If there is one physical pain in the world that I could not bear, that is tooth pain. Back when I was a child, I would suffer toothache from eating chocolates and not brushing at once. I can’t imagine the pain it was giving me and I would stay up all night crying, thinking that the tears can make the pain go away. But the pain remained, more throbbing than ever giving me an added headache and swelling in the cheek opposite the problem tooth. Without any dentists nearby and pain relievers in the medicine cabinet, I remembered Mom making her own alternative solution for the toothache using available household products. Here are some of her alternative remedies, pick the one that can work for you.
- Swish a mixture of salt and lukewarm water. Let it stay in your mouth for a couple of minutes and do the gargling at least 2-3 times. This may not take all the pain away but it helps while you wait for your appointment with the dentist.
- Try using vinegar. Soak a washcloth in vinegar and lightly press it on the cheek of the affected area for a few minutes until it draws out the pain. Cider vinegar works but white vinegar works better. It can ease the pain and make you fall asleep, at least until the morning. You can repeat it as often as possible if the pain comes back before morning.
- Clove powder is another alternative. In a piece of paper towel place at least a teaspoon of clove powder. Fold it and roll the bottom to make a small packet. Apply clove oil to moisten and put it between the affected gum and tooth. You can put this on long enough to still get that normal eight to ten hour of sleep. Replace it with another pack after you wake up.
- This may be a little weird but for some, putting a piece of cheese in your mouth can lessen the pain you are feeling. Most type of cheese works such as cheddar and mozzarella.
- Tea and tea bag work too. Soak a tea bag in warm water and add a few drops of clove oil. Wrap the tea bag in the affected tooth and leave it there for sometime. It can take the pain away and won’t come back in 4 hours or so. When you feel the pain coming back, do the same for another relief for four hours.
- Baking soda plus vinegar can work wonders. Brush with a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar. It can give an instant relief to your tooth pain but also leave behind bad taste in your mouth. You can gargle a little of lukewarm water to remove the bad taste.
- If you have a petroleum jelly at home, you can have an instant relief from tooth pain. Thoroughly brush your teeth first and then get a q-tip. Dip it in the petroleum jelly and apply that to where the root of your teeth is exposed. It can take out at least 80 percent of the pain. With that, you can bear the remaining pain enough to make you fall asleep.
After the home remedies, make sure to visit your dentist the next morning. It is best to seek professional advice than do self medication.
by Kevin Fry
