trustworthy source is very crucial. This might help you avoid being irritated.
7. Cloves
Clove oil has long been used to treat toothaches because it effectively numbs pain and reduces inflammation. Eugenol, a natural antibacterial, is found in it.
Apply a tiny amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it to the afflicted area to utilize this method. Dilute the clove oil with a few drops of carrier oil, such as olive oil, or water. Do this many times a day.
You may also prepare a mouthwash by mixing a drop of clove oil with a small glass of water.
8. Guava leaves
They also contain antibacterial properties that can help with dental hygiene.
To use, chew on fresh guava leaves or create a mouthwash by combining crushed guava leaves with hot water.
9. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass has several therapeutic qualities and, when consumed internally, can help to repair your body from the inside out. It can help to reduce oral irritation and prevent infections. It also has a high chlorophyll content, which helps it fight germs.
10. Thyme
Thyme contains antibacterial and antioxidant effects as well.
A reliable source that can assist in the treatment of toothaches.
To use, dab a cotton ball with a few drops of thyme essential oil and a few drops of water. Apply the oil to the afflicted region after diluting it with water.
You may also prepare a mouthwash by mixing a drop of the oil with a small glass of water.
Consult your dentist.
You should see your dentist if your toothache is severe or the consequence of a more serious medical issue so that it may be appropriately treated. Many toothaches will necessitate medical assistance. Ibuprofen, an over-the-counter pain medication, may be helpful until you visit a dentist.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should consult your dentist:
Fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and overall pain that lasts more than a day or two
When you bite excessively red gums, you will experience swelling and agony.
pus or a foul-tasting discharge
Is Garlic Effective in Treating Toothaches?
Toothaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including cavities, inflamed gums, tooth decay, grinding your teeth, or excessive flossing. Toothaches are inconvenient no matter what the cause, and you’ll want treatment as soon as possible.
In most situations, you should arrange an appointment with a dentist as soon as you notice a toothache developing. While you wait, there are several home treatments that might help relieve the discomfort. Garlic is one of these treatments.
Why can garlic help with toothaches?
Garlic is more commonly associated with Italian cooking than with toothache relief, yet it has long been recommended for its therapeutic properties.
Allicin, one of garlic’s most well-known components, has antibacterial and antimicrobial characteristics that can help eliminate some of the germs that cause toothaches. Fresh garlic contains allicin after it has been crushed or chopped.
Is it possible to get rid of a toothache using garlic powder?
You might be tempted to use garlic powder to relieve tooth pain if you don’t have any fresh garlic on hand. Garlic powder, on the other hand, does not contain allicin, thus it will not relieve tooth pain.
Allicin isn’t found in whole garlic cloves, but it’s generated when they’re crushed, chewed, diced, or sliced, and it’s only present for a short time.
Are there any negative consequences?
Garlic is a nutritious food that might help alleviate toothaches momentarily. However, before you do this at home, you should be aware of the risks of consuming raw garlic, which include:
Bloating, foul breath, body odor, upset stomach, heartburn, and a burning feeling in the mouth are all symptoms of acid reflux, which is an allergic reaction.
How to Treat Toothaches with Garlic?
Make sure the garlic you’re using is fresh.
Take a garlic clove and chew it.
- Gently chew on a peeled garlic clove with the afflicted teeth. This will produce allicin, a bacteria-killing compound that may be partially to blame for your pain.
- Allow the clove to rest on the tooth after it has been eaten.
Make a paste with the ingredients.
- Crush garlic using a mortar or the back of a spoon and combine with a sprinkle of salt, which is also antimicrobial and may help to decrease inflammation.
- Using your fingertips or a cotton swab, apply the mixture to the afflicted tooth.
The use of garlic to alleviate dental pain should be done with caution.
Avoid pushing the garlic into the tooth to the point that it becomes trapped, especially if the tooth has a cavity.
Garlic can cause allergic reactions in certain people. If this is the case, you should avoid using this treatment.
Garlic is considered safe to eat while pregnant, but too much of it can induce heartburn (even if you aren’t).
Other toothache home treatments
There are alternative home treatments for toothache pain that you may try if you’re allergic to garlic or don’t enjoy the flavor.
An ice pack or cold compress
The use of ice packs constricts blood vessels, which can help to relieve pain. Swelling and irritation are also reduced by using ice.
Mouthwash with saltwater
Saltwater is a disinfectant and may help dislodge food that has become stuck in the afflicted tooth. Mix a half-teaspoon of salt in warm water, let it dissolve, then swirl the saltwater mouthwash over the afflicted tooth.
Anti-inflammatories
Anti-inflammatory pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which are available over-the-counter, can temporarily alleviate swelling and discomfort associated with a toothache. However, they are unable to resolve the ache’s fundamental cause.
Tea with peppermint
Peppermint has the ability to dull pain and decrease edema. Apply a warm (not hot) tea bag to the tooth that is bothering you. Alternatively, steep the tea bag in boiling water as usual, then chill the bag before using.
