The History of Dentistry
Can Tea Tree Oil Cure Your Toothache?
Regina Carlson
If you're looking for a natural remedy for a nagging toothache, then you may have heard that tea tree oil can help. How does this oil work on toothaches, and should you use it?
How Does Tea Tree Oil Affect Toothaches?
Tea tree oil is an effective natural pain remedy. The oil can deal with various problems. For example, it is a natural antiseptic that kills bacteria and viruses; it also reduces swelling. These properties can reduce the pain of some toothaches. For example, rinsing around a painful tooth with a few drops of the oil in water minimises the effects of bacteria on and around the tooth. The wash neutralises bacteria and viruses.
Plus, this homemade mouthwash should also reduce inflammation. So, you may see some immediate relief if you apply tea tree oil to the tooth every few hours.
Should You Use Tea Tree Oil On An Aching Tooth?
Tea tree oil could well reduce your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. It may even make a minor toothache disappear. However, an essential oil isn't necessarily enough to deal with the problem behind the toothache. It may fix things for you now, but the pain is likely to return if you have an underlying issue in the tooth.
For example, if you have decay in a tooth, an oil mouthwash may deal with surface bacteria so that the pain reduces. However, it may not be enough to get at the decay further down in the tooth. Left untreated, this decay will just get worse, and your pain will return. Also, tea tree oil isn't likely to work completely on more deep-seated dental pain. For example, if you have an abscess inside the tooth, then the oil won't penetrate to the infection. Even if some can leak inside, it won't deal with the abscess. At best, you'll get some temporary relief.
You also need to be careful about how you use tea tree oil in your mouth. Using a pure essential oil can do more harm than good. Undiluted oils can damage soft tissues and shouldn't be swallowed. So, if you do try tea tree oil, you need to dilute it in a carrier oil or water. This reduces its harmful effects.
If you have a toothache, even a minor one, then you should see your dentist. You can use tea tree oil to manage your symptoms until you get an appointment, but it shouldn't replace dental treatment.
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Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved stories about the past. Whether the stories were about horses, wars, exploration or even dentistry, I loved to hear them. I find that knowing the history of something helps it to make sense and feel approachable. I know that some people have dental anxiety, and I too have suffered, but I also feel like the more you know about dental work and its history, the easier it is. This blog is dedicated to exploring the history of dentistry – What did ancient people use for fillings? How did early dentists numb their patients? Who was the first dentist? Those are just some of the questions I plan to answer here. Ready? Okay, let's dive into the history of dentistry together!