When tooth pain hits, finding quick and easy relief becomes top priority. While professional care is always key to fixing the underlying issue, home remedies for toothache can be a lifesaver. If you’re looking for toothache relief and prefer natural remedies, you’re in the right place. This article will cover a range of the most effective home remedies for tooth pain to help you manage the pain and get through until you can see a dentist.

Table of Contents

Here is the List of Best Home Remedies for Toothache

1. Salt Water Rinse

One of the most common and effective toothache remedies is a saltwater rinse. It’s really just the good old days of the most common home remedy for toothache—very easy to prepare and use.

The saltwater achieves this by creating a hypertonic environment in the mouth that draws out bacteria and reduces inflammation. Moreover, this remedy will also clean the area around the affected tooth, keeping it from getting worse and thus reducing the pain.

Preparation and Mode of Use

To make a saltwater rinse, you’ll need: 1 cup of warm water, 1 teaspoon of salt

Rinse Your Mouth: Take a sip of the saltwater solution and swish it around your mouth for around 30 seconds, focusing on the part where you feel the pain.
Spit It Out: After swishing, spit the saltwater out. Do not swallow it, as it might cause an stomach upset.
Repeat as Necessary: You can do this multiple times a day, especially after a meal, to keep your mouth clean and relieve the pain.

2. Cold Compress Method

The cold compress is a wonderful option if you have swelling and inflammation around the tooth that’s causing you pain.

A cold compress can be applied externally to the cheek or jaw near the affected tooth. The cold will help to reduce the swelling from any type of inflammation. The cold will provide a numbing effect, which can help to reduce the sharpness of pain. After the cold application has been removed, blood flow to the area increases, and this will promote healing.

How to:

Prepare the compress: You can use a bag of ice, a cold pack, or even a washcloth soaked in cold water. If you’re using ice, wrap it in a thin cloth to avoid direct contact with your skin.
Apply to cheek: Keep the cold compress on the outside of your cheek or jaw, near the painful teeth for 15 to 20 minutes.
Take breaks: Remove the compress for about 10-15 minutes before reapplying. This allows your skin to recover and prevents frostbite.
Repeat as you needed: You can repeat this process several times a day, especially if you notice swelling.

3. Peppermint Tea Bags

Using peppermint tea bags to relieve toothaches may come as a surprise to many, but it is an effective remedy.

Menthol in peppermint provides that cooling sensation to numb the pain; peppermint has natural antimicrobial properties to help fight bacteria in your mouth; the aroma in peppermint is soothing and help one relax.

How to:

Brew the Tea Bag: Steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for a few minutes, then let it cool to a comfortable temperature.
Apply to the Tooth: Once the tea bag is cool, gently press it against the affected tooth for a few minutes. You can do this several times a day.
Rinse your mouth: After using the tea bag, rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining tea.

4. Garlic

Garlic is a natural superpower that is good for toothaches caused by infections.

Allicin: Garlic has allicin which has antibacterial properties. This will help fight the bacteria that’s causing your toothache.

Analgesic Effects: Garlic has natural pain relieving properties that will reduce the intensity of your toothache.

How to:

Crush a Clove: Crush a garlic clove to release the active compounds.
Place on the Tooth: Put the crushed garlic on the affected tooth. You can also mix it with a pinch of salt for extra effectiveness.
Hold It in Place: Keep the garlic on the tooth for a few minutes or as long as you can.
Rinse Mouth: After using garlic, rinse your mouth with water to remove the residue.

5. Clove Oil

Clove oil is an old home remedy for toothaches and for good reason. It contains a powerful compound called eugenol which has analgesic and antibacterial properties.

How to:

Dilute the Oil: Clove oil is very potent so you need to dilute it. Mix a few drops of clove oil with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil.
Place on the Tooth: Use a cotton ball to apply the diluted clove oil on the affected tooth. You can also use a cotton swab if you prefer.
Hold It in Place: Keep the cotton ball or swab in place for a few minutes to let the oil work.
Rinse Mouth: After using clove oil, rinse your mouth with water to remove the excess oil.

