2 min read / 23 May 2022 / Caitlin Devlin
How to safely use essential oils for toothache
Learn how to naturally treat tooth pain at home with essential oils.
Toothache can be one of the most unpleasant types of pain to deal with.
No matter the cause of your toothache, essential oils can help you to manage your pain.
However, it’s important to be properly informed of safe practices when it comes to using these potent natural products – especially when using them inside the mouth.
How can essential oils help with toothache?
Essential oils can relieve toothache in a number of ways, depending on the oils you use.
Some essential oils can soothe any inflammation that may be causing discomfort around the affected area.
Others can dull pain receptors to reduce the severity of pain. Antibacterial essential oils can even be used to attack the cause of the pain and prevent it from worsening.
Make sure to research your favourite oils carefully to see how they may be able to help with tooth pain.
How do I apply essential oils to the area?
There are a number of ways you can use essential oils for toothache
Oil pulling: Oil pulling is the practice of adding a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil and swilling around the mouth before spitting out.
Direct application: You may want to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it directly to the gum. Just be sure to heavily dilute the oil and rinse your mouth out well afterwards with water.
Skin application: You could also dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it into the skin of the jaw, outside of the mouth. This allows you to target the area without using essential oils inside the mouth.
Inhaling: Whilst inhaling essential oils won’t directly target the pain, it can help with relieving accompanying stress and anxiety and dulling pain receptors. Certain oils can also help you to catch up on lost sleep by encouraging rest.
Are there any risks?
There are a number of things to bear in mind when treating toothache with essential oils.
If you apply the oils to skin, remember to avoid using phototoxic oils, as they can cause an adverse reaction in sunlight.
Always heavily dilute the oils with a carrier oil when bringing them into contact with skin or the inside of the mouth, and avoid ingesting any oil.
It’s also important to communicate with a medical professional wherever necessary.
Whilst essential oils can help to manage pain at home until you can get to a dentist, persistent pain means something and should not be ignored.
In summary:
- Essential oils can help to relieve pain and swelling, as well as tackling the cause of the pain.
- Oil pulling and topical application are great methods of treating pain, whilst inhaling oils can ease stress and insomnia.
- You should always dilute the oils well and avoid ingesting them.
- If pain persists, make sure to contact a dentist.
Shop our essential oils here.
