Garlic for Toothache: Does It Really Work?

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Garlic for toothache can help ease a painful tooth and relieve pain, fast. Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural toothache remedy due to its antibacterial properties.

Toothache is one of the most common dental issues, and it can be excruciatingly painful and incapacitating. While many over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat pain, natural remedies such as garlic can also be effective. Garlic has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including as a way to ease tooth pain, for centuries. In this article, we will look at how garlic can help with toothache relief and why it is such a popular natural remedy.

How Garlic Aids in Toothache Relief

Garlic is a natural antibacterial agent, which means it has the ability to kill bacteria that cause infections. Toothache pain is frequently the result of a bacterial infection in the tooth or gums. When you chew on garlic or apply crushed raw garlic to the affected area to relieve tooth pain, allicin, a powerful antibacterial agent, is released. Allicin can enter the infected area and kill the bacteria responsible for the toothache. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain.

Peel a fresh clove of garlic to use as a toothache remedy. To release the juice from the garlic, cut it into small pieces or crush it. Apply the crushed garlic to the painful tooth or gum and leave it on for a few minutes. You can also chew on a garlic cloves if you can stand the taste. Repeat the procedure several times per day until the pain is gone. Either way, using garlic could reduce toothache pain in a matter of minutes.

The Antibacterial Properties of Garlic and Toothache

Garlic, as previously stated, is a natural antibacterial agent, making it an effective treatment for toothache caused by bacterial infection. Bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment of the mouth and can cause a variety of dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and abscesses. Garlic can aid in the killing of these bacteria and the prevention of further infection.

Garlic also contains allicin, a compound with antifungal properties. Oral thrush is caused by fungal infections in the mouth and can be painful and difficult to treat. Garlic can assist in killing the fungus and alleviating the symptoms of oral thrush.

Garlic and Toothache: A Traditional Remedy That Still Works

Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. Garlic was used to treat wounds, infections, and digestive issues in ancient times. Prior to the discovery of modern antibiotics, it was also used as a natural antibiotic. Garlic is still a popular natural remedy for toothache and other dental issues today.

While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of garlic for toothache, many people have reported relief after using garlic. Some dentists even recommend garlic as a natural toothache remedy. It is important to note, however, that garlic should not be used in place of professional dental care. If you have a severe toothache or other dental issues, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

Other Home Remedies for Toothache

Aside from garlic, there are a number of other natural home remedies that can help relieve toothache. These are some examples:

  • Cloves: Eugenol, a natural anesthetic, is found in garlic. To numb the area, apply a whole garlic clove to the affected tooth or use clove oil.
  • Gargle with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth.
  • Peppermint tea contains menthol, which has a cooling effect and can aid in the relief of pain and inflammation.
  • Tea tree oil is another natural remedy for toothache that can be effective. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate pain while also killing bacteria. You can apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the affected area with a cotton swab after mixing it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil.

There are several steps you can take in addition to using natural remedies to prevent toothache and other dental problems. These are some examples:

The Bottom Line

Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic is a natural remedy that can be effective for toothache. While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of garlic for toothache, many people have reported relief after using garlic. It is important to remember, however, that natural remedies should not be used in place of professional dental care. 

FAQs

Will garlic get rid of a tooth infection?

Garlic has antibacterial properties that can aid in the killing of bacteria that cause tooth infections. It is important to note, however, that garlic should not be used in place of professional dental care. If you have a tooth infection, you should see a dentist to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

What is the fastest way to stop a toothache?

Seeing a dentist is the quickest way to relieve a toothache. In the meantime, you can relieve pain with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. A cold compress applied to the affected area can also help to reduce swelling and numb the pain. Clove oil and saltwater rinses can also be effective natural toothache remedies.

Is garlic good for nerve pain?

Garlic contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain caused by nerve pain. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of garlic for nerve pain, and it is critical to seek appropriate diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional.

What are the effects of raw garlic on teeth?

Raw garlic can give you bad breath and a strong aftertaste. It can also irritate and cause discomfort to the gums. Garlic, if left in the mouth for too long, can cause burns on the gums and other soft tissues. To avoid these side effects, rinse the mouth thoroughly with water after consuming raw garlic or use it sparingly.

Dr Febin Mary George - Editor

With more than 10 years as a dental surgeon, Dr Febin Mary George is passionate about educating consumers around the world to help look after their teeth.

She completed her Bachelor of Surgery at the Century Institute of Dental Science and Research Centre in 2010.

Alongside editing the International Journal of Dental Clinics she has also written for major publications including Thrive Global.