Table of contents:
- Several options for treating toothache at home
- 1. Salt
- 2. Cloves
- 3. Guava leaves
- 4. Garlic
- 5. Thyme
- 6. Peppermint
- 7. Ice cubes
- 8. Gargle with vinegar
- 9. Honey Water
- 10. Turmeric
- 11.Licorice (liquorice)
- 12. Aloe vera
- Pay attention to this before using natural toothache remedies
- How to treat toothache with medicines in pharmacies and antibiotics from doctors
The best solution when you have a toothache is to go to a dentist. The doctor will usually give you pain relievers when you have a tooth problem and advise you to come back at another time when the pain has subsided. This is because dentists cannot perform other treatments while your teeth still hurt. Therefore, you need to find ways to treat your own toothache that can be done at home.
This other method can relieve pain in your teeth before you go to the dentist. Here are various ways to treat toothaches that you can do at home:
Several options for treating toothache at home
There are many things that cause toothaches ranging from cavities, infections, gum disease, or disorders of the jaw joint. But whatever the cause, the pain you feel usually makes it difficult not only to eat and drink but also to spread to the head.
Here are some traditional ways to treat toothaches at home before going to the doctor:
1. Salt
Gargling with salt water is a first aid step before you go to the dentist.
Gargling can help remove food debris that is still stuck between your teeth. In addition, salt is water absorbent, so it is effective at killing bad bacteria in the mouth.
Bacteria can only breed in an acidic and humid environment. So when the mouth is dry, the bacteria cannot survive.
Therefore, gargling salt water can help relieve toothache and relieve swelling of the gums. This traditional way of treating toothache can also speed up healing of wounds in the mouth area..
How to use salt water as a natural toothache remedy is very easy. Simply dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle with salt water at least twice a day or until the toothache subsides.
The use of salt water as a tooth pain reliever has been around since ancient times, you know ! This natural method is also considered safe for pregnant women to do.
2. Cloves
source: Natural Pigments
A study from the Journal of Dentistry reports that the eugenol compound in cloves can relieve pain naturally. Cloves are also known to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause toothaches.
How to use cloves as a natural toothache remedy varies. Some suggest biting a whole clove stem on the area of the tooth that hurts for a while. There are also those who suggest using a cotton ball dipped in clove oil and affixed to the aching tooth.
However, be careful with the risk of irritation, shortness of breath, and bleeding when using cloves. In addition, be aware of the risk of irritation to your eyes due to your hands touching your eyes after handling the cloves. So make sure to wash your hands immediately after handling the cloves.
In addition, ingested clove seeds or oil can also increase the risk of sore throat and vomiting. So, make sure that the clove oil doesn't drip onto your tongue or sensitive gums.
This negligence can cause a burning sensation in the gums or damage to the tissues and nerves around the sore tooth. Clove oil should also not be used in pregnant and lactating women, children, and people with a medical history.
3. Guava leaves
Don't throw away the guava leaves if you just bought the fruit. Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain reliever (analgesic) properties which can be a way to treat toothaches at home.
Summarizing various studies, these leaves are reported to help relieve pain in teeth and inflammation due to periodontitis. Two different studies from the Philippines and Cameroon also prove that guava leaves are effective in treating canker sores.
How to use it, chew 1-2 guava leaves until the water comes out. Then apply the extracts of the leaves with your tongue directly on the sore tooth.
Don't like the bitter taste of the leaves?
Alternatively, you can boil four to five guava leaves and then strain them in a glass. Let stand until lukewarm, add a pinch of salt. Use the guava leaf solution as a mouthwash.
4. Garlic
The benefits of garlic have been known for thousands of years as a natural remedy for toothaches. Garlic works to relieve pain by killing bacteria that cause tooth infections.
It is very easy to use garlic as a way to treat a traditional toothache. You can chew raw garlic for a few minutes on the side of the mouth where the teeth are burning.
If you don't like that method, thinly slice the onion and bite the slices on the sore tooth area. You can also grind the garlic to be rubbed on the sore tooth area.
However, be careful when using garlic for toothache medicine. According to research from India, raw garlic that is left in the mouth for too long can cause burns to the lining of the mouth.
Other studies have also found that raw garlic applied directly to the skin can cause burns as well.
5. Thyme
Have you ever heard of the thyme plant? You can use this plant as a herbal toothache remedy. Thyme is claimed to have high enough antibacterial and antioxidant content so that it can help treat toothaches.
Simply put a sufficient amount of essential oil containing thyme on a cotton ball, then apply it to the area of the tooth that hurts. Not only that, you can also mix it in water and make a mouthwash.
6. Peppermint
Almost the same as cloves, peppermint or peppermint has properties that are deadly and relieve toothache. This herbal toothache method also contains menthol which is known as antibacterial.
