Home Remedies for Dental Care (Homemade Toothpaste and Mouthwash) via @MyHealthList and @MotherEarthNews

Clove

Clove is considered to be the best remedy for toothache. Clove is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic and antioxidant properties. For toothache relief you will have to dab a small cotton ball in clove oil and apply directly to the infected tooth. You can also make clove oil rinse by adding a few drops of it in ½ glass water, mix well and gargle. If you do not have clove oil you can grind some cloves and add them to cooking oil (few drops) and apply this mixture to the aching tooth.

Garlic

The antibiotic properties of garlic are effective in inhibiting the growth of the bacteria in the mouth, which saves us from tooth decay. Take a clove of garlic and finely crush it with some salt and apply. In case you do not have fresh garlic you can use garlic powder in the same manner.

Wheatgrass Juice

The antibacterial properties of wheatgrass cure tooth decay as well as toothache. Extract some wheatgrass juice and rinse your mouth with it. It will kill the bacteria causing gum infection and would also remove the toxins from the gum. If you can’t extract its juice you can chew wheatgrass to take its benefits.

Onion

In onion you will find some antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that play a vital role in treating tooth decay. All you need to do is chew some raw onion to get rid of the pain. It you can’t chew it because of the intense pain you can cut a small piece and place it directly on the infected tooth.

Guava Leaves

We all love guavas! Did you know that there leaves can alleviate toothache? Simply chew on one to two leaves. You can also make a mouthwash with guava leaves. Take 4 to 5 leaves and boil them in a glass of water, add a little salt and rinse your mouth with it when warm. You can substitute guava leaves with spinach leaves to get the same results.

Salt and Pepper

The ideal combination of salt and pepper can work miracles for our teeth as well. The remedy is highly recommended for people who are looking for a cure for sensitivity and dental cavities. Take equal amount of salt and pepper and make a paste by adding a few drops of water. Apply it to the affected area.

Salt Rinse

One of the most common and effective remedy for toothache is salt rinse, prepared by adding ½ teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle with this solution twice or thrice a day. This remedy is effective for reducing swelling of the gums and also for treating bacterial infections.

Bay Berry

A paste made of bark of bay berry and vinegar is very helpful for getting rid of toothache. This herbal remedy is also very popular for making the gums and teeth strong.

Ice Cube

For a quick relief from toothache take a plastic bag and put an ice cube in it, then wrap it in a piece of cloth and apply it to the cheek, right over the area of the aching tooth for one to two minutes. This will make the nerves numb and as a result you will feel less pain. Acupressure technique can also be applied, rub a small piece of ice between the area of index finger and thumb for few minutes. This will ease out the pain.

Asafetida

Toothache and bleeding gums can be effectively treated by using asafetida. Take some lemon juice and add a pinch of asafetida in it and then heat it, until it gets slightly warm. Dip a small cotton ball in it and apply to the aching tooth. You can also fry asafetida in clarified butter and apply it to the cavities, this will give you an instant relief.

Remember! Sometimes more aggressive treatments are required to cure toothache rather than simple home remedies. If you do not get relief from the above mentioned remedies, it is suggested to immediately consult your dentist

Source: My Health List

Herbal Mouthwashes

Mix 1 teaspoon each of rosemary, peppermint and lavender. Mix the herbs well and then place 1 teaspoon of the mixture in a cup of boiling water. Steep 15 minutes, then strain. Cool and use as a mouthwash.

Mix 2 teaspoons of sugar, 3 drops of peppermint oil, 3/4 teaspoon of boric acid solution and 4 cups of water. Add food coloring if desired. Put into a quart bottle and shake well. Remember not to drink, just gargle.

Pour 2 cups of boiling water over 3 tablespoons of angelica seeds. Add peppermint, lemon verbena, caraway and rosemary for extra strength. A touch of orris root will perfume the breath with the smell of violet. Cover and steep until cool. Strain and store in a tightly closed container.

Combine 3 drops of cinnamon oil, 2 drops of clove oil, 2 teaspoons of sugar and 3/4 teaspoon of boric acid solution to 4 cups of water. Place in a quart container and shake well.

A very simple mouthwash with antiseptic properties can be made by combining 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of boiling water. Let it cool and store in a jar in your medicine cabinet.

Some homemade toothpastes can be used as effective cleansing agents for teeth and can promote general oral hygiene. Try the following:

Homemade Toothpastes

Cut a fresh strawberry in half and rub your teeth and gums with it. Leave on for 15 minutes, then add some warm water and gently brush. This is not only a good cleaner but promotes health of the gums.

Take lemon rind and rub your teeth and gums, massaging your upper gums downward and your lower gums upward. This helps to remove plaque and tartar.

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of glycerin, 1/4 teaspoon of neutral soap powder, 1 tablespoon of calcium carbonate, 1 teaspoon of acacia (gum arabic) and 2 drops of oil of peppermint. To this mixture add 10 ml of water. Heat and stir for 5 minutes and note the pasty appearance. Each substance has a specific purpose in this formula: glycerin, the sweetener; calcium carbonate, the abrasive; acacia, the thickener; soap, the cleansing agent; and oil of peppermint, the flavoring agent.

Canker sores in the mouth may be caused by bacteria or viruses, by chemical irritants such as alcohol and tobacco, or by gastric upset. There are numerous herbal preparations which can help to clear up these painful sores.

Herbal preparations to clear up Sores

Boil a tea bag in water and apply it to the affected area for 5 minutes.

Swish a couple of tablespoons of oil of myrrh in your mouth, concentrating it at the site of the canker sore.

Boil a tablespoon of cankerroot in a cup of water. Strain and apply this to the canker sore. The very name of this plant suggests its ancient use among herbalists.

A good mouthwash for canker sores can be made by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of thyme. Steep for 15 minutes, and it’s ready to use.

Toothaches are indicative of a problem that needs dental attention. However, in the event the pain strikes at 2 a.m., when not too many dental offices are open, you can make some herbal remedies to gain some temporary relief.

Herbal Remedies for Toothaches

The most time-tested remedy is to soak a cotton swab with oil of cloves and apply it to the tooth. Clove oil is a topical anesthetic.

Soak a cotton ball with ammonia and place it over the aching tooth.

For a remedy that will make you feel worse before you feel better, apply a few grains of cayenne pepper to the tooth and gum. As soon as the original smarting stops, the toothache will subside.

An ancient Hindu remedy is to cut open a fresh ripe fig. Place the juice on the affected tooth and continue to repeat this for 15 minute intervals until the toothache goes away.

Source: Mother Earth News