Guest Author - Phyllis Doyle Burns
Do those old folk remedies our grandmothers talked about really work? Putting a warm, wet tea bag on a toothache will give you the answer to one remedy. Other folk remedies for toothache, of which there are many, are often found to work quite well. Following are some natural healing methods that Granny Women of the Appalachian regions, and others, have relied on for generations.
Toothaches are not to be ignored, for, they are a symptom of the need to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent infections and complications. While waiting to get the care needed, there are some home remedies that work for many. However, when the remedy relieves the pain, do not put off seeing your dentist. The remedy is to relieve pain and discomfort temporarily, not to be thought of as a substitute for proper dental diagnosis and treatment.
Tea Bags
Choose a tea that is high in tannic acid, such as black or green tea. Tannic acid helps to reduce swelling, which will ease the pain. Place a tea bag in hot water for fifteen seconds, then remove the teabag and place it on a saucer. When the teabag is still warm, squeeze out excess water and apply to the aching tooth, packing it around tooth and gums. Bite down on the tea bag just enough to hold it in place, or use your tongue. Remove tea bag when it is cool and discard it. This process can be repeated as often as needed till a dentist can be seen.
The tannic acid in a tea bag can also help to clot blood after a tooth extraction. Use the same method as for a toothache.
Cinnamon
Grind up a cinnamon stick in a coffee grinder. Thoroughly mix one teaspoon of the powder with five teaspoons of honey. Powdered cinnamon can be used if necessary -- yet, the whole cinnamon has more volatile oils that relieve pain quicker. Apply a small amount of the mixture to the tooth, using a cotton swab or small piece of gauze. Store any extra mixture in a clean jar with a tight fitting lid.
Clove
Clove oil contains eugenol, a dental analgesic and antiseptic, which kills bacteria. It also acts like an anesthetic that will numb the tooth. Use a cotton swab or gauze to place oil on tooth. If you cannot find clove oil, a whole clove will work if caution is used not to swallow the cloves. They are a choking hazard and should not be used for children. Place a few whole cloves in mouth to moisten them. Place cloves on a clean saucer and press them with the back of a spoon to release the oils, then place cloves on aching tooth -- using a cotton swab to pick up any oil left in saucer, also apply that to the tooth.
Lime
Slice a fresh lime and use a small piece to place directly on the aching tooth.
Peppermint Tea
Brew a cup of peppermint tea and allow it to cool. Use it like a mouthwash, making sure it contacts the aching tooth, and spit tea out. Repeat till tea is gone. This also works with black tea.
Whiskey
Use this method for adults only -- do not use if there is a problem with alcohol, such as alcoholism. Soak a cotton ball in the whiskey and apply this directly to aching tooth.
Folk remedies often work quite well, just remember these are temporary solutions. See your dentist as soon as possible anytime you have a toothache, to prevent any complications or infections.
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