19 Simple And Effective Home Remedies For Toothache Relief

A toothache is one of the most excruciating pains you can endure. It can be painful and incapacitatingⁱ  Intense pain that stops a person from functioning at their best potential and makes their life uncomfortable. . Thankfully, there are some home remedies for toothaches that you can try out to treat the issue at home. If you have a gum or tooth infection, you may see swelling and redness around the affected area. The severe pain can drive you insane, and if you don’t get treatment right away, you could even lose your teeth. The discomfort can range in intensity from minor to terrible. Chronic toothache is also a problem for certain people.

A toothache sends you running to the dentist, regardless of your gender or age. And, you may feel it occurs more frequently at night, on weekends, or during holidays, when dental clinics are closed. The last thing you want to hear when you are in agony is that you will have to wait a day or two before seeing a dentist. You know the wait will be agonizing, and you won’t want to eat or talk to anyone during that time. The only thing you will want is for the pain to go away. The most efficient way to deal with a toothache is to use home remedies. However, keep in mind that these toothache home remedies do not treat the underlying problem. They only provide temporary respite from the discomfort. Check the best home remedies for a toothache below!

Home Remedies For Toothache Pain Relief

There are many toothache home remedies that make use of common ingredients found in most homes. You can use these natural ingredients to get relief from the debilitating tooth pain you are experiencing. However, be sure to visit a dentist to find out the cause of the pain and get treated for it as soon as possible.

1. Clove Oil For Toothache Relief

You Will Need

1-2 drops clove oil

What You Have To Do

1. Apply this oil directly on the affected tooth and leave it on.

2. Try to not lick the oil. Let it stay in place.

How Often You Need To Do This

You can apply this oil three to four times a day.

Why This Works

Using clove oil for toothache is a centuries-old practice from Eastern medicine and is quite effective. After a couple of minutes of applying the oil, you will notice your tooth pain diminishing. This is because of a key component of clove oil called eugenolⁱ  A colorless liquid component used in perfumery that is found in clove oil and other essential oils. that diminishes pain (1).

Caution

Be prepared for a little pungency as cloves are a pungent spice. Inform your doctor if you use this medicament as eugenol can interfere with the bonding properties of some dental materials.

A blogger shares a personal experience of dealing with a severe toothache when unable to secure a dentist appointment promptly. They recounted, “I started by brushing my teeth thoroughly and rinsing my mouth with warm saltwater. This provided temporary relief and helped reduce the inflammation. However, the pain persisted, so I decided to try using clove oil. I applied a small amount of clove oil directly to the affected area using a cotton swab. To my surprise, the pain subsided significantly, and I was able to go about my day without much discomfort (i).”

2. Vanilla Extract For Toothache Relief

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops vanilla extract
• Cotton swab

What You Have To Do

Apply the liquid directly on the affected tooth using a cotton swab.

How Often You Need To Do This

Repeat as and when required.

Why This Works

If you want instant relief, this is the toothache home remedy that you should be using. Vanilla extract has antiseptic and analgesic properties that will relieve a toothache quickly (2).

3. Tea Bag For Toothache

You Will Need

• A tea bag
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Take the tea bag and wet it with some water.

2. Apply the tea bag on the tooth.

If your tooth is not sensitive to cold, place the tea bag in ice water for some time before applying it.

How Often You Need To Do This

Apply this once or twice a day, as required.

Why This Works

The tannins from the tea will help reduce swelling and also provide relief from the pain (3). Tannins can also help blood clot, if bleeding after an extraction is a concern.

4. Baking Soda To Prevent Toothache

You Will Need

• Baking soda
• Water
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Moisten the cotton ball with some water and cover the entire ball with baking soda.

2. Place the cotton ball against the affected tooth to eliminate tooth pain.

You can also mix a heaped teaspoon of baking soda in a little bit of warm water. Dissolve the powder and use this liquid as a mouth rinse. It will work the same way.

How Often You Need To Do This

Apply this on the tooth twice or thrice till you get relief from the toothache.

Why This Works

It is amazing how many uses baking soda has! It has anti-inflammatory properties that will relieve any swelling (4). Its antibacterial nature will also help in treating any tooth or gum infection that may be causing the pain (5).

