I think we all have had our fair share of tooth pains, whether it be losing a tooth, growing one, discovering a cavity, or contracting an infection. All in all most people have had a toothache or will encounter one in their lifetime. There are several reasons toothaches occur and today we will discuss how you can treat them at home.

Common Causes of Toothaches

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitivity typically occurs when the enamel of your teeth has worn down. When a person brushes their teeth or exposes their teeth to hot or cold foods or liquids, tooth sensitivity occurs. The pain could be abrupt and intense or a dull ache.

Also, when you use dental care products like peroxide-based whitening chemicals that penetrate your teeth and cause tooth sensitivity, you may experience toothache discomfort.

Bruxism (grinding your teeth)

You may be suffering from bruxism if your teeth are aching yet there are no indicators of tooth decay or gum disease. Bruxism is the medical word for teeth grinding. Millions of people of all ages suffer from bruxism, a common cause of painful teeth.

If you have painful teeth or other bruxism symptoms, you should consult a dentist as soon as possible. Chronic tooth grinding, if left untreated, can damage crowns and fillings, as well as wear away tooth enamel, exposing your teeth to infection and disease. Crooked teeth, poor jaw alignment, and stress or worry are all causes of bruxism that contribute to painful teeth.

If your bruxism is caused by misaligned teeth, an orthodontist may be able to help you solve the problem. However, if your bruxism is caused by continuous stress, you may need to use stress management tactics to help ease your aching teeth. Your dentist may suggest that you wear a mouthguard at night to help avoid tooth pain.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction

You can develop tooth discomfort connected with the temporomandibular joint if you’re stressed to the point of clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth (TMJ). The TMJ is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull, allowing you to chew and speak.

Clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth puts extra strain on your jaw muscles, which can lead to dental pain. Your dentist can offer a TMJ dental splint to realign the lower jaw if your tooth discomfort is caused by TMJ syndrome. Warm compresses applied to the jaw, soft meals, and stress reduction techniques can all aid in less serious cases.

Damaged Teeth

A cracked or damaged tooth could be the source of your toothache. If this is the source of your discomfort, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Decayed Tooth

One of the most common reasons for toothache pain is tooth decay. Tooth decay happens when plaque bacteria’s acids pierce the tooth enamel, producing a loss of tooth minerals and if left untreated, discomfort in the tooth’s inner layer, the pulp.

Common Symptoms of Toothache

A toothache can cause the following symptoms:

• Sharp, throbbing, or continuous tooth pain.

• Swelling of the gums and mouth around the tooth

• Headache or fever

• Drainage from the affected tooth has a foul odor.

• Cold or hot sensitivity

Natural Toothache Remedies

If you cannot see a dentist right away, there are a few things you can do at home to relieve discomfort and make yourself feel better.

Salt water rinse

A salt water rinse is an excellent first-line treatment for many patients. Saltwater is a natural disinfectant that can aid in the loosening of food particles and debris lodged between your teeth.

Using salt water to relieve a toothache can also assist in the reduction of inflammation and the healing of any mouth sores. To use this method, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

A hydrogen peroxide rinse may also aid in pain and inflammation relief. Hydrogen peroxide can decrease plaque and treat bleeding gums besides eliminating bacteria. Ensure the hydrogen peroxide is adequately diluted. To do so, make a mouthwash by mixing three percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water.

Cold Compress

You can use a cold compress to reduce any pain you are having, especially if your toothache is the result of a trauma. The blood vessels in the affected area constrict when you use a cold compress. This reduces the severity of the pain. The coldness reduces the swelling and inflammation.

Hold a towel-wrapped bag of ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time to apply this method. If the pain returns or continues, repeat this method as needed over the course of many hours.

Peppermint tea bags

Peppermint tea bags soothe sore gums and relieve tooth pain. To use this method, simply boil water, place the tea bag in it, and allow it to steep. Do not apply hot tea bags to the gum. Instead, allow it to cool somewhat then apply it to the affected area.

You can also do this cold; simply repeat the previous steps instead of putting the tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes then apply it to your tooth.

Garlic

For thousands of years, garlic has treated many ailments including toothache. It has antimicrobial effects as well. It cannot only remove harmful germs that produce tooth plaque but also reduce discomfort.

