Toothache is a painful and distracting problem. Most people suffer from it at some point in their lives and once the pain starts, sooner or later, a visit to the dentist will become necessary. Modern day life can be hectic though, and busy work schedules, family commitments, or any number of other things can result in people having to live with toothache until they have time to visit the dentist. Modern over the counter medicine offers many options for suppressing pain, but some people do not wish to tackle the problem by popping pain killing tablets, so they seek a simple home remedy instead.
- Oil of Cloves is one of the best known home remedies for toothache and it is easy to target the problem area with a piece of cotton wool or tissue that has been dipped in clove oil. Even chewing on a clove that has been taken from the spice rack in the kitchen can provide effective relief for aching teeth; though it may take several minutes before this simple home remedy has time to take effect.
- Salt can also be used to treat aching teeth. Dissolve a couple of teaspoons of salt into a glass of warm water. Give the mixture a good stir and use it to swill around the aching tooth. After a minute or two spit out the mixture, take another sip of the salty water and rinse and repeat until the glass is empty.
- Another alternative is to use some ice. Even a bag of frozen peas, when held against against the cheek, may offer some relief, but a better idea is to use an ice pack. In the event that an icepack is not available; a sandwich bag filled with ice can work just as well, or—if you are feeling brave—pop an ice cube into your mouth and hold it on top of the offending tooth.
- Swilling the mouth with brandy, whiskey, or vodka can also alleviate the pain of an aching tooth. Another option is to soak a Q-tip or piece of cotton wool in one of the aforementioned spirits and use it to dab away the pain.
- The medicinal properties of garlic can also be called on to repel the pain caused by an aching tooth. Simply crush a clove or two with a pestle and mortar—the back of a spoon works just as well—and add a little salt to the mix. Apply the resulting paste to the offending tooth and allow the garlic ten minutes to half an hour to work its magic. Reapply the paste three or four times a day.
- Unlikely as it may sound, raw potato can also take away the pain from an aching tooth. Cut the potato into small to medium sized cubes, chill them in the refrigerator, and then press them against the problem tooth.
Remember, these remedies are, at best, a means of attaining temporary relief. Pain is just the symptom though; the problem needs to be tackled at its source, by a trained dental practitioner.
