by Alexandra Heep

Created on: September 14, 2009   Last Updated: April 27, 2011

Toothaches can be some of the worst pains imaginable. Not only do they hinder our well-being and signal that something is wrong with a tooth, root, gums or all of these; but they can also stop us from eating, smiling, laughing, and talking. Pain pills take a while to work, and can cause stomach upset. While a visit to the dentist is recommended, it can take days to get an appointment. Those are long waiting times if you have what feels like excruciating pains. So, in the meantime there are some easy home remedies, recommended by the book Home Remedies - What Works Best, that will provide fast relief.

Alcohol

Whiskey is an antiseptic and disinfectant, so it makes sense to use for toothaches. Simply hold it in your mouth over the affected area, don't swallow however. Repeat as needed until you can see a dentist. For obvious reasons this treatment is not recommended for children.

Ice

Ice can be used in two ways when it comes to treating toothaches: as an acupressure instrument, or to numb the affected area. For acupressure treatment, rub an ice cube on the webbed area between the thumb and forefinger.

To use as a numbing agent, it only works if the pain is caused by a nerve that is dying inside the tooth. In that case, gases are created which cause pressure on the inside of the tooth. Ice on the affected tooth causes the gases to condense, and hence relieves that type of tooth pain.

Clove Essential Oil

Cloves are probably the most widely-known home remedy for toothaches, and clove essential oil - as the name implies - is made from the essence of cloves. Even pharmaceutical companies use the chemical found in cloves to combat tooth pain. There is a product called Eugenol which is popular with many dentists. However, most of us don't have access to this, plus the natural way is better and way less expensive.

To treat a sore tooth with clove oil, simply squirt a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and dab on the sore tooth. You can also use this procedure for dental pain stemming from an extraction, but be careful to not use too much as to not cause damage to the gums.

Other Essential Oils

Per www.birchhillhappenings.com, there are a variety of essential oils that are especially useful for toothaches caused by gum pain. Some of these oils are: myrrh, peppermint, tea tree, and Roman chamomile. Don't apply them undiluted however. Add one or two drops of the essential oil of your choice two about two ounces of warm water and swish around your mouth (do not swallow).

Please note that while essential oils are extracted from natural agents, some people may be allergic to them, so caution is advised.

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