Is there anything worse than a toothache? Dental pain can be a nightmare, especially if you have to wait a while before you can see a dentist. Understandably, many people will try anything to alleviate tooth pain at home.
One common home remedy that often comes up is garlic! While most commonly used in cooking, garlic is also often associated with having medicinal properties.
The Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research claims that garlic is a well-known superfood with an abundance of health benefits. It is also well-known for having an unusual odor. In culinary settings, aromas are frequently welcomed. However, garlic is recommended as a conventional treatment for toothaches.
Garlic has been shown to have some positive effects in treating everything from endometriosis to high blood pressure and diabetes, and is also frequently used to prevent or treat the common cold, though there isn’t solid evidence of its effectiveness in this case.
So really, it’s not that much of a surprise that garlic is used to alleviate toothaches. While the only surefire way to treat a toothache is a trip to the dentist, it makes sense that people sometimes try to use garlic. But does it really work? We’ll cover everything you need to know in this article, including:
- Why People Turn to Garlic
- The Risks of Using Garlic for Toothache
- When IS Garlic Okay?
- Better Alternatives for Toothache Relief
Why People Turn to Garlic
People might be tempted to use garlic for any number of reasons, such as a dentist being delayed or unavailable, financial stresses, or a preference for home remedies.
Unfortunately, when something seems too good to be true, it usually is. While garlic may be cheap and easy to access, it is no substitute for dental care, and won’t address the underlying cause of your toothache. However, there are some real effects of using garlic orally!
Antibacterial Properties
The main positive impact of garlic in any of its health applications comes from allicin. Allicin is an unstable organic compound that is released from garlic when it is crushed or cut. It is what gives garlic its signature aroma, and is known for its antimicrobial properties.
This means that chewing on a garlic clove, or applying a garlic paste to a sore or infected tooth will help reduce the level of bacteria present, and work to disinfect the tooth.
Numbing Effect
Some people also report a numbing or tingling effect from garlic, which helps reduce the pain of a toothache. While garlic doesn’t have any inherent analgesic properties, the antibacterial effect of the allicin often reduces inflammation, which may provide some relief.
Additionally, the strong flavor of garlic is likely to distract from the pain and lead to a perceived reduction in its intensity.
The Risks of Using Garlic for Toothache
Like any home remedy, using garlic to soothe a toothache is not without its risks. If you don’t eat garlic regularly, you may want to test out a small amount of garlic first, or avoid using it all together to avoid the risk that you are allergic.
While garlic allergies are relatively rare, they can cause a range of symptoms if garlic is ingested, which you won’t want to deal with on top of your toothache.
There are also a couple of more common risks associated with using garlic to treat a toothache:
Potential Irritation
Allicin, the same compound that gives garlic its medicinal properties, is also what gives it its strong and spicy flavor. This comes from the sulfur found in allicin, which irritates the mucosal membrane in your mouth and causes a “hot” sensation, similar to the effects of capsaicin, found in chili peppers.
Unfortunately, this means that garlic can irritate your mouth, especially if you have the sore and inflamed gums that often go hand in hand with a sore tooth.
Getting Debris Stuck
If your toothache is due to a large cavity, or other damage to the surface of your tooth, you’re at risk of getting a garlic clove, or part of one, stuck in or near your tooth.
Make sure to never shove a clove into a gap or hole in your teeth, and to avoid using garlic if you think this is a risk.
Using a poultice can also help minimize the chances of anything getting stuck in your mouth or tooth, as it can be easily washed away with water.
Masking a Serious Problem
A toothache is nearly always a sign that you have a dental problem occurring, such as a cavity, infection, or abscess.
While it’s natural to want pain relief, the pain you feel is there to alert you of the underlying problem.
No Substitute for Treatment
It’s important to seek dental treatment for a toothache as soon as possible for this reason.
Leaving a tooth infection can lead to it worsening, leading to more time-consuming and expensive dental treatment, prolonged pain, and risk of the infection spreading.
If tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause serious problems, including heart disease and fatal heart attack.
When IS Garlic Okay?
So there are some serious downsides to using garlic to soothe tooth pain. But is it ever okay to do so? Sure! If you’re careful about it, it’s fine to use garlic to soothe a toothache in some circumstances.
With a Dentist Go Ahead
If your dentist okays using garlic to treat discomfort.
While home treatments can be useful in reducing toothache discomfort in the short term, they shouldn't be used in place of a dental appointment.
As soon as you experience the beginnings of a toothache, schedule an appointment.
Very Mild Discomfort
If you have minor tooth pain, it’s probably okay to use garlic to soothe some of the pain while you await a dental appointment.
It’s still important to go to the appointment even if this solution works, as it will only be a temporary fix. If you’re having severe tooth pain, it is not recommended to use garlic as you risk exacerbating the issue.
Use Caution
It’s important to always treat your toothache with care, and this includes when using garlic!
Only use a small amount at first, and don’t bite down too hard. You can also crush the clove and mix it with olive oil for a less intense application.
Better Alternatives for Toothache Relief
While dental treatment is the only remedy for the underlying cause of your tooth pain, there are also other at home treatments you can do while waiting for your appointment.
These options may be more effective than using garlic as well.
Over-the-counter Pain Relief
The most commonly used treatment for tooth pain are simple over-the-counter pain relievers.
This includes things like acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and ibuprofen (such as Advil.) These are generally safe and effective at soothing tooth pain as long as you use them as directed.
You may also be able to get topical numbing gel at your local drugstore or pharmacy, which can help alleviate pain in the gums.
Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse is also very beneficial for soothing tooth pain, as it disinfects the area and alleviates some inflammation. To make a rinse, boil water, then add a teaspoon of salt for every eight ounces of water.
Stir until the salt dissolves, then allow the mixture to cool until it is warm or room temperature, and swish it around the affected area.
Clove Oil
Cloves are another common natural remedy for tooth pain! Applying a small amount of clove oil to your tooth may help to soothe it, but it’s important to consult with your dentist or another oral health professional before you try it out.
Conclusion
So in short can garlic soothe a toothache? As per the expert opinion by Dr Ajnum Chaudhary, BDS, MDS, “Garlic releases allicin, an antibacterial and antimicrobial substance that might temporarily improve toothache pain, when it is crushed, chewed, sliced, or chopped. However, it shouldn't be used in the place of a dental visit.”
The best way to avoid getting toothaches frequently is a solid oral hygiene routine with good products. If you’re looking to use nox toxic, science-backed, and enamel supporting products, why not join Boka Tribe?