5. Hydrogen Peroxide To Prevent Toothache

You Will Need

3% hydrogen peroxide

What You Have To Do

1. Take the hydrogen peroxide and rinse your mouth thoroughly with it.

2. After rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, rinse your mouth several times with plain water.

How Often You Need To Do This

Repeat this when required.

Why This Works

This mouthwash will ease the infection and also the discomfort. Usually, this home remedy for toothache is suited for an infected tooth that causes a foul taste in your mouth as well as fever (6). This, like all home remedies, is a temporary treatment for toothache.

6. Oregano Oil For Toothache

You Will Need

• Oregano oil
• Q-tip

What You Have To Do

Using the Q-tip, apply the oregano oil directly on the tooth with the pain.

How Often You Need To Do This

You can reapply after a few hours if the pain persists.

Why This Works

Oregano oil not only kills the bacteria causing the pain, but it also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce the pain and swelling. Carvacrol is the component that is responsible for this (7, 8).

7. Oil Pulling For Tooth Pain

You Will Need

• 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Warm water
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste

What You Have To Do

1. Swish the coconut oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes.

2. Do not ingest the oil. After 20 minutes, spit the oil into a trash can.

3. Rinse your mouth with warm water.

4. Follow this by brushing your teeth normally.

How Often You Need To Do This

Do this twice a day till you get relief from the toothache.

Why This Works

Also called as the oil swishing therapy, this technique has been used for ages to treat tooth infections, bleeding gums, gingivitis, and other oral problems. Coconut oil contains a high amount of lauric acid that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, making this an effective solution for toothache relief (9).

8. Whiskey For Toothache

You Will Need

• Whiskey (or brandy)
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Take the ball of cotton and soak it in some whiskey or brandy.

2. Apply the soaked cotton ball on your tooth.

How Often You Need To Do This

Keep replacing the cotton ball until you can visit a dentist.

Why This Works

This home remedy for toothache also has been around for quite some time. This will provide temporary relief from the pain.

9. Ginger For Toothache

You Will Need

• A small piece of ginger root
• 1 teaspoon cayenneⁱ  A fiery, spicy red powder made from ground, dried chili peppers with a strong, peppery flavor. pepper
• Water
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Powder the ginger root, and to it, add the cayenne pepper and water to make a thick paste.

2. Dip the ball of cotton into the paste so that it gets completely covered with it. Now, apply the cotton on your tooth.

3. Leave it on for a few minutes.

How Often You Need To Do This

Repeat the above steps as and when required.

Why This Works

This toothache home remedy will provide relief from the pain immediately and treat the toothache for good. Ginger has the ability to decrease any swelling and inflammation and also reduce the pain (10). Hence, ginger is also one of the best home remedies for swollen gums. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which is extensively used for pain management (11).

Caution

Be sure to keep the cotton away from your gums as it can cause irritation.

Seeking relief from toothaches? Look no further! Dive into this video below featuring 10 effective home remedies that provide quick relief, putting an end to your dental pain. Check it out now!

10. Olive Oil For Toothache

You Will Need

• Virgin olive oil
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

Dip the cotton ball in the oil and apply this on the affected tooth.

How Often You Need To Do This

Repeat this twice or thrice a day to stop toothache.

Why This Works

Virgin olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties due to its phenolic compounds content. It reduces the toothache inflammation and provides relief (12).

11. Onion For Tooth Pain Relief

You Will Need

A small piece of raw onion

What You Have To Do

1. Place the raw onion on the affected tooth.

2. Leave it on for a couple of minutes.

How Often You Need To Do This

Repeat this twice a day.

Why This Works

In all likelihood, you will not care that your mouth is reeking of onions if it can alleviate the throbbing pain from your tooth. Onion will not only ease the pain, but will also kill the germs that are causing the pain (13).

12. Warm Salt Water To Get Rid of Toothache

You Will Need

• A glass of warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt

What You Have To Do

Dissolve the salt in the warm water and rinse your mouth with this.

How Often You Need To Do This

Repeat this three to four times a day.

Why This Works

Warm salt water will help the swelling and also kill bacteria in your mouth (14).

13. Garlic Clove For Toothache Relief

You Will Need

• A clove of garlic
• 1 teaspoon rock salt

What You Have To Do

1. Crush the clove of garlic and mix it with some rock salt.

2. Apply this paste on the affected tooth to get relief.

How Often You Need To Do This

You can repeat this twice a day.