Crush a garlic clove to make a paste and apply it to the affected area if you have a toothache. You might want to season with a pinch of salt. Alternatively, you can eat a fresh garlic clove slowly.

Vanilla Extract

The vanilla extract includes alcohol, which helps relieve pain. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics make it a powerful healer. You must use real vanilla instead of fake for this remedy to work. Apply a small amount of vanilla extract to your finger or a cotton ball to employ this cure. Several times per day, apply it immediately to the affected area.

Clove

Clove has been used to relieve toothaches from the beginning of time. The oil has a strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. It also contains Eugenol, which is a natural antibacterial. Dilute clove oil with a carrier oil, such as sunflower or jojoba oil, to employ this method.

According to the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, 15 drops of clove oil to one ounce of carrier oil is a good ratio. Dab a small amount of the diluted oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area several times a day. You may also prepare a mouthwash by mixing a drop of clove oil with a small glass of water.

Guava leaves

The leaves of the guava tree offer anti-inflammatory effects. A reliable source that can aid in the healing of wounds. They also have antibacterial activity, which can help with dental hygiene. To utilize this method, simply chew on fresh guava leaves or prepare a mouthwash by combining crushed guava leaves with boiling water.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is the young shoot of a wheat seed. This plant is one of the most popular microgreens. It contains many antioxidants and vitamins that the body needs.

Wheatgrass has a wide range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting characteristics. It includes numerous elements, including a high chlorophyll content, that aid in the fight against germs. These properties aid in fighting tooth infections and pain relief.

Your teeth can get these benefits by chewing raw wheat grass, powder, juice, or used as a mouthwash.

Thyme

Thyme also has antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics that can aid toothaches. It may even aid in the fight against bacteria that causes tooth decay. To use, combine thyme essential oil with a carrier oil and apply to the affected area. You may also prepare a mouthwash by mixing a drop of the oil with a small glass of water.

The toothache plant

Acmella oleracea, or the toothache plant, is a flowering plant native to Brazil. The plant is related to the daisy, however, it has a completely different appearance. It features yellow flowers with dark red dots in the center. These flowers, often known as Sichuan buttons or buzz buttons, are actually clusters of many little flowers.

The toothache plant grows in tropical and subtropical environments such as northern Australia, Africa, Sri Lanka, and southern and central India.

It produces a numbing effect on the mouth when chewed. According to a 2013 review, spilanthol, the plant’s principal active component, is responsible for this local anesthetic action. It also contains flavonoids, which are plant chemicals. Flavonoids suppress prostaglandins, which interfere with the perception of pain.

Despite the fact that this plant is generally thought to be safe, it should not be used if:

• you’re allergic to plants in the daisy family
• you drink alcohol
• you use diuretics
• you have prostate cancer
• you’re pregnant

Hot Pack

Applying a hot pack to the side of your jaw can help relieve pain. If you do not already have a heat pack, fill a clean sock with rice and tie one end. Then heat the rice-filled sock in the microwave for a few minutes. The heat from the back will disrupt the pain impulses from your mouth to your brain.

Elevation

Blood pooling in the brain can exacerbate discomfort and inflammation. For other folks, lifting their head with an extra pillow or two may be sufficient to put them to sleep.

A toothache is not fatal in and of itself. However, an untreated infection in your tooth (or any other area of your body) can spread. You could become ill, and your sickness could progress to the point where it is life-threatening. So, if your toothache is not going away, it is time to see your dentist.

How to avoid a toothache

Avoiding a toothache in the first place is the best method to cope with it. Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day and flossing at least once a day will help you avoid oral health problems. You should also have a balanced diet that excludes sugary and sticky meals and beverages.

You should avoid chewing ice or other hard objects that could cause a tooth fracture. Finally, plan regular dental cleanings and examinations to prevent this from occurring. This preventative method will help detect small oral abnormalities earlier before they become painful problems requiring costly procedures.

Conclusion

A toothache is an uncomfortable situation to be in. Many home cures can provide short relief and aid in sleeping, but they are not long-term answers.

Anyone who has a toothache that lasts more than a day or two and does not have symptoms of a sinus infection should see a dentist for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. They might need to fill a cavity or contemplate more serious procedures like root canals or tooth extractions.