Essential oil for toothache
Toothache and essential oil has become a common phenomenon now. A toothache is one of the most unrelenting types of pain you can experience and when this happens, you can use essential oils to provide short-term pain relief from a toothache when you don’t have access to other options. This article will explore what toothache is and all the essential oils you can use for toothache pains relief.
Toothache and its causes
A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth that may be caused by:
- Tooth decay
- Abscessed tooth
- Tooth fracture
- A damaged filling
- Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth
- Infected gums
- Eruption (teeth coming out of the gums) or removal of a tooth (for example, wisdom teeth).
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are botanical compounds extracted from plants. Various parts of the plant may be used to obtain the oil, such as:
- fruit
- flower
- stem
- root
- leaf
These oil extracts are used in an assortment of ways, like being a base for cosmetics, being an ingredient in medicine, or being a sanitizing agent.
Essential oils have been used medicinally to treat pain, infection, inflammation, for therapeutic purposes to heal the body and calm the mind.
Essential oils for toothache
The following are essential oil for toothache
- Clove oil
- Lavender oil
- Peppermint oil
- Tea tree oil
- Frankincense oil
Clove oil
Clove oil is extracted from clove flower buds. It has an ingredient called eugenol which provides pain relief when applied to the affected area. This happens because eugenol has natural anesthetic and antibacterial properties which will eliminate the bacteria and numb the pain.
The eugenol found in clove oil also has high anti-inflammatory qualities which will reduce swelling and irritation.
Cloves have been used for centuries for their numbing and pain relief ability, but historically they would be used as they are rather than as an oil. Today, clove oil is extracted from dried flower buds called cloves using a steam distillation.
Researchers found that clove oil was able to reduce the rate of tooth decalcification. Decalcification is loss of calcium that can erode enamel and lead to tooth decay.
The study also found that clove oil may have remineralizing effects. Remineralization strengthens tooth enamel. This protects teeth and tooth roots from the painful sensations triggered by hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
Lavender oil
Lavender essential oil contains linalool, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may make it beneficial for reducing plaque on teeth and for fighting cavities.
Though it is not known for topical applications, the aromatic qualities of lavender essential oil may still help with toothache. Some research has indicated that the smell of lavender can be so soothing that it may actually help with pain perception and stress related to pain. So, if you’re struggling with a toothache and it is stressing you out, try adding a few drops of the oil to a nearby diffuser.
Peppermint oil
This oil is derived from the flowers and leaves of the peppermint plant. One of its main components is menthol. Menthol is an analgesic, which helps mask the sensation of pain.
Peppermint oil is not only strong enough to flavor a dish, but adds a refreshing tingle to the breath. It helps kill the bacteria that contributes to bad breath. When combined together, clove and peppermint oils can help prevent and treat all types of tooth decay, infections, and mouth pain.
Tea tree oil
Tea Tree is a natural remedy for bad breath and contains ingredients that diminish plaque. It is the ultimate antiseptic making it an excellent choice for gum, teeth and mouth pain.
This oil is a perfect ingredient for a toothpaste or mouthwash because of its ability to kill off bacteria, diminish tooth decay, reduce swelling and relieve bleeding gums!
Frankincense oil
Frankincense oil which is also known as olibanum is derived from the Boswellia tree resin. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial properties, which make it an excellent choice when relief from toothache is needed.
How to use essential oils
- Essential oil can be rubbed directly onto a sensitive tooth.
- If the sensation is uncomfortable, dilute it with distilled water or a carrier oil.
- Try mixing 5 drops of the essential oil with 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil.
- Soak a cotton ball with the oil mixture and apply to the painful area for 10 minutes.
- Repeat several times daily.
Note : Always buy high-quality, pure oils from reputable manufacturers. Read the ingredients list to verify what you’re getting is not a diluted product.