Just about the only thing that is worse than having a toothache is having to go to the dentist so that he can fix it! While you might try to ignore a toothache and hope it goes away you really need to have it checked out as most toothaches are due to tooth or jaw problems like dental cavity, cracked tooth, exposed tooth root, gum disease, jaw point diseases or spasm of the muscles used for chewing.

The severity of a toothache can range from chronic, mild to sharp, and excruciating. The pain may worsen or get aggravated by eating and drinking hot and cold foods and beverage. The weather can also worsen the situation.

Dental cavity is the most common cause of toothache. Dental cavities are holes in the two outer layers of the tooth called the enamel and the dentin. The enamel is the outermost white hard surface and the dentin is the yellow layer just beneath the enamel. Certain bacteria in the mouth that convert simple sugars to acid causing dental cavities. This acid softens and dissolves the enamel and dentin creating cavities.

While you really do need to get to the root of the problem with your dentist, heres some home remedies that you can use until you can get an appointment:

When toothache occurs, avoid hot, cold or sweet drinks for this will help prevent pain from pulpitis.

Chewing cloves or rubbing clove oil on the tooth is good for toothache.

Mixture of crushed clove and peanut butter will provide relief. Apply this to the aching tooth and keep it in there for some time.

Make a solution of salt and water and gargle.

Turmeric sticks are good for toothache. Burn some turmeric sticks, make a fine powder, and use it as toothpowder.

Chew a clove slowly in the aching tooth to release the juice and leave it there for about half an hour. Do this three to four times.

Ginger is also good. Try to do the same procedure as the cloves and it gives same relief.

Drink juice of star fruit twice a day to get relief from the tooth pain.

Drops of vanilla extract on the affected tooth are an effective remedy.

Oil of oregano on the paining tooth is also effective.

You may also use Listerine antiseptic by gargling it.

Ice is a traditional relief for toothache. Chew a piece of ice on the aching side of the mouth, although in the case of cavity this may make it hurt more!

If the pain is prolonged and severe, painkillers may provide some relief.

You may be able to avoid the pain of toothache all together by keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Try to avoid cavities by reducing the intake of sugary foods and drinks. Make them as an occasional treat and at meal times only. Brush your teeth and floss regularly.

Visiting the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning will help to ensure healthy teeth and gums. This way, you can avoid most toothache by catching any problems in their early stages where the treatment will be less severe.