What are the Best Essential Oils for Toothache?

Introduction

Last Updated on: 22nd May 2023, 09:55 am

Toothaches can be unbearable, and finding effective relief is essential. While dental care services can be expensive and inaccessible to many, there are alternative solutions that can help reduce pain and inflammation. Essential oils have gained popularity as home remedies for toothaches due to their medicinal and therapeutic properties. In this article, we will explore the best essential oils for toothache and their benefits. However, it is important to note that if the pain persists, seeking professional dental attention is crucial.

Causes of a Toothache

A toothache can occur due to various reasons, with inflammation of the tooth’s pulp being the most common cause. Toothaches can range from uncomfortable to disabling, and the causes can include caries, tartar buildup, jaw injuries, wisdom tooth eruption, sinusitis, dental fractures, food stuck between teeth, or temporary sensitivity from dental treatments. In countries without dental health coverage, many people turn to home remedies like essential oils for toothache management.

Why Choose Essential Oils for a Toothache?

Essential oils offer a natural and effective solution for toothache relief. These highly concentrated solutions possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties. By using essential oils, you can eliminate bad breath, soothe and heal gums, reduce pain and inflammation, maintain oral hygiene, and fight bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities.

The 5 Best Essential Oils for Toothache

1. Clove Essential Oil

Clove essential oil is known for its potent pain-relieving properties, comparable to benzocaine. The main compound, eugenol, acts as an analgesic and can help alleviate dental pain. However, clove oil also has antibacterial properties, which can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. It is recommended to use this remedy for no more than a couple of days.

2. Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme is another readily available home remedy with powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties. By diluting a few drops of thyme essential oil with water and applying it to the affected area using a cotton ball, you can effectively treat toothaches. Thyme oil can also be added to water to create a mouthwash.

3. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil, derived from peppermint plants, is beneficial for reducing biofilm on teeth, cleaning gums, and providing pain relief. Its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties, along with its counter-irritant effects, make it an excellent choice for toothache relief. To use peppermint oil, mix ten drops with a cup of water and use it as a mouthwash.

4. Green Tea Essential Oil

Green tea essential oil, known for its antimicrobial properties, is highly effective in relieving dental discomfort. It contains tannic acid, which imparts anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. You can mix eight drops each of clove oil, peppermint oil, and green tea oil with water and swish it around your mouth. Avoid swallowing the mixture.

5. Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon oil possesses anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. It helps fight tooth decay, bad breath, and reduces inflammation and pain. Apply a couple of drops of cinnamon essential oil to the affected area or use it as a mouthwash by diluting it with water.

Precautions when Using Essential Oils for Toothache Relief

While essential oils can provide effective relief, it is important to be aware of the following warning signs that may indicate a dental infection has spread: headache and confusion, fever, swelling or tenderness in the floor of the mouth, and difficulty seeing or double vision. If any of these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

Essential oils offer a safe and natural way to alleviate toothaches. However, they should not be used as a long-term solution. Maintaining proper dental hygiene and seeking professional dental care when necessary are crucial for overall oral health. By choosing the right essential oil and using it correctly, you can find relief from toothache discomfort and promote a healthier mouth.

Bibliography

1. R, Mahmoud RS, Baroudi K. Essential oils, their therapeutic properties, and implication in dentistry: A review. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2015 Sep-Oct;5(5):335-40. DOI: 10.4103/2231-0762.165933. PMID: 26539382; PMCID: PMC4606594. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606594/
2. Brunilda Nazario, MD. Toothache Home Remedies. WebMD, LLC. Updated: July 31, 2020. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/home-remedies-toothache
3. Mark Burhenne. 11 Home Toothache Remedies: Evidence-Based Relief That Works. Ask the Dentist. Updated: October 26, 2021. Available at: https://askthedentist.com/toothache-remedies/
4. Kumarswamy A. Multimodal management of dental pain with focus on alternative medicine: A novel herbal dental gel. Contemp Clin Dent. 2016 Apr-Jun;7(2):131-9. doi: 10.4103/0976-237X.183066. PMID: 27307656; PMCID: PMC4906852. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4906852/
5. 8 Best Essential Oils for Toothache That Work Wonders. The Natural Side. Available at: https://thenaturalside.com/essential-oils-for-toothache/

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like more information on this topic or other dental-related concerns, feel free to contact us at Channel Island Family Dental or visit our Facebook page. Our dedicated dental professionals in Oxnard, Saint Paula, Venture, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme are eager to provide timely diagnoses and guide you towards the best treatments for your oral health, ensuring you regain your confident smile.