The Lowdown on Toothache Home Remedies » Raffles Dental, Singapore

If you do a quick search on the Internet for “DIY toothache remedies”, you will find dozens of results touting to kill tooth pain. However, how effective are they, and do they work?
We give you the lowdown on some of the most popular DIY remedies and their effectiveness:

Clove Oil

How it’s used: Dilute the clove oil with water and dip a small piece of clean tissue or cotton pellet into the oil mixture. Gently squeeze the excess clove oil from the tissue or cotton pellet, and apply it onto your painful tooth or gum.

Does it work?

Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural painkiller that causes numbness upon contact. Although this can relieve the pain and swelling, its effect is only temporary. It does not remove the cause of toothache like tooth decay, gum diseases, or a cracked tooth. Also, it can irritate the gum tissues if used undiluted.

Peppermint Tea Bag

How it’s used: Cool the peppermint tea bag in your refrigerator, and apply it onto the painful area. Leave it for about 20 minutes. Repeat if the pain returns.

Does it work?

Peppermint tea contains menthol, which can ease toothaches, similar to clove oil. It is safe to use, but the numbing effect is temporary and it cannot remove the cause of pain.

Salt Water Rinse

How it’s used: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt (about 5g) with one cup of warm water (about 250ml). Then, gargle the solution for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Do not swallow the solution. You can repeat this several times a day if needed. 

Does it work?

Salt water rinse can help to loosen the debris in your mouth and flush the infected areas, providing temporary relief. It is the safest DIY remedy that you can try.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

How it’s used: Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with water in 1:1 ratio, and gargle the mixture for 30 seconds.

Does it work?

Hydrogen peroxide rinse can also cleanse the infected area. It is also believed that hydrogen peroxide is better than salt water because of its superior antibacterial effect.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide undiluted, as you risk irritating or burning your soft tissues. Avoid swallowing it as well, as it can cause throat burning, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If swallowed by children, it may cause severe poisoning too.

Alcohol Rinse

How it’s used: It is believed that you can relieve tooth pain by taking a large sip of hard liquor such as whiskey and gargle it in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out. You can also hold the liquor in your mouth, near the affected tooth. The alcohol is supposed to reduce the toothache by numbing the area.

Does it work?

Many people believe hard liquor can kill bacteria and ease tooth or gum pain. However, it is simply an old wives’ tale. There is no evidence showing that it can clear infections or have any antibacterial properties.

Garlic

How it’s used: Mash the garlic using a mortar or food processor, and then apply the paste onto the painful tooth.

Does it work?

It is commonly assumed that garlic can relieve tooth pain because it contains allicin, a natural bacteria-killing compound. It may give you temporary relief if your tooth pain is caused by an infection. While generally safe, use it in moderation as you will get bad breath from it.

Oil Pulling

How it’s used: It is done by swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut, olive or sesame oil) in the mouth with empty stomach for 20 minutes.

Does it work?

It is widely believed that oil pulling can relieve toothache by detoxifying the mouth and removing the infection. Some articles on the Internet claim that the oil acts like a magnet, literally pulling the bacteria and toxins out from the tooth. Also, they believe that the oil can repair the damaged tooth structure.

These are just myths – oil does not heal nor repair infected teeth. It may be a good moisturizer for lips, but definitely not a home remedy for toothache.

Colloidal Silver

How it’s used: First, brush a small amount of colloidal silver onto the troubled tooth with a toothbrush. Next, rinse your mouth with colloidal silver for about 7 to 10 minutes. Repeat this procedure several times throughout the day.  You should also ingest the colloidal silver several times a day, but no more than a total of 8 ounces (230grams) in one day.

Does it work?

There is no evidence proving that it can cure tooth decay. Various Internet sources tout colloidal silver as the simplest and most effective way to heal infected teeth and gums. Regardless of the claims, silver has no health benefit, nor is it an essential mineral for the body.

Furthermore, there are no FDA-approved over-the-counter or prescription drugs containing silver. If taken, it can cause argyria, a permanent bluish-grey discoloration of the skin. In short, colloidal silver is definitely not recommended as home remedy for toothache.

Summing It Up

From green tea powder to activated charcoal, there are many more remedies that people believe can help treat their tooth and gum pain. The truth is, these treatments will only relieve the pain and not eliminate the root cause. In fact, some may even endanger your health! If you experience any tooth or gum pain, these should only be used as temporary pain relief while you fix an appointment with your dentist to get your teeth examined.

