Toothache pain is one of the most common and unpleasant dental problems that can affect anyone at any age.
Whether it is a sharp, throbbing, or dull ache, tooth pain can make it hard to eat, drink, talk, or even sleep.
Toothache pain can also indicate a serious underlying dental condition that needs immediate attention.
But What causes toothache pain?
And what can you do to relieve it at home?
There are many possible causes of toothache pain, such as:
Dental decay
This is the most common cause of toothache pain.
Dental decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth break down the sugars and starches in your food and produce acids that erode your tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth.
This can expose the dentin, the softer layer underneath the enamel, or the pulp, the innermost layer that contains the nerves and blood vessels of your tooth.
When the dentin or the pulp is exposed, your tooth becomes sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or sour stimuli, causing pain.
Dental infection
This is another common cause of toothache pain.
Dental infection occurs when bacteria invade the pulp of your tooth, causing inflammation and pressure.
This can result in a tooth abscess, which is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the root of your tooth.
A tooth abscess can cause severe, persistent, and throbbing pain that can spread to your jaw, ear, or head.
A tooth abscess can also cause fever, swelling, redness, or pus in your mouth.
A tooth abscess is a serious dental emergency that can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Dental trauma
This is a less common but still possible cause of toothache pain.
Dental trauma occurs when your tooth is cracked, chipped, or broken due to an injury, such as a fall, a blow, or a bite.
A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth can expose the dentin or the pulp of your tooth, causing pain and sensitivity.
A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth can also increase your risk of dental decay and infection, as bacteria can enter the damaged area more easily.
Dental problems
There are other dental problems that can cause toothache pain, such as:
Receding gums
This is when your gums pull away from your teeth, exposing the roots of your teeth.
Receding gums can be caused by gum disease, aging, brushing too hard, or genetics.
Receding gums can cause pain and sensitivity, as the roots of your teeth are more vulnerable to decay and infection.
Impacted wisdom teeth
This is when your wisdom teeth, the last set of molars that usually erupt in your late teens or early twenties, do not have enough room to grow properly in your mouth.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, or damage to your adjacent teeth or jawbone.
Bruxism
This is when you clench or grind your teeth, usually unconsciously or during sleep.
Bruxism can cause pain, sensitivity, wear, and damage to your teeth and jaw. Bruxism can also cause headaches, earaches, or facial pain.
Misaligned teeth
This is when your teeth are not aligned properly, causing bite problems, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.
Misaligned teeth can cause pain, difficulty chewing, speech problems, or damage to your teeth and jaw.
Misaligned teeth can also affect your appearance and self-esteem.
If you have toothache pain, you should always see your dentist as soon as possible to find out the cause and get the appropriate treatment.
However, sometimes you may not be able to see your dentist right away, or you may want to try some home and natural remedies to ease your pain until you get professional care.
In this blog post, we will share with you 11 home and natural remedies for toothache pain that are easy, safe, and effective.
These remedies can help you reduce pain, inflammation, and infection, and improve your oral health and well-being.
However, please note that these remedies are not a substitute for professional dental care.
They are only meant to provide temporary relief and should not be used for more than a few days.
If your toothache pain persists or worsens, or if you have any other symptoms or conditions that indicate a serious dental problem, you should see your dentist immediately.
Read on to discover 11 home and natural remedies for toothache pain and how to use them.
1. Saltwater rinse
One of the simplest and most effective home remedies for toothache pain is a saltwater rinse.
Salt water is a natural disinfectant that can help kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and loosen food particles that may be stuck between your teeth.
To use this remedy, mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth gently for a few seconds. Repeat this several times a day as needed.
2. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
Another natural antiseptic that can help with toothache pain is hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide can kill bacteria, reduce plaque, and heal bleeding gums.
However, you need to dilute it properly before using it as a mouthwash.
To do this, mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and swish it around your mouth for no more than a minute. Do not swallow it.
You can use this remedy once or twice a day.
3. Cold compress
If your toothache is caused by trauma or inflammation, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help ease the pain.
Cold compresses work by constricting the blood vessels in the area, which reduces the swelling and the nerve sensitivity.
To use this remedy, wrap a bag of ice or frozen peas in a towel and hold it against your cheek for 20 minutes at a time.
You can repeat this every few hours.
4. Peppermint tea bags
Peppermint tea bags can be used to numb pain and soothe sensitive gums.
Peppermint has menthol, which is a natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory agent.
To use this remedy, allow a used tea bag to cool down a bit and then apply it to the affected area.
It should still be slightly warm.
You can also put a used tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes and then apply it to your tooth to cool it down.
5. Garlic
Garlic is a well-known natural remedy for various ailments, including toothache pain.
Garlic has allicin, which is a powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compound.
To use this remedy, crush a clove of garlic and mix it with a little salt.
Apply the paste to the painful tooth and leave it for a few minutes.
You can also chew a raw garlic clove or rinse your mouth with garlic water.
6. Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is another natural remedy that can help with toothache pain.
Vanilla extract has alcohol, which can numb the pain, and vanillin, which can prevent infection and inflammation.
To use this remedy, dab a cotton ball or a Q-tip with vanilla extract and apply it to the painful tooth.
You can also use your finger to rub the extract on your gums.
7. Clove oil
Clove oil is one of the most popular and effective natural remedies for toothache pain.
Clove oil has eugenol, which is a potent anesthetic and antiseptic.
Clove oil can help relieve pain, kill bacteria, and reduce swelling.
