Toothaches are one of the most common dental problems in the world, with a whopping 88% of people experiencing a toothache in their lifetime. It can be caused by decay and cavities, but many people also experience tooth pain due to hypersensitivity to certain foods or cold liquids. If you are concerned about your dental health, you should make an appointment with your dentist. However, if you want to quickly treat toothache at home, then a simple herbal tea is the perfect way to do this. Herbs have been traditionally used to help soothe and manage pain for thousands of years.
They are a natural remedy that can be easily found without a trip to the pharmacy. In fact, you can even keep them in pots in your garden, ready to pick and make some delicious, fresh, tea.
Peppermint Tea
Not only does peppermint taste delicious, but it also has numbing properties that can help to soothe the pain of a toothache. It is scientifically proven to have antibacterial properties that help to fight infection. Peppermint is also an extremely effective antioxidant, which is why it is commonly used in toothpaste — it’s not just for the flavor. Many common adult dental problems can be kept at bay by regularly drinking peppermint tea, or even by chewing the leaves. It’s also wise to brush your teeth twice a day with peppermint toothpaste. To make yourself a glass of peppermint tea, steep a handful of fresh leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes. The water will quickly take on both the color and the fresh flavor of the peppermint. Peppermint tea is also delicious cold — keep some in your fridge for a toothache emergency.
Clove Tea
Cloves contain a natural anti-inflammatory compound called Eugenol that is extremely effective for treating toothache, especially if it is caused by an infection. Eugenol helps to soothe sore gums, making them less tender. There are several ways that you can make clove tea – the first is by infusing the leaves of the clove plant in hot water. They have a milder taste than the spice seeds that we use for cooking. Alternatively, put a few dried seeds into a glass of boiling water and allow to steep for 15 minutes. A few drops of clove essential oil will make it even more effective. Cloves have a strong taste, so will go well with other flavors too, like blackcurrant or lemon. ( Editor’s note — Please be certain that you use only food-grade essential oils if you will be ingesting them. )
Thyme Tea
Traditionally used for cooking, thyme is another herb that has antiseptic properties — perfect for treating toothache. A lemon and thyme tea has a fresh taste and can also help to treat the symptoms of dental pain. It can also be used as a natural mouthwash and is mild enough to be part of your daily dental routine — it is alcohol-free, so is less harsh on your gums than many commercial products. There are many different types of thyme and all of them have a slightly different taste. Lemon thyme or mint thyme are good choices for tea.
If you have a toothache, drinking a fresh herbal tea can help to ease the symptoms. You can soothe your teeth and gums in a natural way just using some of these herbs from your garden.
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