7 Best Whiskeys For A Toothache (2023 Updated)

March 1, 2023 4:31 amApril 18, 2023 8:06 am Lydia Martin 39 Views 0 Comments

Last Updated on April 18, 2023 by Lydia Martin

For centuries, drinking whiskey, Scotch, and vodka has been used as a folk remedy for toothaches. 

Alcohol is believed to fight bacteria causing toothache while numbing the pain. And the sweet taste has said to have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and tooth infection.

But is whiskey really an effective remedy for dental pain? Can we rely on whiskey as a dental treatment? 

We took the time to investigate and finally found the best whiskey for a toothache.    

Table of Contents

Top 7 Whiskeys Believed To Cure A Toothache 

7. Fireball Cinnamon Whisky

Average Price: roughly $14/750ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 33% ABV 

Why We Like It: This flavored whisky has the lowest ABV on this list, so the numbing reaction won’t be as effective here as in others. 

It can provide temporary relief from tooth pain due to its sweet taste, releasing some anti-inflammatory properties essential to oral health and preventing common and debilitating pain from toothache.   

6. Old Forester Bourbon Whiskey

Average Price: roughly $25/750ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 43% ABV

Why We Like It: Aged for a minimum of six years, Old Forester has a smooth and light flavor, making it an excellent numbing agent to ease toothache.  

“The people that are looking for this kind of remedy are often afraid to go to the dentist.”

— Dr. Matthew J. Messina, Dentist & American Dental Association Spokesperson

Though there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim, at least it helps as an immediate relief or reduces the pain a bit to give you ample time and energy to prepare for a visit to a dentist.  

5. Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Average Price: roughly $22/750ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 40% ABV

Why We Like It: Wild Turkey is another smooth bourbon that can ease toothaches–but for short-term relief only. 

This isn’t as strong a spirit as any other hard liquor; you can let alcohol disinfect you’re affected tooth to kill germs or disease-causing tooth pain.

If you don’t want to make the pain worse, drinking Wild Turkey helps, but you can also gargle it for a few seconds, like what you did with a saltwater rinse.   

4. Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey

Average Price: roughly $32/750ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 45% ABV

Why We Like It: The subtle sweetness of Maker’s Mark contains anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve pain from tooth decay or aching tooth. 

Honestly, this isn’t a permanent solution, but during the pain, we just want anything to alleviate toothache to feel better and have the mood and tolerance to seek a dentist’s help.  

3. Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey

Average Price: roughly $32/750ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 40% ABV 

Why We Like It: This 8-year-old bourbon (estimated) delivers rich flavors covering the entire mouth with bold notes, providing a good numbing effect on gums and any affected area. 

Most of the old wives’ tale we heard and read through forums–online and offline– claims Jim Beam to be one of the effective home remedies to kill bacteria and treat pain caused by toothache.

2. Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey

Average Price: roughly $39/750ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 50% ABV 

Why We Like It: Knob Creek isn’t just a drink for sipping or mixing; it’s one of the best whiskey expressions believed to be an effective remedy to your aching tooth.

It can reduce pain if you gargle and spit this spirit. The toothache pain will lessen for some time, helping your gums relax.

If you can swish whiskey of this flavor, then do so, as it can be more effective. 

The longer the alcohol stays on the affected area, the longer the antibacterial properties will fight bacteria causing tooth decay or tooth pain. 

1. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

Average Price: roughly $27/750ml (Drizly)

Alcohol Content: 40% ABV 

Why We Like It: Jack Daniel’s is one of the suggested whiskey bottles that can treat toothaches. You can put ice cubes on the glass of JD, then drink it with a bit of swishing while on the mouth.   

Besides drinking and gargling whiskey, some prefer to soak a cotton ball in alcohol to use it as a cold compress for the affected gum and lessen the tooth pain.  

Additionally, the antiseptic properties of Jack Daniel’s help treat toothache or act as pain relief. 

However, it doesn’t guarantee anything, and the effect may vary from one person to another.   

How Do You Use Whiskey To Treat A Toothache? 

Drink It

The most common way of using whiskey to treat tooth pain is by drinking it. But to be an effective pain relief remedy, you better swish the strong spirit around your mouth. 

