### How Garlic Can Help with Toothache Pain Toothaches can be caused by various issues such as cavities, infected gums, tooth decay, grinding your teeth, or aggressive flossing. Regardless of the cause, toothaches are uncomfortable, and you'll want relief quickly. While you should schedule a visit to a dentist as soon as you feel a toothache, there are home remedies that can help relieve the pain in the meantime. One such remedy is garlic. Garlic has been known for its medicinal properties for centuries. One of the most well-known compounds in garlic is allicin, which has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help kill some of the bacteria associated with toothaches. Allicin is found in fresh garlic after it is crushed, chewed, chopped, or sliced, but it is only present for a brief period of time. #### How to Use Garlic for Toothache Relief 1. **Use Fresh Garlic**: Make sure you are using fresh garlic. Crush, chew, chop, or slice a clove of garlic to release the allicin. 2. **Apply Carefully**: Avoid cramming the garlic so far into the tooth that it becomes stuck, especially if there is a cavity present. 3. **Be Aware of Allergies**: Some people are allergic to garlic. If this is the case for you, avoid this remedy. ### Other Home Remedies for Toothache Relief - **Ice Packs**: Constrict blood vessels to reduce pain and swelling. - **Saltwater Rinse**: Acts as a disinfectant and may loosen trapped food. Mix a half-teaspoon of salt in warm water, wait for it to dissolve, then swish around the affected tooth. - **Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers**: Anti-inflammatory pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen can temporarily reduce swelling and pain. - **Peppermint Tea Bags**: Numb pain and reduce swelling. Apply a warm (not hot) tea bag to the problematic tooth or cool it in the refrigerator before applying. - **Thyme**: Has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Gently chew on fresh thyme to help reduce pain. - **Aloe Vera**: Reduces pain and swelling. However, if you have diabetes or are taking medication to control blood sugar, aloe vera could potentially lower your blood glucose to an unsafe level. - **Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash**: May help reduce plaque, heal bleeding gums, and relieve oral pain and inflammation. Dilute the peroxide and do not swallow it. - **Cloves**: Reduce inflammation and contain eugenol, a known antiseptic. Dilute clove oil with a carrier oil and swab it onto the affected tooth with a cotton ball, but do not swallow it. Home remedies can be effective at relieving the immediate pain of a toothache, but they are not a replacement for a visit to the dentist. Make an appointment as soon as you feel a toothache coming on.