1887 Botanical Illistration of Clove

Nothing can replace a visit to a good dentist for professional cleaning, and dental care, especially when the a problem tooth has deteriorated into decay. To combat occasional ear and tooth pain or to get you through a middle of the night attack, hot and/or cold herbal compresses can help save the day. For a simple compress fill a small muslin pouch with chamomile or lavender flowers, heat in the microwave, or in hot water and apply to the swelling. I always keep clove oil on hand and a few drops of clove on a painful tooth can work wonders. See the herbal preparation and home remedies section for more details on how to make your own home pain relief remedies.

Toddler with a toothache

Hot and cold relief: Ear pain in adults is less likely to be from an ear infection. What you perceive as ear pain may actually be coming from another location, such as your temperomandibular joint, your teeth, throat, or other location. This is called "referred" pain. A warm herb filled pillow can help you get needed pain relief and rest. The opposite strategy, ice is excellent in numbing nerve endings and can be an effective temporary relief from a toothache. Try to compress the affected area with ice. But if it aggravates the pain, discontinue it.

Bad breath (halitosis) is a common problem which often comes from the activity of bacteria in the mouth. Use the bacteria busting power of essential oils such as tea tree, cinnamon and mints in mouthwashes and tooth powders to keep your breath and mouth smelling sweet and clean.

If your gums are swollen, tender and bleed easily when you brush your teeth, you're not alone — nearly 80 percent of American adults have some form of gum disease. One of the most common of these is gingivitis, which develops when bacteria build up between your teeth and gums, leading to irritation, inflammation and bleeding.

Home Remedies for Teeth/dental care