Simply soak the dried peppermint leaves in hot water and let it sit for 20 minutes. If it feels warm or cold, you can use it as a mouthwash and even drink it.
7. Ice cubes
Another recommendation for natural toothache remedies is ice packs. The cold temperature of the ice cubes numb the nerves that trigger the pain, providing temporary pain relief.
In addition, the coldness of the ice cubes also stimulates the constriction of blood vessels in the face and slows down blood flow to the injury site. This can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.
The trick is to put a few ice cubes into the plastic and then coat it again with a thin washcloth. Place the compress on the sore cheek for 15 minutes. You can also bite an ice cube directly on the surface of the tooth that hurts.
Another trick is to massage the ice cubes between the thumb and forefinger on the back of the hand that is the same side of the tooth that is aching. So for example the sore tooth is on the right side of the face, massage the back of the right hand right in the middle of the thumb and index finger using ice cubes.
The nerves in your fingers send out a “cold” signal that may overlay pain signals from your teeth.
8. Gargle with vinegar
If you are less interested in salty salt water, maybe this way to treat toothache could be an option. Both kitchen vinegar and apple cider vinegar contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can effectively kill the germs that cause toothache.
However, don't rinse your mouth with pure vinegar. The acid from vinegar can damage tooth enamel if exposed directly. So, first dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water. Gargle and hold on the affected area for about 30 seconds. After that, throw it away.
If you are not strong with the sour taste of vinegar, you can drop the vinegar on a cotton ball and stick the cotton on the sore tooth. After that, immediately rinse your mouth and brush your teeth as usual with toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
9. Honey Water
Honey also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, so it can be used as a natural remedy to relieve sore teeth. In fact, one study from The Saudi Dental Journal reports honey can also help prevent cavities and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
You can dissolve a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water and mix well. Use the honey water as a mouthwash for 30 seconds. Discard the former mouthwash, and end with drinking water.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric, which is commonly used for flavoring dishes, is also useful as a natural toothache remedy.
The curcumin compounds in turmeric are known to be effective against bacteria that cause gum infections and reduce inflammation. To maintain oral health and treat sore teeth, you can process turmeric in two ways.
First, grate half of the turmeric and place it on the problem tooth for a few minutes. Second, you can process turmeric into toothpaste.
The trick, mix grated turmeric with baking soda and coconut oil. Mix all the ingredients together until they form a thick cream. Use this cream every time you want to brush your teeth.
11.Licorice (liquorice)
According to research published in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Natural Products, licorice, aka liquorice root, is believed to have benefits for dental health. There are licoricidin and licorisoflavan A compounds, which are antibacterial, which function to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause cavities.
Not only that, licorice as a traditional way to treat toothaches can also reduce plaque on teeth. You can use licorice powder to brush your teeth. In addition, you can use the soft stem directly as a toothbrush.
12. Aloe vera
Usually, aloe vera is used as a facial skin care as well as hair. This is because of its benefits to soothe the skin and is able to thicken hair.
But, you can also use aloe vera as a natural remedy for cavities.
According to research conducted in 2015, aloe vera gel is claimed to help fight the bacteria that cause cavities. Now research is still ongoing to see if aloe vera can help remineralize tooth enamel.
Pay attention to this before using natural toothache remedies
Many people choose to use natural ingredients to treat various diseases because they are considered safer and have minimal side effects. In fact, herbal remedies and natural ingredients are not always sure to be safe.
For example, clove oil is widely used. Ingesting clove oil can not only make you nauseous and vomiting, but it also increases the risk of seizures, kidney failure, and liver damage if too much swallowed up.
Everyone can experience different reactions or side effects. It is better to always consult a doctor before you use herbal remedies or any natural ingredients.
Besides that, keep in mind that the various uses of natural ingredients above are only for pain relief and are temporary. If your condition doesn't get better or gets worse, don't hesitate to consult a dentist immediately.
How to treat toothache with medicines in pharmacies and antibiotics from doctors
In addition to natural toothache remedies, there are also several medicines in pharmacies that you can use to treat your toothache. You are advised to still consult a doctor before using any toothache medication, including antibiotics to prevent unwanted things.
Here are some of the most effective toothache medications you can find at the nearest pharmacy or drug store:
- Hydrogen peroxide 3%
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Paracetamol
- Naproxen
- Benzocaine
- Decongestants
Meanwhile, the choice of antibiotics for toothaches that are commonly prescribed by doctors include:
- Amoxicillin
- Metronidazole
- Erythromycin
- Clindamycin
- Tetracycline
- Azithromycin
You already know, what to do when a toothache strikes? Come on, also see the experiences of people using toothache medications in the Hello People by Hello Sehat video above. You can also watch other health information videos on the Hello Sehat youtube channel.