Thyme
Thyme, like garlic, has antibacterial and antioxidant qualities that can help with pain management. You can relieve the discomfort by gently chewing on fresh thyme.
Aloe Vera gel
Aloe Vera is a plant that is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects. It can help with mouth pain and swelling.
Cloves
Cloves can help with inflammation and contain eugenol, which is an antiseptic. You can dilute clove oil with a carrier oil (such as olive oil) and apply it with a cotton ball to the afflicted tooth, but do not consume it.
When should you see a dentist?
Home cures can help relieve the discomfort of a toothache in the short term, but they aren’t a substitute for a trip to the dentist. Make an appointment as soon as you notice the first signs of a toothache.
Effective home remedies are designed to alleviate some of the pain while you wait to visit a doctor, but they aren’t meant to provide long-term pain relief or treatment.
If you have any of the following symptoms, see a dentist immediately soon.
lingering pain, edema, inflammation, fever, and bleeding.
Takeaway
Garlic emits an antibacterial and antimicrobial chemical called allicin when crushed, chewed, sliced, or diced, which can temporarily relieve toothache discomfort. However, it should not be used in place of a visit to the dentist.
Meal suggestions for when your tooth hurts
Tooth pain is a problem that you should not overlook. Whether it’s a debilitating cavity or a sinus infection, a wisdom tooth that won’t come out, or the need to tighten braces, your teeth will be in excruciating agony.
And you won’t be able to grin or chew your food since you won’t be able to flex those cheek muscles. Here is a list of foods that you can consume while still suffering from tooth discomfort.
1. Milk, yogurt, and cheese
When you have a toothache, dairy products are your best friend. Milk and yogurt will simply glide between your teeth, and you won’t even realize.
2. Soups with mushy components
Soup instead of appetizers? You must be suffering from a cold.
Or, as the case may be, a terrible toothache. The soup can be thin or thick, but the accompanying components must be pounded thoroughly before being added to the liquid.
3. Pudding/custard
You don’t have to tell someone to eat custard and pudding even if they have a toothache. These delicious milk-based sweets may obliterate any tooth discomfort, and by the time you realize it, you’ll be too full to notice.
4. Soft cakes and muffins
For tooth pain, extra soft and moist muffins (without toppings) or light sponge cakes that put the weight of a feather to shame are both suitable alternatives. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with a toothache.
5. Pancakes
Despite its popularity as a morning food, you can’t stop yourself from eating pancakes for the rest of the day. Pancakes are soft and sweetly flavored, making them very simple to chew, even if you have a toothache.
6. Pasta
Whether it’s because you’re greedy or because you can’t stop yourself, you wind yourself eating pasta every other day of the week. When you have a very awful teeth day, though, spaghetti is the recommended meal option. It dissolves in your mouth, leaving little room for your teeth to work. The issue has been resolved.
7. Meat puree
When feeding a newborn or a person with a dental problem, meat is pureed. The end result is a liquid gravy that won’t hurt your throat when you drink it. Season the pureed meat with salt and pepper, then crush in some veggies for added nutrition.
8. Salmon and tuna
Your taste buds are yearning for anything other than the harsh taste of painkillers; tuna and salmon are the perfect fish to satisfy your seafood desire while avoiding tooth decay.
9. Fruit shakes/milkshakes
Milkshakes and fruit shakes may be consumed without the need for teeth.
10. Fruits and vegetables mashed
Fruits and vegetables are a great way to give your teeth a nice workout. However, because you are a prisoner to your food, you will need to take nutritious supplements on a regular basis. Vegetables must be mashed until they have a smooth semi-solid consistency to make them simpler to consume.
Oral Discomfort Eating Strategies
If your loved one is suffering from mouth sores, sensitive gums, or other oral issues as a result of cancer treatment, here are some food suggestions to consider.
Sore Throat or Mouth
Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or infection can cause mouth sores, sensitive gums, and a sore throat or esophagus. If you develop a painful mouth or gums, consult your doctor to ensure that the discomfort is due to a therapy side effect rather than a separate dental issue. The doctor may be able to prescribe pain relievers for your mouth and throat. Your dentist can also provide you with oral hygiene advice. Certain foods irritate a sensitive mouth, making chewing and swallowing difficult.
You can typically make eating simpler by carefully selecting meals and taking proper care of your mouth, teeth, and gums.
Soft meals that are simple to chew and swallow are recommended, such as:
- Milkshakes
- Applesauce, bananas, and other soft fruits
- nectars of peach, pear, and apricot
- Watermelon
- Yogurt, cottage cheese
- Noodles, mashed potatoes
- Cheese and macaroni
- Custards, puddings, and gelatin are all examples of gelatin.
- Eggs scrambled
- Cooked oats or other cereals
- Vegetables pureed or mashed, such as peas and carrots
- Meat purees
Foods or drinks that irritate your mouth should be avoided. These are some of them:
- Citrus fruits and juices such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and other citrus fruits and juices
- Sauces made using tomatoes or tomato juice
- Foods that are spicy or salty
- Other rough, gritty, or dry foods include raw vegetables, granola, bread, crackers, and other rough, coarse, or dry meals.
