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Toothaches can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as inflammation, abscesses, or even lodged food between your gums. If you're experiencing a toothache, you can try treating it yourself with these 5 methods.

Clove Oil

Clove oil can usually be found at your local grocery store in the aisle with all the spices, but can also be found in dental emergency kits as well due to its ability to soothe toothaches. All you need to do is apply a few drops of the oil onto a cotton ball, then apply it directly to the tooth that is causing you pain. Allow it to sit there for approximately 30 seconds before removing the cotton ball.

If you are unable to find some clove oil, another option is ground clove. Apply it in the same way to a cotton ball, then rest it against the tooth.

Salt Rinse

A common recommendation by dentists is to swish with a salt-water rinse when dealing with an abscess or trauma. The salt will help reduce any pain, swelling, and inflammation that you are experiencing.

You can make a homemade rinse by combining the following ingredients:

• Sea salt – 1 tsp.
• Water – 1 cup

Swish the salt-water rinse for approximately 30 seconds, then spit it out. You can repeat this treatment several times during the day as needed to treat pain.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can actually help reduce pain and kill bacteria in your mouth. It is as simple as swishing a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (3%) for approximately 30 seconds. Spit it out, and then rinse out your mouth using water several times until you feel like the hydrogen peroxide is completely gone. You can repeat this treatment 2 to 3 times a day.

Remember that hydrogen peroxide is not safe to swallow, so be extra careful when using it as a rinse, and do not allow a child to attempt this treatment.

Gum

When you have a filling that has fallen out, which has exposed your tooth and is causing you pain, you can temporarily cover the hole with some chewing gum. Just use gum that is sugar free, chew it up, and place a small amount in the crack to cover it. This will help you get by until you can visit a dentist to fix the filling.

Ice

You can always use ice to help relieve the pain of an affected tooth. Wrap some ice in a cloth, and let it rest against your face for 15 to 20 minutes. You can repeat this treatment several times during the day.

For toothache pain that is unbearable, seek emergency dental care as soon as possible.