Tooth pain can be one of the most excruciating pains a human can suffer. Tooth pain ensues when infection reaches the nerve of the tooth. A number of factors can expose the nerve to infection--an abscess or infection at the gum line, a cracked tooth, loss of a tooth or tooth decay (the primary cause of toothaches). While you should see a dentist as quickly as possible if you develop a toothache, there are a number of natural ways to address the pain.
Compresses
Applying cold or hot compresses can diffuse the pain. To use a cold compress, put an ice cube in a plastic bag (a small Ziploc bag will do) and wrap it with a cloth. Apply it to the cheek area over the painful tooth for instant relief. Warm tea bags applied directly to the painful area can do the trick too, particularly black tea. It contains tannins that act as an astringent to reduce the swelling of the inflamed gum, offering pain relief. Tannins also have antibacterial properties.
Cloves
As early as 266 B.C., Chinese officials used cloves to sweeten their breath before meeting the Emperor. As it turns out, clove does more than sweeten the breath---its antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties make it a natural choice for tooth pain relief. It contains 85 percent eugenol, an essential oil that serves as a natural analgesic, numbing the sensation of pain.
Clove oil can be applied directly onto a painful tooth for immediate relief. You can also make clove paste by adding several drops of water to about 1/4 tsp. of ground clove. Mix thoroughly and apply it to the sore tooth and the surrounding gum. Leave the paste on for a few minutes, spit it out and reapply if needed.
Myrrh
An aromatic plant indigenous to Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, myrrh has astringent properties that can have a soothing effect on the inflamed gums around a painful tooth. It is commonly found in mouthwashes to bring relief to mouth and throat irritations. You can make your own mouthwash by simmering 1 tsp. of myrrh in 2 cups of water for at least 30 minutes. Cool and drain. Dilute 1 tsp. of myrrh solution with 1/2 cup of water to rinse your mouth five or six times a day. Not only does it quiet the tooth pain, it kills bacteria and prevents bad breath in the process.
Peppermint Tea
Known for its refreshing flavor, peppermint tea has antiseptic and astringent qualities. Its main active ingredient, menthol, acts as an anaesthetic, making it an excellent pain reliever when used as a topical application. You can apply finely crushed mint leaves directly onto a painful tooth for relief. Alternatively, you can make a mouthwash by steeping 1 tsp. of dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and swish it around your mouth to numb the pain. Spit out and repeat as often as you need to.
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