There are several reasons behind toothaches, such as teeth grinding, cavities, gum infection, tooth decay, or rigorous flossing. Whatever the reason, we know you want to find relief from tooth pain as soon as possible. Among many home remedies for toothache, one such is garlic. Keep reading to find how garlic can help you find relief from a painful tooth.
Why garlic works for toothaches
Garlic has been used over centuries for medicinal purposes and works well to get rid of toothache pain. Garlic contains allicin which is full of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. These compounds can be helpful in killing the bacteria that cause toothaches. To gather some allicin, cut or crush fresh garlic.
Can garlic powder treat a toothache?
In the absence of fresh garlic, you may think of using garlic powder for alleviating tooth pain. But note that allicin can only be found in fresh garlic and not the powder, so it won’t be effective against toothache.
Whole garlic doesn’t contain allicin either. Rather it is produced when you chew, crush, slice, or chop the cloves.
How to use garlic for toothaches
Make use of fresh garlic only.
Chew a garlic clove
- Peel a clove of garlic and slightly chew with the painful tooth. The chewing will produce allicin that eradicates the pain-causing bacteria.
- Keep the chewed garlic clove on the tooth for a while.
Make a paste
- Make a mixture of crushed garlic and a little bit of salt. Salt also has antibacterial properties that will help minimize pain and swelling.
- Use a cotton swab or fingers to apply the garlic paste to the tooth that hurts.
Precautions for using garlic to treat tooth pain
Please be careful when chewing the garlic and not cramming it deep down the tooth that it gets stuck. This can cause a lot more trouble if a cavity is present.
If you’re one of those allergic to garlic, staying away from this remedy will be better for you.
If you are pregnant, you can easily eat garlic without any trouble. However, too much garlic can result in heartburn.
Other home remedies for toothaches
In case garlic is problematic for you or you hate the taste, these home remedies will help you find relief from toothache.
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack on the affected area
- Use saltwater mouthwash and swish around the painful tooth.
- Use Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers to alleviate the pain
- Apply a warm tea bag of peppermint tea on the painful tooth
- Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with tooth pain and inflammation.
When to see a dentist
Home remedies can help find relief from painful teeth but cannot substitute the treatment from your dentist. If you feel pain in your tooth, immediately schedule an appointment with the dentist near you. Call Pearland Family Dentistry at 832-649-7344.