Gargle & Spit

Like rinsing with salt water, get your chosen whiskey, gargle it for around 10 seconds, and spit afterward. 

Use Cotton Swabs & Dab

For an immediate solution, soak a cotton ball or cotton swab in the whiskey and dab it on the aching area, like a cold compress on the skin. 

Professional’s Tip: For a risk-free home remedy for toothache, you better try using essential oils: tea tree oil, clove oil, nutmeg oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, and oregano oil.

FAQs

Does whiskey help tooth infections?

Whiskey helps tooth infections temporarily, but you can’t rely on it as the main remedy. Maintaining good oral health requires the guidance of dental professionals, not just pure assumptions.

Can you put whiskey on your gums?

Yes, you can put whiskey on your gums. Use a cotton swab and soak it in whiskey, then dab it on your affected gums to help ease the pain. 

Can whiskey be used as a painkiller?

Whiskey can’t be used as a painkiller alone. It only helps relieve pain but does not totally remove the pain. Whiskey as a remedy for tooth pain is only an immediate or temporary aid. 

Does rubbing whiskey help toothache?

Yes, rubbing whiskey helps in relieving toothache. But rubbing too much may trigger more pain, making the situation of your gums worse. 

What kind of whiskey is good for a toothache?

 The kind of whiskey good for toothache are Scotch and bourbon [1], which helps fight germs and numb the tooth area, providing a little relief.  

In Summary

While there are so many whiskey expressions you can use to help relieve toothache, it doesn’t change the fact that you need to seek help from dental professionals. 

Whiskey [2] can only be a temporary reliever and may not be a reliable treatment for pain. 

Although it really helps get rid of pain in some cases, there are more appropriate remedies to use that are risk-free, like apple cider vinegar and clove oil, among others.  

References:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/bourbon-whiskey 
2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/whiskey 

If you have a toothache

Toothache often comes on suddenly. And the degree of it can be very different. From minor to unbearable. Many do not know what to do if a tooth hurts, how to properly ease a toothache before visiting the dentist. In this article, we will tell you what to do with a toothache, and what you definitely should not do. But the first and most important rule is to contact a specialist as soon as possible. Otherwise, the pain in most cases will only increase.

Painkillers – “For” and “Against”

Fortunately for contemporaries, today there are a large number of drugs that can significantly ease toothache. Many already know from personal experience which medicines are most suitable for them, and choose them. Of course, it is better to consult a specialist first. But here, too, there are nuances.

Important information: Try not to take painkillers right before you visit the dentist. The fact is that the effect of an anesthetic can significantly weaken the effect of local anesthesia, due to which unpleasant or painful sensations may occur during treatment.

As a rule, toothache worsens in the evening, and also in heat, during exercise and after eating. If the tooth hurts a lot, does not allow you to fall asleep or work normally, it is better to take painkillers. But if the pain is not critical, it is better to refrain from taking drugs.

Many people, because of the fear of going to the dentist, “kill” the pain with pills for days, or even weeks, until it becomes unbearable. Remember: painkillers do not heal, but only dull the nerves for several hours. At the same time, the tooth continues to collapse, and the intervention of the dentist is still inevitable. Therefore, the sooner you contact a dental clinic, the better for you. Moreover, if you delay a visit to a specialist for a long time, this can only provoke additional problems: the development of a purulent process and loss of teeth. Moreover, not only the one that needs treatment, but also neighboring ones.

How can you eliminate or reduce toothache without resorting to painkillers?

If you often hear from your friends “I have a toothache” or have experienced this problem yourself, but do not want to take pills, there are other ways to ease the pain. But remember that this is also only a temporary measure.

First of all, the carious cavity should be cleaned of food residues and kept as clean as possible. And don’t eat on this side.

The following remedies can help relieve toothache:

• Salt water. It is necessary to add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and mix thoroughly. Next, draw water into your mouth and keep it on the affected side for as long as you can. You need to repeat the procedure several times in a row and several times during the day.
• Carnation. Just chew the petals in the area of ​​the aching tooth. An alternative would be clove oil (literally a couple of drops). Clove has a good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
• Alcohol. Only strong ones are suitable – cognac, vodka, whiskey, etc. Rinse your mouth with alcohol several times and the pain will decrease. Not the most pleasant, but effective way.
• Vanilla extract. Take a cotton swab, blot it with the extract and apply it to the aching tooth. You can also use mint or lemon extract.
• Plantain. Yes, the same remedy for all diseases. Just chew the leaf and apply the gruel to the aching tooth.

