What are Natural ways to Cure a Toothache?

Link:http://www.24medica.com/content/view/1573/2/
by Jessica Smith
Toothache is a common ailment that affects both adults and children. It is the pain that we experience resulting from either tooth decay, gum sore, tooth crack, impacted tooth or even from ear infections and sinusitis. Often, it can range from a slight tingling sensation to simply excruciating pain.

When we find ourselves in this predicament, we often reach for the medicine cabinet and pop an over-the-counter medication or two. But before we do so, let's not look further than our kitchen cupboards to check some natural remedies that we can concoct to relieve pain immediately.

Here are some tips on creating natural cures for toothache pain:

• Since toothache pain is a symptom of a pending infection, try to avert further complications by mixing a glassful of lukewarm water with a teaspoon of salt; Gargle the mixture for about three to five minutes, concentrating on the affected area every after meal. The salt will help prevent infection and immediately alleviates the pain. Gargling water after meals will also help in dislodging food particles caught between teeth and gums

• Another favorite home remedy is the Oil of Clove. This wonder herb is now available in small bottles and can be bought over-the-counter in your local pharmacies. It is suggested to use this sparingly though as this herb really is strong. Its analgesic and anti-infection properties are well known to be in high concentrates. You may take a cotton bud, and drop one or two drops of the oil and dilute the solution by running it through tap water. Apply directly on painful gum area and tooth to cure toothache pain instantly.

• After cleaning the affected area, you can administer some first aid home remedy in the form of vanilla extract. Kids won't be able to tell it's medication at all! As it smells good, and tastes good as well. Soak a piece of cotton ball in a bit of vanilla extract and administer a few drops of the extract directly onto the gum and tooth area. Pure vanilla extract will help cure the toothache pain immediately.

• If your child cannot take the pain, calm him first by letting him lie on his side, slightly elevated to ease the pressure on his jaw line. This will help him relax while you whip up a natural cure for his toothache pain. Apply a cold compress on his cheek and gently massage the area between his thumb and index finger. This simple acupressure procedure is proven to cure toothache pain by using pressure on specific body points.

• Once your child has calmed down, you may alternatively use peppermint instead of those suggested above. Peppermint is cool on the tongue and has no foul smell or taste. Crush a bit of peppermint leaves, add a bit of salt and allow your child to chew on the leaves for about a few minutes. Cure for the toothache pain will then be available.

• Another good option to cure toothache pain is cucumber. Its cooling effect will ease the pain and help you relax. Since it just helps in alleviating the pain, I would suggest that you follow this up with garlic. I know it doesn't sound pretty, garlic has rather a foul smell and even a nastier taste. BUT garlic is an old spice, and contains a high dosage of analgesic and anti-infection components. This will definitely assure you of curing both toothache pain and tooth infection. Crush a clove of garlic, and a bit of salt and allow to sit on the affected area for about a minute or two.

These home remedies are natural and safe ways to cure toothache. Most offer temporary relief to the pain, thus it is still advisable that you see your dentist, especially when the pain persists. As toothache is not just caused by tooth decay or tooth infection, it is important that you get to properly assess the cause of the pain in order to make sure proper cure may be administered.

And let us not forget to maintain proper oral hygiene so as to avoid recurring toothache pains.