Why This Works

Garlic has so many medicinal properties, so it is not surprising that it is also effective against toothache. It contains allicin, which is a strong antimicrobial agent. It will kill the infection that might be causing the pain. Also, garlic helps to ease the toothache (15).

14. Cinnamon To Prevent Toothache

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 5 teaspoons honey

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the cinnamon powder with the honey.

2. Apply this sticky paste directly on to your tooth.

How Often You Need To Do This

Repeat this twice or thrice a day, or until the toothache disappears.

Why This Works

Cinnamon, along with honey, can provide relief from an excruciating tooth pain. Apart from being a major spice, cinnamon also possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (16). Honey soothes the gums around the affected tooth and also has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties (17).

15. Peppermint Tea For Tooth Pain

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves
• A cup of boiling water

What You Have To Do

1. Steep the peppermint leaves in the boiling water for about 20 minutes.

2. Strain and allow the tea to cool. Use it as a mouth rinse.

How Often You Need To Do This

Repeat the rinsing till it brings relief.

Why This Works

Peppermint tea has the ability to numb the affected part of your mouth. Its menthol content renders a cooling effect on your gums and teeth. It relieves irritation and inflammation as well (18).

Quick Tip

Alternatively, you can use chamomile tea for toothache relief by placing cool tea bags on the affected tooth.

16. Black Seed Oil For Toothache

You Will Need

• Black seed oil
• Q-tip

What You Have To Do

1. Dip the Q-tip in the oil and apply on the affected tooth.

2. Massage for 15-20 seconds.

3. You can also mix a tablespoon of the oil in warm water and use it as a mouth rinse.

How Often You Need To Do This

Repeat this twice a day, ideally.

Why This Works

Black seed oil is a herbal oil that is being looked into a lot recently for its benefits, especially for oral problems. It promotes wound healing, has antimicrobial properties, and also alleviates the pain and swelling seen in a severe toothache (19).

17. Asafetida For Toothache

You Will Need

• A pinch of asafetida powder
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Cotton ball

What You Have To Do

1. Mix the two ingredients together.

2. Make the paste a little warm, taking care not to burn the asafetida.

3. Now soak the cotton in the paste and place it directly on the affected tooth.

How Often You Need To Do This

Repeat after a few hours, if required.

Why This Works

This home remedy for toothache alleviates pain almost instantaneously, and is recommended if the toothache is caused due to a cavity. It also has antiviral and antifungal properties (20).

18. Guava Leaves To Get Rid Of Toothache

You Will Need

• 4-5 guava leaves
• 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Boil the leaves in water. Strain and set aside.

2. When the water is warm, add salt and use it to rinse your mouth thoroughly.

3. Chew on a couple of tender guava leaves to ease the pain.

How Often You Need To Do This

Do this twice a day.

Why This Works

This will ease the pain and also reduce the swelling (21). In case you cannot find guava leaves, you can also use fresh spinach as a substitute.

19. Cold Compress For Toothache

You Will Need

• A bowl of ice cubes or crushed ice
• A clean cloth or a small towel

What You Have To Do

1. Wrap the ice cubes or crushed ice in a clean cloth or a small towel to make the compress.
2. Gently apply the cold compress to the outside of your cheek closest to the painful tooth.
3. Hold the cold compress in place for 15-20 minutes.

How Often You Need To Do This

Apply the cold compress as needed, but avoid prolonged exposure to prevent skin damage.

Why This Works

A cold compress may help numb the area and reduce inflammation (24). This may provide relief from toothache. It may also temporarily constrict the blood vessels, which may reduce pain and swelling.

These are the best home remedies for toothache treatment. You can also make a mouthwash using apple cider vinegar or use alcohol to reduce inflammation and pain (25). Let us also look at the causes, symptoms, and other common questions that people have when it comes to toothache.

What Are The Causes & Symptoms Of Toothache?

