At first you think you’re imagining it until that dull ache you ignored at first begins to increase in intensity and frequency. The worst, you are now having difficulty eating because anything that gets near your tooth has the capacity to make you miserable. Your first inclination is to grab some aspirin or some other type of pain reliever. We normally believe the first signs of pain involving a tooth may indicate that we have a bad cavity or lost a filling, which equates to a symptom that alerts you that it’s time to see a dentist for a more thorough exam.

Although tooth decay is often cited as the culprit when mouth pain occurs, there are other causes tied to the pain you’re experiencing such as, infection, gum disease, grinding teeth, tooth trauma and an abnormal bite. Additionally, tooth pain could be from joint disorders, sinus or ear infections and tension in the facial muscles, but usually a headache accompanies this type of pain.

A toothache occurs when the nerve in a tooth becomes infected. Additionally, if you do have a cavity which is caused by acids produced by bacteria from plaque build up. If you are not practicing good oral hygiene, the acid from the bacteria will eventually eat through your tooth enamel. This of course creates a larger and deeper cavity which exposes the nerves in the tooth and invites the pain! Your tooth may also become sensitive to sweets, hot or cold foods and drinks or even when you bite down on food. What is the best way to handle a toothache while you’re waiting to see your dentist?

You can go to the pharmacist for over the counter medications, but if you do not want to leave the house, just check your kitchen cupboard. The most popular toothache herbal cure is cloves. They are described as a type of spice used in food that contains a medicinal ingredient which is known for its ability to numb the nerve and relieve pain. It is also known for its strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It comes in three forms: powdered, whole and oil.

To use the powdered clove, take a pinch of the powder and place it between the area of the gum and the cheek of the affected tooth. After a few moments the powder will mix with saliva which will cause the area to become numb therefore decreasing or eliminating your pain.

For tooth pain, take two or three cloves and hold them in your mouth near the affected area. After a few moments they will begin to soften, and then chew them to soften them more, this allows the clove oils to be released and mix with your saliva. Leave the cloves in place for thirty to forty minutes and then remove them.

Oil of cloves can be found in most herbal stores and should be used with caution. You can use oil of cloves straight from the bottle by dipping a cotton swab in the oil and then carefully rubbing the swab around the painful area near your tooth. This is especially effective if you are experiencing the pain from an exposed nerve. In this case, try to get the clove oil on the nerve by placing the swab inside the cavity. You can also make a compress by first rinsing your mouth with warm an alcohol based mouthwash or salt water, mix a few drops of clove oil with a half teaspoon of olive oil then soak a cotton ball in the mixture and place it on the affected tooth.

Since most people have cloves and other types of food available in their home, in case of sudden and severe tooth pain, they make for a simple solution. Additional home remedies are:

Chewing on a small piece of onion, the juice from the onion cleanses the cavity, kills bacteria and protects the gums. If you cannot chew the onion, place a small piece of it directly on the spot of the toothache and the pain will be relieved almost immediately.
Rubbing a pinch of pepper mixed with salt (or clove oil) over the infected tooth and gum. It provides instant pain relief.
Place a couple of garlic cloves (mixed with rock salt) on the tooth for pain relief. Garlic is considered one of the most effective home remedies.
Using cloves for toothache pain is a temporary measure. While these remedies can relieve your pain, it will not take care of the cause of the pain. This will need to be examined by a dentist. Waiting will only make it worse. However, using cloves or clove oil is a good method to use to stay comfortable until your dentist can treat the problem.

If you feel pain in your mouth especially as it relates to a tooth, it is not good to leave it unattended. Visit your dentist immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. In the meanwhile, there are many over the counter toothache medicines that are surface anesthetics that you can use to relieve tooth pain temporarily. The alternative to these types of medicines are home remedies that may do the same thing it just depends on which one you choose.