Toothache is usually a symptom of an underlying problem with your teeth, gums or jaw. Most commonly you will have a small hole, or some decay in a tooth which has become sensitive. You may also have infected/inflamed gums or teeth. There are number of of other reasons for toothache including pain referred from sinuses or something as simple as food stuck between teeth.

The severity of toothache pain varies from mild to severe and you may find your toothache pain comes and goes for no apparent reason.

Don't try and diagnose the problem yourself though, make an appointment to see your dentist. Its probably not going to be as bad as you expect and he will be able to provide total relief from your toothache pain!

In the meantime there are a number of methods to provide temporary relief from your toothache pain. We've selected 11 of the most effective methods below. You'll have the ingredients for most of them in your kitchen cupboard!

Salt water
If your toothache pain is mild, rinsing your mouth with warm, salty water may help. This is recommended after a meal if you experience pain

Floss
If you suspect you have food stuck between your painful teeth try gently flossing the area to try and dislodge the food.

Paracetamol
Swilling your mouth and then swallowing paracetamol will relieve your toothache, however there are a number of natural toothache relief methods below that do not require drugs or chemicals.

Clove oil
Clove oil has been used for thousands of years to provide relief from toothache pain. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural pain killer and antibacterial propeties. Mix a few drops of pure clove oil with ¼ teaspoon olive oil. Soak a cotton ball with the mixture and place the cotton ball beside the tooth. Bite down gently on the cotton ball if your toothache involves a molar at the back of your mouth. You can also grind a clove and apply the powder on the affected area.

Whiskey
Swill a small amount of whiskey around your mouth and the infected area and spit it out (or swallow it!). The alcohol in the whiskey will provide temporary relief

Ice
Applying ice to the affected area may numb the teeth and therefore provide toothache relief. Try to arrange the ice around the teeth and hold it there for a few minutes.

Peppermint
Use either fresh or dried peppermint. Place dried peppermint leaves around the teeth for 10-15 minutes or make a brew with fresh peppermint leaves and leave to cool. Drink when lukewarm and swill around the mouth.

Garlic
Place 2-3 seeds of garlic mixed in salt over the cavity if the tooth.

Raw onion
Chewing a piece of raw onion for three minutes will ease your toothache and kill bacteria in your mouth.

Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass will stop bacteria from reproducing and helps to draw bacteria out of the painful area.

Activated charcoal
Mix two teaspoons of activated charcoal powder with just enough water to make a paste. Apply to piece of gauze and place on the tooth and bite down. Activated charcoal is available at many drug stores and natural health food stores.

Remember different methods work for different people, try a few until you find one that works for you. These methods will only help treat your toothache pain and provide toothache pain relief – they won't cure the problem, only a dentist can do that!