Preppers, by nature, take into account a lot of things, so they’re ready when SHTF. For some people, however, their teeth are one of the things they overlook, which can lead to utter discomfort and pain once toothaches strike. Luckily, learning to treat a bad tooth is a skill that can easily be learned, especially for times when healthcare professionals are nowhere to be found. What’s more, it’s so much easier to prevent them from happening altogether — if you practice the following tips. (h/t to SHTFBlog.com)

In an SHTF situation, it’s important to add brushing and flossing to your daily routine. Some natural alternatives to commercial toothpaste include:

1. Baking soda. Mix baking soda with essential oils such as peppermint, cinnamon, and clove to boost its cleansing properties.
2. Salt. When used in moderation, salt can whiten your teeth and even prevent bad breath and tartar from forming. For best results, mix seven parts of baking soda with three parts of salt for a germ-fighting concoction.
3. Hydrogen peroxide. A diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide and water is the perfect mouthwash, especially for those looking to treat canker sores and gingivitis.

It’s not just beneficial for SHTF situations: Brushing and flossing at least twice a day is, by far, the most effective way to maintain oral health and keep toothaches at bay.

Natural treatments for when it does get infected

Despite our best efforts, of course, there can be times when a toothache happens. Once that happens, try these herbs and spices to naturally remedy an aching tooth.

• Peppermint. It might be a holiday staple, but peppermint can provide a ton of benefits for people suffering from a toothache all year round. For one, rubbing a bit of peppermint essential oil on the affected area helps alleviate the pain. You can also use a cotton swab if the area is too far in. Additionally, peppermint tea works similarly to relieve pain: Just brew a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water and steep for 20 minutes. After the tea cools, swish it around your mouth to relieve pain.
• Cloves. The essential oil of this fragrant spice can be used to treat pain. To do so, apply clove oil directly to the area where discomfort is felt. You can also chew on clove buds to release their healing properties. The analgesic properties of clove mainly come from its phytochemical eugenol, which is also an antibacterial agent.
• Oregano. Both the oil and leaves of the oregano plant are used as natural toothache remedies, especially in areas where medical care isn’t readily available. This is because of the plant’s antibacterial and numbing properties, which not only stop the pain but also treat potential infections. When treating with oregano oil, it’s advisable to avoid eating for at least half an hour, to let its active properties take effect. You can even make a paste out of oregano leaves.
• Garlic. It’s known to have a ton of health properties, of which “antibacterial” tops the list. Consuming it not only fights infection but also reduces swelling and even pain.
• Ginger. It’s a spice that’s common in kitchens around the world, making it easily accessible for when toothache strikes. The spice is best used for toothaches that have not yet become too painful, since chewing on it is the best way to release its benefits. Ginger can also be brewed into tea, like peppermint, and swished around the mouth for best results.
• Apple cider vinegar. It’s a buzzword in the health industry, and for good reason. Aside from its many health benefits, apple cider vinegar can also soothe toothaches and even treat nausea. It’s also a must for every prepper — apple cider vinegar can last for up to five years.

Learn which foods can be used as medicine when SHTF at SurvivalMedicine.news.

Sources include:

SHTFBlog.com

RD.com

Livestrong.com