How to Deal with Toothache

When a toothache hits, you can't eat, you can't sleep. Breathing becomes a conscious task as you try to control the airflow over the affected area. Here are some hints to help you until you can get to the dentist.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Put a drop of clove oil on a cotton swab and dab it on and around the tooth. If the oil is too strong, cut it with Vitamin E oil or olive oil. If you use Vitamin E oil, make sure it is food grade and not cosmetic grade.
2. Avoid carbonated water and sodas. They contain phosphates that leach out calcium and destroy tooth enamel.
3. Rinse your mouth with warm, salt water. Rule of thumb is 1/2 teaspoon salt to 8 ounces of warm water.
4. Use alcohol-free goldenseal extract as an antibacterial mouthwash to fight infection.
5. Use good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth daily, preferrably after each meal. If you can't brush after eating, rinse your mouth with warm water. Floss daily.
6. Eliminate processed sugar from your diet. Sugar offers a breeding ground for bacteria and is one of the major causes of tooth decay.

Tips & Warnings

• Get yearly checkups from your dentist. Some dentists recommend being checked twice a year.
• See a dentist immediately if the pain is severe or if you notice bleeding around your teeth and gums.