By Patricia Khashayar, MD.

Toothache, the pain or soreness within or around a tooth or in the jaws, is most commonly caused by dental cavities or infections.

Toothache can also be a sign of heart attacks, ear infections, and sinusitis.

Although there is no evidence indicating the effectiveness of natural toothache remedies, the following are some remedies used in traditional medicine to reduce toothache.

1) Clove Oil Compress

Clove extract has a strong aroma and an astringent taste. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural pain killer and antibacterial which dentists use to lessen toothache.

A cotton ball saturated with a mixture of 2 to 3 drops of pure clove oil with 1/4 teaspoon olive oil should be applied to the throbbing area.

Caution

Undiluted clove oil can cause burning, tissue or nerve damage, and pain in the mouth. In large doses, clove oil can cause vomiting, sore throat, seizure, difficulty breathing, kidney failure, or liver damage. Clove oil should not be applied to broken skin.

Children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with diabetes, kidney or liver disease or bleeding disorders should avoid taking clove oil.

2) Activated Charcoal Compress

The paste made from two teaspoons of activated charcoal powder with enough water, should be applied to a piece of gauze and placed on the tooth.

3) Bayabas leaves

4) Yerba buena leaves

5) Coriander

- Chewing coriander seeds.

- Gargling the decoction of 10 grams of coriander seed in a liter of water.

-Gargling an infusion of a teaspoon of coriander seed in a glass of water.

6) Squash

Gargling squash extract helps relieve toothache.

Caution

Squash is not recommended for individuals with cold temperaments or those who live in cold regions as it may cause stomachaches.

These individuals should use squash with additives such as mustard, garlic, pepper and mint which are known to be warm.

7) Ginger

Chewing ginger relieves toothache.

8) Onion

Placing a piece of raw onion on the aching area is considered to be useful in treating toothache.

9) Corydalis

The herb corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo) may also help relieve toothache pain.

10) Cinnamon

Applying the paste made from one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey to the aching tooth 3 times a day.

Article originally published on Press TV (November 11, 2007). Reprinted with permission.

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