Toothache: Causes, Remedies & How to Protect Your Smile

👋 Hello Friends,

Many of you have reached out to me about a common and painful issue — dental problems. It’s something that affects both our health and confidence.

So, I decided to do thorough research and even consulted a well-known doctor to explore:

Why tooth problems are increasing — especially among children

How we can protect our teeth

What to do when pain starts

Natural remedies for relief

And the Islamic perspective on dental care and pain

Let’s begin this journey of knowledge, healing, and faith — because a single toothache can affect your entire body.

Why Are Teeth Getting Damaged So Often Today? The answer lies in our modern lifestyle, especially in what we eat.

Sugary and processed foods — like sodas, juices, chips, and chocolates — feed harmful bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce acid that wears away tooth enamel.

Frequent snacking also causes repeated acid attacks, while some medications and health conditions reduce saliva (your body’s natural mouth cleanser). So, even if we brush our teeth, we remain at risk unless we change our habits.

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

A Smart, Science-Based Approach

To protect your smile:

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

Floss once a day

Avoid sugary snacks and drinks

Drink plenty of water

Chew sugar-free gum after meals

Visit your dentist every 6 months

Fluoride strengthens enamel and reverses early decay. Prevention is better and cheaper than treatment.

What to Do If Dental Problems Arise

If you feel pain or sensitivity, don’t wait. Visit your dentist immediately.

Early treatment can stop decay and save your tooth. But delaying can lead to infection, root canals, or even tooth loss.

Dental issues rarely heal on their own — they get worse with time. Act quickly.

Home Remedies for Toothache (Temporary Relief)

If you can’t get to a dentist right away, try these remedies for temporary relief:

1. Apply a cold compress (15–20 minutes)

2. Rinse with warm salt water

3. Use clove oil for numbing

4. Drink green tea to reduce swelling

5. Elevate your head to ease pressure

6. Place a clove directly on the aching tooth

7. Use garlic paste for antibacterial benefits

8. Take Panadol or Paracetamol if needed

These are not cures just temporary help. Always follow up with a dental visit.

The Islamic Perspective on Dental Care & Pain

In Islam, health is a trust (Amanah) from Allah. We are responsible for taking care of our bodies — including our teeth.

1. Seek Treatment

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"O servants of Allah, seek treatment, for Allah has not created a disease without creating a cure for it…”

(Sunan Ibn Majah)

Going to the dentist is not just smart it’s spiritually encouraged.

2. Use Miswak (Siwak)

The Prophet ﷺ highly recommended miswak:

"Were it not that I might overburden my Ummah, I would have ordered them to use the Siwak at every prayer."

(Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)

Miswak cleans teeth naturally, prevents decay, and earns spiritual rewards.

3. Make Dua (Supplication)

When in pain, try this Sunnah method:

Place your hand on the painful area and say “Bismillah” three times

Then recite seven times:

“A‘udhu bi ‘izzatillahi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhadhir”

("I seek refuge in the might and power of Allah from the evil of what I feel and fear")

(Sahih Muslim)

4. Have Patience (Sabr)

“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”

(Qur’an 2:153)

Pain is a test and patience earns immense reward.

5. Maintain Cleanliness (Taharah)

Islam teaches that:

“Cleanliness is half of faith.” — (Sahih Muslim)

Brushing, flossing, and using miswak aren't just hygiene — they’re acts of worship when done with good intention.

Key Islamic Principles in Dental Care

Principle Islamic Teaching

Seeking Cure Encouraged in Hadith

Prevention Miswak and regular hygiene emphasized

Tawakkul (Trust) Make Dua and rely on Allah

Sabr (Patience) Brings spiritual rewards

Amanah (Trust) Caring for the body is an act of faith

Final Message

Teeth are an essential part of our body, and we must take care of them — especially for children who consume a lot of sweets like chocolates. Brushing daily and visiting a dentist every few months is important.

As the Pashto saying goes:

"If you lose your teeth, what will you do with almonds?"

This highlights the value of prevention. Take care of your teeth before it’s too late.

God bless you.

Written by Akhtar Sahil