A toothache can be caused by tooth decay, tooth fracture, a damaged filling or bacterial infection inside a tooth. Some toothaches may also come from temporary gum irritation and will typically go away after self-medicating. But some toothaches can be more serious than that, which means you’ll need a dentist to check on you.
However, professional help will likely be unavailable when SHTF so you’ll be relying a lot on alternative remedies for toothaches. That shouldn’t be a problem as these seven natural cures are excellent pain relievers. (h/t to HomesteadSurvivalSite.com)
Cloves
Cloves, the flower buds of the clove tree, may work as a toothache remedy as it contains a natural anesthetic, eugenol.
You can use either clove oil or powder or even a whole clove. If you’re using the oil, make sure you don’t get some on your gums or tongue as the oil can irritate these. To minimize contact around those areas, grab a cotton ball and add a few drops onto it. Position it against the affected tooth until you feel the pain subsiding.
If you’re using a whole clove, you can place it against the tooth and chew it lightly to release the oil.
Cayenne-ginger paste
Cayenne-ginger paste might seem like torture especially if spicy foods aren’t your thing. But it’s a good painkiller as capsaicin – the chemical that gives some foods their heat – is said to block pain messages from reaching the brain.
To make a cayenne-ginger paste, mix powdered cayenne and powdered ginger and add a little water; you can also use freshly grated ginger if the powder is not available. Add some paste on a cotton ball and position it against the tooth.
Salt-water rinse
This old-school remedy may help treat toothache in two ways: It cleanses the area around the tooth and helps reduce the pressure caused by inflamed tissues.
To make a salt-water rinse, simply boil brine until there are no visible salt crystals left. Let it cool before rinsing your mouth with it. Do this for 30 seconds and make sure you really focus on the affected area before spitting the solution out.
Salt is readily available so you can repeat this treatment as often as you like.
Black tea compress
Tannins in black tea have astringent properties that can help with toothache.
Make a black tea compress by steeping a tea bag in boiling water for at least five minutes. Remove the bag and allow the tea to cool, then swish it in your mouth for a minute before spitting it out. You can also use the tea bag by pressing it against the aching tooth. (Related: Survival medicine: Prep dental kits before SHTF.)
Myrrh treatment
Myrrh has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its astringent and antiseptic properties. It’s commonly used for mouth sores and oral injuries, and it may also be used for toothaches.
If you have powdered myrrh, add a teaspoon to two cups of water and simmer for half an hour. Strain the solution and let it cool. Add a tablespoon of the solution to a half a cup of water and rinse your mouth with it six times a day.
Cold compress
A cold compress may also help relieve inflammation and numb pain. Wrap a couple of ice cubes with a thin cloth and press it to your cheeks where the pain is emanating. You can also use a single ice cube by wrapping it in a cloth and then holding it against the affected tooth. You should do this for 15 minutes so you might need more ice cubes to replace the melted one.
When SHTF, professional medical help will be hard to come by so having these natural pain relievers will come in handy. Stock up on them before that bad tooth starts acting up.
Learn more natural pain remedies at Remedies.news.
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