Relieving toothache naturally with peppermint oil

Toothache can be very painful and the worst part is it often arrives with no prior warning. It may happen while you are boarding a flight, eating your favourite food at a restaurant, or while you are in a meeting. You are overwhelmed with pricking pain that can disrupt your mood and daily life.

Natural remedies should, perhaps, be given more prominence for ease of use and effective results. Of many, peppermint essential oil is one of the most recommended remedies for relieving toothache

But do please remember, these natural remedies focus on relieving pain on an interim basis as opposed to dealing with the root cause (please excuse the pun!) If pain persists, you should make an appointment with your dentist.

What causes toothache?

The cause of a toothache can be very varied, but include:

• Loose filling
• Cavity
• Abscess
• Sinus infection
• Improper oral hygiene
• Exposed root
• Cracked tooth

Types of toothaches

Toothache is categorized into two types:

1. Sharp tooth pain

This type of toothache pain occurs at regular but short intervals.

A gum decay, cavity, broken tooth, filling not done properly, etc. can cause this type of sharp pain.

The best solution for this type of toothache can be easily fixed by appointment with your dentist. A physical examination will be required to investigate the root of the pain.

Never ignore this type of pain which could otherwise become a chronic condition.

2. Dull aching tooth pain

This is a more dangerous and aggravated form of toothache. If you are suffering from a dull toothache, such as while drinking hot or cold food, chances are the nerve of the tooth is damaged. This condition needs immediate medical attention.

Peppermint oil: a natural remedy for relieving toothache

Peppermint oil belongs to the mint family with this essential oil being extracted from its leaves. Peppermint oil has a lot of health benefits and is one of the most commonly used oils for aromatherapy. Its sharp and cool odour has many healing properties. It has been used for medicinal practices since ancient times in Greece, Rome, and ancient Egypt.

The menthol present in peppermint oil is effective in treating various kinds of pain like migraine, headaches, and tooth pain.

Peppermint oil is frequently used as an effective home remedy to treat mouth and tooth pain. Menthol is the chemical constituent that reduces soreness in the teeth and reduces inflammation of gums as well.

Peppermint essential oil has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that are great to treat an infection. It gives a cooling effect to your mouth that helps to numb the pain. A nagging toothache also causes headaches and using peppermint oil also helps relieve this side effect.

Mouthwash for toothache

You will need:

• 2 tbsp distilled water
• One drop peppermint oil
• One drop eucalyptus oil
• One drop cinnamon leaf
• One drop marjoram
• One drop thyme

Method:

Mix them all in a bottle and use it to swish in your mouth.

Topical Application

You will need:

• Any carrier oil like coconut oil
• Peppermint oil
• A cotton ball

Method:

• Take a cotton ball and apply two drops of coconut oil to it.
• Then add two drops of peppermint essential oil. Let the coconut oil dilutes the solution.
• Apply it to the affected area of pain.

Alternative natural ways to relieve toothache

1. Chew ginger

It is an antiseptic and has anti-inflammatory properties, and chewing it reduces bacterial activity in the mouth.

2. Rinse with saltwater

If you wish to sanitise the mouth, there is no better solution than rinsing with salt water. It prevents bacterial growth in the mouth as it is an antiseptic. It also reduces pain in the mouth.

3. Turmeric paste

Turmeric is considered to be one of the most beneficial medicinal spices in the world. Curcumin present in turmeric has several analgesics, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. It reduces toothache and prevents the occurrence of infections.

Method:

Make a paste by mixing turmeric powder with water. Use a cotton ball to dab it around the affected area.

Visit your dentist

If a toothache is persistent even after trying out home remedies, then it’s time to visit a dentist. If there is a cavity or a sensitive nerve, it requires a physical examination and a different mode of treatment to numb this pain.

But do please remember

• Always buy from genuine sellers and trusted brands of peppermint essential oil for maximum benefits.
• Applying raw can peppermint oil can damage the gums, and therefore it is recommended you always dilute an essential oil with any other carrier oil.

Other benefits of peppermint oil

A study was conducted to study the application of a 10 per cent menthol solution for treating migraines. It concluded that participants who massaged their head and temples felt relieved for a longer period if compared to the ones who didn’t apply.

Another study was conducted to understand how peppermint oil tablets affected people with swallowing difficulty and non-cardiac chest pain. More than half of them showed an improvement in the symptoms of their pain.

Conclusion

Peppermint essential oil is not supposed to be ingested as it may have side-effects of heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Try natural alternatives first before resorting to invasive treatments for your tooth. The on and off toothache can be reduced using peppermint essential oil, but if you are experiencing sharp toothaches, headaches, and fever, you must schedule an appointment with your dentist. Never try this as a home remedy for children and babies and consult your doctor if you are on regular medication.

Author Bio:

Emylee is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, Ayurvedic, yoga and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.