To use this remedy, dilute a few drops of clove oil with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, and apply it to the painful tooth with a cotton ball or a Q-tip.
You can also chew a whole clove or place it near the affected area.
8. Guava leaves
Guava leaves are another natural remedy that can help with toothache pain.
Guava leaves have flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents.
Guava leaves can help heal wounds, reduce pain, and prevent infection.
To use this remedy, chew a fresh guava leaf or boil a handful of guava leaves in water and use the solution as a mouthwash.
9. Wheatgrass juice
Wheatgrass juice is a natural remedy that can help with toothache pain and improve your oral health.
Wheatgrass juice has chlorophyll, which is a natural detoxifier and anti-inflammatory.
Wheatgrass juice can help fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
To use this remedy, extract the juice from fresh wheatgrass and use it as a mouthwash.
You can also drink wheatgrass juice to boost your immune system and prevent infections.
10. Thyme oil
Thyme oil is another natural remedy that can help with toothache pain.
Thyme oil has thymol, which is a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
Thyme oil can help kill bacteria, reduce pain, and prevent infection.
To use this remedy, dilute a few drops of thyme oil with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, and apply it to the painful tooth with a cotton ball or a Q-tip.
You can also add a few drops of thyme oil to a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash.
11. Toothache plant
Toothache plant, also known as Spilanthes or Acmella oleracea, is a natural remedy that can help with toothache pain.
Toothache plant has spilanthol, which is a natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory.
Toothache plant can help numb the pain, reduce swelling, and stimulate saliva production.
To use this remedy, chew a fresh or dried leaf or flower of the toothache plant or apply its extract to the painful tooth.
How to prevent toothache Pain
The best way to prevent toothache pain is to maintain good oral hygiene, take the right pills for you and visit your dentist regularly.
Here are some tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid toothache pain:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles that may cause tooth decay and gum disease.
- Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash or a saltwater solution after brushing and flossing.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria and food debris.
- Eat a balanced diet that includes foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin D, which are essential for your dental health.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as they can damage your teeth and gums and increase your risk of infection and inflammation.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports or doing activities that may cause trauma to your teeth and jaws.
- See your dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can detect and treat any dental problems before they become serious and cause toothache pain.
When to see your dentist
While home and natural remedies can provide temporary relief for toothache pain.
They are not a substitute for professional dental care.
You should see your dentist as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms or conditions:
- Severe, persistent, or throbbing tooth pain that does not go away with home remedies.
- Tooth pain that radiates to your jaw, ear, or head.
- Tooth pain that is accompanied by fever, swelling, redness, or pus.
- Tooth pain that occurs after a dental procedure, such as a filling, crown, or root canal.
- Tooth pain that is caused by a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth.
- Tooth pain that is caused by a tooth abscess, which is a serious infection that can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated.
- Tooth pain that interferes with your daily activities, such as eating, speaking, or sleeping.
Your dentist can diagnose the cause of your toothache pain and provide the appropriate treatment, such as:
- Filling or restoring a cavity or a damaged tooth.
- Performing a root canal to remove the infected pulp and nerve of a tooth.
- Extracting a severely decayed or damaged tooth that cannot be saved.
- Prescribing antibiotics to treat a tooth or gum infection.
- Prescribing painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Referring you to a specialist, such as an endodontist, an oral surgeon, or a periodontist, for more complex dental procedures.
FAQs
What are the signs of a tooth abscess?
A tooth abscess is a serious dental infection that can cause severe and throbbing pain, fever, swelling, redness, or pus in your mouth.
You may also have a bad taste or smell in your mouth, or have difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing.
A tooth abscess can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated, so you should see your dentist immediately if you have any of these signs.
How can I prevent tooth decay and cavities?
Tooth decay and cavities are caused by bacteria that break down the sugars and starches in your food and produce acids that erode your tooth enamel.
To prevent tooth decay and cavities, you should brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss your teeth at least once a day, rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash or a saltwater solution, avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
Drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
How can I stop grinding my teeth?
Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, can cause pain, sensitivity, wear, and damage to your teeth and jaw.
It can also cause headaches, earaches, or facial pain.
To stop grinding your teeth, you should try to identify and reduce the stress or anxiety that may be causing it.
Practice relaxation techniques, wear a mouthguard at night, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, and see your dentist for treatment options.
How can I align my teeth without braces?
Aligning your teeth without braces can be possible with some alternative methods, such as clear aligners, retainers, or veneers.
However, these methods may not be suitable for everyone, depending on the severity and complexity of your case.
You should consult your dentist or orthodontist to find out the best option for you and the pros and cons of each method.
How can I whiten my teeth naturally?
Whitening your teeth naturally can be done with some home and natural remedies, such as:
Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice.
However, these remedies may not be very effective, safe, or long-lasting, and they may also damage your tooth enamel or cause sensitivity.
You should use these remedies with caution and moderation, and consult your dentist before trying them.
How can I get rid of bad breath?
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by various factors, such as poor oral hygiene, dental problems, dry mouth, smoking, certain foods, or medical conditions.
To get rid of bad breath, you should brush your teeth twice a day, floss your teeth at least once a day, scrape your tongue.
Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash or a saltwater solution, drink plenty of water, chew sugar-free gum or mint.
Avoid smoking and alcohol, eat a balanced diet, and see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
You should also see your doctor if you have any medical conditions that may be causing your bad breath.