- Alcohol-based mouthwashes are available in the market.
Other food ideas include:
- Cook until the food is nice and tender.
- Foods should be cut into little pieces.
- Puree your meals in a blender or food processor.
- To make meals easier to swallow, add butter, margarine, light gravy, or sauce.
- Drink liquids via a straw.
- Use a spoon that is smaller than normal, such as a baby spoon.
- Foods should be served chilled or at room temperature. Hot meals can aggravate a sore throat and mouth.
- Warm bouillon or salty broth might help to relieve throat discomfort.
- Sucking on ice chips is a fun way to pass the time.
- Tilting your head back or forward may assist if swallowing is difficult.
- Your dentist may be able to prescribe a specific product for cleaning your teeth if your teeth and gums are inflamed.
- Rinse your mouth with water frequently to get rid of food and bacteria and aid healing.
- Consult your doctor about anesthetic lozenges and sprays that can temporarily numb your lips and throat so you can eat.
Mouth Dryness
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the head and neck area can induce dry mouth by reducing saliva flow. Foods become more difficult to chew and swallow when this happens. Foods might also taste different when you have a dry tongue. Some of the suggestions for a painful mouth and throat may be beneficial. The following tips may potentially assist you in dealing with dry mouth.
- Every few minutes, take a drink of water to help you swallow and talk more smoothly.
- Consider bringing a water bottle with you so that you have some on hand at all times.
- Try eating and drinking highly sweet or sour foods and beverages, such as lemonade, to help your tongue produce more saliva. (Do not attempt this if you have a tender tongue or sore throat that is made worse by sweet or sour meals.)
- Chew gum or eat hard sweets or popsicles. These can aid in the production of more saliva.
- Soft and pureed meals, which are easier to swallow, are recommended.
- Lip salves will keep your lips hydrated.
- To make meals easier to swallow, add sauces, gravies, and salad dressings.
Ask your doctor or dentist about mouth and throat products that cover, protect, and moisturize your mouth and throat if your dry mouth is severe. They’re sometimes referred to as “fake saliva.”
Problems with Your Teeth and Gums
Tooth decay and other issues with your teeth and gums might be caused by cancer and cancer treatment. Radiation to the mouth, for example, might damage your salivary glands, leaving your mouth dry and raising your cavity risk. Changes in eating habits may exacerbate the issue. Before you begin therapy, your doctor and dentist should work closely together to correct any dental issues. You may need to clean your teeth more frequently if you eat frequently or eat a lot of sweets.
Here are some more suggestions for avoiding dental problems:
- Make sure your doctor is aware of any dental issues you are experiencing.
- Patients who are undergoing therapy that affects the mouth, such as head and neck radiation, may need to see the dentist more frequently than normal.
- Brush your teeth with a gentle toothbrush. If your gums are really sensitive, ask your doctor, nurse, or dentist for a recommendation for a specific toothbrush and/or toothpaste.
- When your gums and mouth hurt, rinse them with warm water.
- If you consume high-sugar foods or foods that adhere to your teeth, wash or rinse your mouth afterward to avoid tooth decay from the sugar, or choose sugar-free alternatives. (Sorbitol, a sugar replacement used in many sugar-free goods, has been linked to diarrhea in some people.) If you suffer from diarrhea, read the labels of sugar-free goods before buying them and restrict your intake.) If you consume high-sugar foods or foods that adhere to your teeth, wash or rinse your mouth afterward to avoid tooth decay from the sugar, or choose sugar-free alternatives.
Taste or Smell
During your disease or treatment, your perception of taste or smell may change. Foods, particularly meat and other high-protein foods, can develop a bitter or metallic flavor with time. Many foods will lose their flavor. These issues might be caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or cancer itself. Dental issues can also alter the flavor of meals. When a person’s therapy is done, the alterations in taste and smell usually fade away.
Because each individual is impacted differently by disease and treatments, there is no guaranteed strategy to prevent alterations in your sense of taste or smell. However, if you’re having trouble, the suggestions below should assist. (Talk to your doctor, nurse, or registered dietitian if you also have a painful mouth, sore gums, or a sore throat.) They may be able to recommend strategies to assist you without causing harm to the painful regions.)
- Choose and cook foods that appeal to your senses.
- Marinade meat, poultry, or fish in sweet fruit juices, sweet wine, Italian dressing, or sweet-and-sour sauce to enhance taste.
- Use fragrant spices like basil, oregano, or rosemary in tiny amounts.
- Try tart meals like oranges or lemonade, which have a stronger flavor. A sour lemon custard might be tasty while also providing necessary protein and calories. (Tart or citrus meals may cause pain or discomfort if you have a sore mouth or throat.)
- If odors disturb you, consider serving meals at room temperature, using a kitchen fan, covering foods while cooking, and cooking outside when the weather is nice.
- To flavor veggies, try adding bacon, ham, or onion.
- Consult your dentist to rule out any dental issues that might impact the flavor or odor of your meals.
- Inquire with your dentist or doctor about specific mouthwashes and proper oral hygiene.
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