9 Natural Home Remedies For Toothache

Toothache can be both painful and inconvenient, often causing discomfort and sleepless nights. This is why exploring home remedies for toothache pain is a great way to find temporary relief before seeking professional dental care.

There are numerous home and natural remedies available to help alleviate toothache pain. From saltwater rinses to cold compresses, these remedies can provide quick relief and buy you some time before visiting a dentist to tackle the root cause.

Home and Natural Remedies for Toothache Pain

Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse serves as a natural disinfectant, granting relief from toothache pain. It can cleanse the oral area, pushing away particles trapped between teeth, and reducing inflammation.

Mix half a teaspoon of salt into warm water and swish this solution around your mouth before spitting it out. Repeat as needed.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Hydrogen peroxide rinse is an effective home remedy for toothache, as it’s an excellent mouth cleanser and pain reliever. It attacks harmful oral bacteria, reduces plaque build-up and helps in mending bleeding gums, thereby easing toothache pain.

You can use it by combining 3% hydrogen peroxide and water in equal measures, swilling it in your mouth for half a minute, and then expelling it. 

Always remember that this blend must not be swallowed, so rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water after the treatment.

Cold Compress

A cold compress is useful for any kind of injury, and toothache is no exception. The cold can constrict blood vessels, reducing pain and swelling. It’s especially handy for throbbing toothaches.

For a convenient cold compress, just enclose some ice cubes in a light cloth and place it over the painful site for a period of 15-20 minutes. Repeat every few hours or as needed, but avoid any direct contact of the ice with your skin to prevent frostbite.

Peppermint Tea Bags

Peppermint tea can act as an effective home remedy for toothache pain, thanks to its numbing properties. The menthol present in peppermint helps soothe sensitive gums and reduce pain in your mouth.

You can apply a cooled peppermint tea bag directly to the pained area for about 20 minutes for relief. You can repeat this as often as needed.

Garlic

Garlic has been recognized for its medicinal benefits for centuries. In terms of toothache, it can kill the harmful bacteria that cause dental plaque, while also providing pain relief.

Crush a garlic clove until it creates a paste, then apply it to the affected area. You may also want to add a tiny bit of salt to it for enhanced results. Rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract contains eugenol, an essential oil which can help numb pain and reduce inflammation. Plus, it’s comforting, warm scent can ease anxiety associated with dental pain.

Apply some vanilla extract to a cotton ball and press it gently on the painful area several times throughout the day. Its antiseptic properties can help sanitize the area, thus facilitating pain relief.

Clove Essential Oil

Clove essential oil is also a popular remedy for toothache due to eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antibacterial agent found in cloves. It numbs the pain and reduces inflammation and swelling.

If using clove essential oil, soak a small quantity on a cotton ball and press it onto the pained area. Be careful not to swallow it and ensure to dilute it with a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin, in order to prevent irritation.

Thyme Essential Oil

Thyme essential oil is another effective option for toothache relief. It possesses strong antifungal and antiseptic properties that can combat the root cause of toothache, safeguarding dental health.

To use it for relief, combine some drops of thyme essential oil with water and gargle or apply a diluted version straight onto the painful tooth. Ensure not to swallow, and repeat the process when needed.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can offer temporary relief from toothache. They reduce inflammation and dull the pain signals sent from your aching tooth.

However, NSAIDs shouldn’t be used as a long-term solution. It’s imperative to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen to avoid potential side effects and interactions.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera is renowned for its healing properties. Applying its gel to the painful tooth and gum area can reduce pain and inflammation. It also has antibacterial properties that can keep infection at bay.

Repeat the application several times daily until the discomfort subsides. Always ensure you’re using natural, food-grade Aloe Vera gel for safety.

Guava Leaves

Guava leaves are effective natural remedies for toothache, thanks to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. They can help reduce swelling and pain, and also combat any oral infection.

You may chew guava leaves or, instead, you may boil guava leaves in water. Let them cool until warm, add salt, and then use the solution as a mouth rinse.

When to Call Your Dentist

If your toothache persists for more than one or two days, it’s essential to contact your dentist. Ignoring your toothache may lead to worsening pain, infection, or potential tooth loss.

An untreated toothache can cause bacteria to spread, resulting in an abscess or even systemic infection.

Contact your dentist if you experience fever, swelling, or inflammation around the affected area, as these could be signs of a more severe infection or abscess. Don’t wait for the pain to intensify, as this might indicate that the infection is spreading. 