These methods of reducing toothache are mainly folk medicine. Yes, to some extent it can reduce pain, but, again, you must understand that we are not talking about treatment. Only a qualified specialist can completely save you from the problem, who will find out the root cause of the pain, prescribe the necessary treatment and carry out all the necessary operations.

Toothache – act decisively

Don’t delay treatment. Yes, in some cases, a toothache may go away after a while, but if a tooth has already bothered you once, then the pain will return again. And, as a rule, with even greater force. If the tooth hurts very much, you should understand that in this case the pain will not go away on its own. Of course, you can use our recommendations above, but do not forget that this is only a temporary measure that eliminates the symptoms, but not the root cause.

If you have a toothache , the sooner you see a dentist, the less time-consuming and expensive the treatment will be. Many people are prevented from going to the dentist in a timely manner by the fear of severe pain, but we are ready to guarantee that you will not feel any painful or unpleasant sensations. But get rid of even the strongest toothache immediately.

Perhaps we are now talking about common truths, but health problems need to be addressed immediately! Especially with teeth, because they are not restored, and if you lose your teeth, you will have to install expensive prostheses and implants. And that takes time and a lot of money. Therefore, if your teeth are already bothering you, you can use the described remedies to reduce pain, but do not forget that going to the dentist is still inevitable.

What should I do if I have a toothache? First self-help before contacting a dentistry clinic

Contents of the page

If you have had a toothache at least once in your life, then you definitely remember this vivid and incomparable sensation. It is impossible to concentrate and think about something else, because the pain absorbs all thoughts and feelings, leaving the only desire: to get rid of it as soon as possible.

There can be many reasons for this condition: neglected caries, pulpitis, periodontitis, exposed neck of the tooth, crack, improperly placed or fallen filling.

If it happens during the day, then the solution is simple and logical – go to a good dental clinic as soon as possible, where the doctor can find the cause of the pain and eliminate it. Not without reason, in such medical institutions, patients with similar symptoms are admitted out of turn and without an appointment.

Primary self-help

But sometimes a tooth suddenly reminds of itself: on the road, on vacation, in the late evening, when there is no possibility to immediately consult a doctor, as well as the strength to endure further. In such a situation, you can use the tips for express fight against toothache:

• Rinse. Warm rinsing helps to clean the aching tooth from food particles, plaque and bacteria. The most effective recipes: a solution of soda or salt, a few drops of iodine or a tablet of furacilin in a glass of water, a light pink solution of potassium permanganate. Infusions of herbs also help well: chamomile, peppermint, sage, calendula, calamus individually or in a mixture. You need to rinse every time after eating, as well as every hour. Also, from the infusions of these herbs, you can make baths for 15-20 minutes.
• Dental floss. You can try to gently clean the interdental space during the period of pain relief with dental floss.
• Clove oil. A drop of this oil with an ear stick should be applied to the aching tooth.
• Strong alcohol . If there are no contraindications, you can rinse your mouth with vodka, whiskey, cognac or any other strong alcohol. The gums will absorb some of the alcohol, which will dull the pain.
• Painkiller. You can drink any over-the-counter pain medication according to the scheme indicated in the annotation.
• Massage. You can try to massage the area between the index and thumb from the side of the diseased tooth or the top of the auricle for 3-5 minutes.

These steps will help ease your pain enough to allow you to wait for the dental clinics to open.

It is important to remember that neither these nor any other express methods will save you from the cause, so without a visit to the dentist, the tooth will remind you of itself again and again.

What not to do

There is a lot of “bad” advice that will only worsen the situation. So, what not to do:

1. Do not heat. Never apply heating pads, scarves, compresses, warming tampons, and so on to an aching tooth.
2. Do not apply tablets. You can often find advice to put an aspirin tablet on a bad tooth, but this can only cause a chemical burn.
3. Do not take antibiotics. In the treatment of certain dental diseases, doctors often use antibiotics. But only a specialist can develop an effective and correct scheme for their administration.

What to do in the morning

When the long-awaited morning comes or you return from a trip, you should immediately contact a good dental clinic.