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As a child I never understood why my dad occasionally shoved a slice of ginger or a bit of clove into his mouth. I thought he simply liked the taste, or that it had something to do with his breath. Only one day, when I was tormented by an unbearable toothache, did I discover that there was something far more effective behind it than what you can find at the pharmacy.
Clove: An effective home anesthetic
One day, when I was suffering from a painful tooth and inflamed gums, I begged for painkillers. My dad, however, brought a cotton pad soaked in clove oil and advised me to apply it to the painful spot. It turned out that clove contains eugenol, which has not only anesthetic but also bactericidal properties.
When I then chewed pieces of raw clove, the pain and inflammation began to subside very quickly. Although the taste wasn’t the most pleasant, the effect was worth it.
Cinnamon: Another effective natural healer
Cinnamon has similar effects to clove; it contains eugenol and can help relieve tooth pain. You can use cinnamon similarly to clove — either chew it or apply it to the painful spot.
Ginger: A natural aid for toothache
Ginger is another great natural remedy for toothache. Just place a small piece of ginger on the painful tooth and bite down. The pain should subside soon. Repeat this procedure at regular intervals.
Other quick remedies
If clove, cinnamon, or ginger are not at hand, there are other tried-and-true home remedies:
- Warm salt water: Mix two teaspoons of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth. Salt helps disinfect and reduce inflammation.
- Cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to the face can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Raw garlic and red onion: Raw garlic has antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation. Red onion, grated and applied to the painful spot, has similar effects.
These natural remedies are effective and accessible, but if the toothache does not improve or worsens, it is important to visit a dentist.
Share this article with your friends and help them discover natural ways to deal with tooth pain!