Possible Toothache Causes

A toothache can be caused by various factors, and understanding the root cause can help you find the most effective remedy. In some cases, seeing a dentist is necessary for proper treatment.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a significant cause of toothache. It occurs when acid produced by oral bacteria erodes the tooth’s enamel, leading to cavities. If left untreated, the decay advances, affecting deeper layers of the tooth, resulting in pain.

Symptoms may include spontaneous toothache, sensitivity, pain while eating or drinking, visible holes in teeth, and staining. Regular dental check-ups can help diagnose and treat tooth decay in a timely manner, potentially preventing toothache.

Cavities

Cavities, also known as tooth caries, refer to permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings. Cavities are one of the most common health problems worldwide and a primary cause for toothaches.

Caused by several factors including bacteria, frequent snacking, and not cleaning your teeth well, cavities can create a continual dull ache or sudden, sharp pain. Regular dental cleanings and personal oral care can assist in preventing cavities and the toothaches that accompany them.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause toothache. It’s an inflammation of the gums that can lead to the destruction of the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth.

Symptoms like swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, persistent bad breath, or pain when chewing could indicate gum disease. If these symptoms persist, a visit to the dentist is vital to prevent it from progressing and to alleviate the accompanying teeth discomfort.

Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess, a serious and potentially fatal condition, occurs when a buildup of pus in the tooth triggers an infection. This can result in a throbbing, persistent toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear.

Symptoms may also include sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, fever, and facial swelling. An abscess constitutes a dental emergency and requires prompt professional treatment to drain the abscess and alleviate the pain.

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can cause toothache, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold food and beverages. This sensitivity can occur when the tooth’s enamel is worn down or gums have receded, exposing the tooth’s surface underneath, called dentin.

Dentin sensitivity can cause sharp but temporary pain. Using a toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth, avoiding acidic foods, and taking care with hot or cold items can help manage the symptoms.

Remember, visiting a dentist is crucial if you cannot identify the cause of your toothache or if the pain persists. They can properly diagnose your issue and recommend the appropriate treatment.

How to Prevent a Toothache

Maintaining good oral health is vital in preventing toothaches. Regularly visit your dentist to catch potential issues, such as infections, tooth decay, or cavities early on.

Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth correctly at least twice a day is key in preventing toothaches. Regular brushing wards off tooth decay and gum disease by removing the plaque and bacteria that cause these conditions.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to brush all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t rush; spend at least two minutes each time you brush, and replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when bristles become frayed.

Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is as crucial for your oral health as for your overall health. Consuming limited amounts of sugary foods and drinks can prevent tooth decay and associated toothache.

Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains into your diet. These foods boost oral health by providing necessary nutrients and, in some cases, promoting saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth and neutralizes harmful acids.

Avoiding Tobacco Products

Avoiding tobacco products is a valuable step in averting toothaches. Smoking not only stains your teeth, but it can also cause gum disease, oral cancer, and other health problems. Chewing tobacco also poses a risk to your oral health.

Both can make it harder for your mouth to fight off infection, delay healing in your mouth, and cause severe discomfort. Quitting tobacco reduces these risks significantly.

Practicing Stress-Relief Techniques

Practicing stress-relief techniques can reduce your risk of developing dental issues. Teeth grinding, which often occurs during stress, can cause toothaches and damage your teeth. If necessary, consider using a mouthguard while you sleep to protect your teeth.

By following these preventive measures, you’ll be better equipped to avoid toothaches and maintain good oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I relieve severe toothache at home?

To relieve severe toothache at home, try rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution. This natural disinfectant can help reduce inflammation and remove food debris.

You can also apply a cold compress on your cheek for 15-20 minute periods, followed by a 15 minute break if your face is swollen.

What is an effective natural remedy for tooth nerve pain?

An effective natural remedy for tooth nerve pain is clove oil.

It contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antiseptic, that can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation.

How can I use garlic to alleviate toothache?

To use garlic as a toothache remedy, crush a fresh garlic clove to release its juices. Apply this directly onto the affected tooth and gum area.

Alternatively, you can also chew on a piece of garlic to experience its pain-relieving properties.

How does hydrogen peroxide help with toothache?

Hydrogen peroxide acts as an antibacterial mouthwash that helps with toothache by cleaning the affected area, removing debris, and reducing inflammation.

Dilute a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with an equal amount of water and swish in your mouth for about 30 seconds. Spit it out and rinse with water afterward. Be sure not to swallow.