Natural Toothache Remedy

Toothaches can be among the most unpleasant and even debilitating health problems a person will face. Over the counter medications work for some people, but not everybody. You may not be able to get in to see the dentist for an emergency for several days. Try these natural remedies to keep the pain away.

Oil of Cloves

• One of the oldest known cures for toothaches before modern medicine came along is oil of cloves. This can be bought in most drug stores and is simply applied directly to the tooth. Relief generally arrives instantly, but make sure not to take too much or to let it get onto the gum because it cause a burning sensation.

Floss

• Flossing is not a natural remedy per se, but even if you don't make flossing a regular part of your daily tooth care, it makes good sense to pick up the habit when you have a toothache. Little bits of food that get trapped or lodged inside the affected tooth can increase the pain substantially.

Ice

• Good old-fashioned ice cubs wrapped in a cloth rag and held against the cheek where the pain is emanating from can often be enough to relieve mild toothache pain for several hours. If, however, the ice appears to be aggravating the pain rather relieving it, discontinue the ice treatment.

Onions

• An onion a day keeps the dentist away. At least, certain properties inside an onion are known to kill bacteria inside the mouth. Once a toothache is underway, try placing a piece of raw onion inside the mouth near the affected area. This can reduce the pain by destroying germs that make the tooth ache more.

Vanilla Extract

• Soaking a cotton swab in pure vanilla extract is another great way to reduce the pain associated with toothaches. Some people recommend placing a drop of whiskey or vodka onto the cotton swab to increase the effectiveness when the toothache is severe.

Lime

• Eating a raw lime, including the peel, has proved to help some people. The best guess as for why lime works is that it is rich in Vitamin C, but doesn't have quite the acidity of lemon. It may also help that a lime is easier for some people to actually eat as hand held fruit than the much more sour lemon.

Cucumber

• Grab a cucumber and cut into slices, then hold the slices as you insert it into your mouth and place against the affected area. Using cucumbers is more effective if the vegetable has been chilled in the refrigerator as part of the usefulness is the cold to numb the tooth.