The main cause of toothache is cavity or decay. When you consume a diet rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates, the sugar is broken down in the mouth by bacteria, releasing acids that eat into the enamel. As a result, the enamel gets eroded, and prolonged erosion results in dental decay. Other causes include tooth abscess, tooth fracture, gum inflammation, earache, jaw or mouth injury, sinusitisⁱ  A medical disorder characterized by the swelling of the cavities around the nasal passages, often caused by colds or allergies. , and heartache (26) (27).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of total dental caries (cavities) and untreated dental caries during 2015-2016 was 45.8% and 13% respectively among 2-19 years. The prevalence was lowest in the age group of 2-5 years (21.4%), followed by 6-11 years (50.5%), and the highest was in the 12-19 age group (53.8%).

Symptoms of toothache include:

• Pain in and around the tooth – can be sharp, constant, or throbbing pain (24)
• Swelling in the area around the tooth
• Fever
• Headache

Did You Know?

National Toothache Day is celebrated every year on February 9 to educate people on toothache and ways to prevent it.

What should I do if my tooth starts to bleed?

It is actually not your tooth but your gums that bleed. If this happens, double check any changes that you have made in your oral care routine that could be causing the bleeding. It could be a new toothbrush that is too hard or a new toothpaste that hasn’t suited your gums.

Soak a small gauze piece in cold water (or warm water if your teeth are sensitive to cold), wring out the excess, and place on the area that’s bleeding. Do not put too much pressure. The bleeding should stop within a few minutes. If it doesn’t, there might be a more problematic issue at hand like gingivitis or periodontitisⁱ  Swelling of the gums and surrounding tissue that frequently results in receding gums and loosening of the teeth. . Consulting your dentist is advisable in such a case.

You can use a moist teabag to stop bleeding as well. Bleeding is the first sign of inflammation in the gums.

Infographic: Tips To Prevent Toothache

Toothache can be very painful. Factors like injuries, poor dental hygiene, infection, or consuming a diet rich in sugar can result in tooth decay and pain. The good news is you can use simple and affordable remedies to manage the symptoms. More importantly, we have listed some useful tips to help reduce your risk of developing toothache in the first place. Check out the infographic below to know more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Toothache can be avoided by maintaining good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and also flossing after meals. You can also opt for over-the-counter pain relief medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. Besides oral hygiene, your diet plays an important role in the health of your teeth and gums. Limit your intake of sugary food and focus more on eating raw veggies and fruits that stimulate saliva production to cleanse bacteria from your mouth. Also, fruits, like strawberries and apples, are good for your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a toothache an emergency?

• Immediate medical attention is needed under the following circumstances:
• Swelling has spread to the jaw and/or mouth
• Chest pain
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing up blood

What to avoid when a tooth aches?

• Keep the following in mind when you suffer from a toothache.
• Limit high sugar foods as these act as a food source for the bacteria that may be causing the toothache.
• Avoid really hot or really cold drinks.
• Do not apply direct heat to the affected area.
• Do not apply painkiller creams or gels on the infected gum as this may cause chemical burns.

Can you get a fever from a toothache?

Yes! Fever is one of the symptoms that is usually seen along with a toothache. This is usually the case when the toothache is due to an infection.

Can a toothache cause an earache?

Yes! Like fever, earache can be an added symptom when experiencing toothache, especially in the upper jaw. The nerves carry pain from the tooth to the ear on the same side of the face.

Can a cavity cause tooth pain?

A dental cavity is the most common cause of toothache. The infection sensitizes your nerves and causes to experience sharp or constant pain in the tooth. This pain can also be experienced in the gum area.

What is the pressure point for toothache?

The most widely used pressure point for toothache is the Small Intestine 18 (SI18) pressure point. It is located beneath the cheekbone, lying perpendicular to the outside of the eye.

How can I sleep with a toothache?

Take an over-the-counter painkiller and sleep with your head elevated to gain some relief from toothache.

How long can a toothache last?

A toothache caused by a cavity or infection may last beyond 48 hours and until it is treated.

Is heat or ice better for tooth pain?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that ice chips and cold water in the mouth help relieve toothache.

Can Vicks help with toothache?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that applying Vicks Vaporub on the outside of the cheeks can alleviate the pain temporarily.

Illustration: Simple And Effective Home Remedies For Toothache Relief

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Meredith GantosMD

     

Dr. Meredith Gantos is a general dentist practicing in Naperville, Illinois. She has a strong passion for cosmetic dentistry, dental surgery, implantology, and sedation. She takes great pride in utilizing her advanced skills to help patients achieve beautiful, healthy, long-lasting smiles.

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Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

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