Warnings

Don’t Swallow: Be careful not to swallow the clove oil as it can irritate your throat and stomach.
Patch Test: Some people may be allergic to clove oil, so it’s a good idea to patch test on your skin before applying it to your mouth.
Consult a Dentist: If the pain persists, you should consult a dentist as clove oil is only a temporary solution not a cure.

6. Guava Leaves

Guava leaves are an alternative remedy you might not have thought of, but they can be quite effective for toothaches. They have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Guava leaves can reduce gum inflammation and swelling. They also have natural antimicrobial properties to fight bacteria in your mouth.

How to:

Prepare the Leaves: Get a few fresh guava leaves and wash them well.
Chew the Leaves: Chew the leaves gently and hold them in your mouth near the tooth that’s aching for a few minutes.
Rinse Your Mouth: After chewing, rinse your mouth with water to remove any residue.
Make a Mouthwash: You can also boil the leaves in water to make a mouthwash. Let the water cool, then use it to rinse your mouth several times a day.

7. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a nutrient-rich plant known for many health benefits including oral health. It can reduce pain and inflammation in your mouth. Wheatgrass can fight bacteria in your mouth and also reduce swelling and pain. Wheatgrass is rich in vitamins and minerals to promote healing.

How to:

Extract the Juice: If you have fresh wheatgrass, you can extract the juice using a juicer or blender. If you don’t have fresh wheatgrass, you can buy wheatgrass juice from health food stores.
Rinse Your Mouth: Use the wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash. Swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds focusing on the area where you’re feeling pain.
Spit It Out: After swishing, spit the juice out. Don’t swallow it; it’s quite strong.
Repeat as Needed: You can use wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash several times a day.

8. Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb that’s been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Thyme has thymol, a compound that’s antimicrobial and can fight bacteria in your mouth. Thyme has antioxidant properties that can reduce inflammation and promote healing.

How to:

Make a Tea: Boil a few sprigs of fresh thyme in water to make a tea. Let it steep for a few minutes, then let it cool to a comfortable temperature.
Rinse Your Mouth: Use the thyme tea as a mouthwash. Swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds, focusing on the area where you’re experiencing pain.
Spit It Out: After swishing, spit the tea out. Don’t swallow it, as it can be quite strong.
Repeat as Needed: You can use thyme tea as mouthwash several times a day.

9. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant that can reduce bacteria in your mouth and give you some relief from toothaches. But use it safely.

How to:

Dilute the Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide should always be diluted. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide with water.
Rinse Your Mouth: Swish the diluted hydrogen peroxide around your mouth for about 30 seconds, focusing on the area where you’re experiencing pain.
Spit It Out: After swishing, spit the solution out. Don’t swallow it, as it can be harmful if ingested.
Rinse with Water: Rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining peroxide.
Use Sparingly: Hydrogen peroxide can be harsh on your gums, so use it sparingly and not more than once a day.

Warnings

Dilute Properly: Always dilute hydrogen peroxide with water to avoid irritation.
Don’t Swallow: Never swallow hydrogen peroxide, as it can be harmful.
Consult a Dentist: If you have any concerns or if the pain persists, consult a dentist.

10. Cucumber

Cucumber is a surprising but effective remedy for toothaches. Cucumber has a cooling effect that can reduce the pain. It’s also hydrating, so it can keep your mouth moist and reduce discomfort.

How to:

Chill the Cucumber: Put a slice of cucumber in the refrigerator to chill.
Apply to the Tooth: Once the cucumber is chilled, place the slice on the tooth and hold it there for a few minutes.
Repeat as Needed: You can do this several times a day if you see swelling or pain.

(Or)

Mash up a cucumber and mix it with rock salt or a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the paste to the affected tooth.

Safety Precautions and Considerations

While home remedies are great for temporary relief, use them safely and wisely. Here are some precautions:

Temporary Relief Only: Remember, home remedies are for temporary pain relief. Not for the underlying cause of the toothache. Get dental care as soon as possible.
Hygiene: Make sure your hands and any tools you use are clean so you don’t introduce more bacteria into your mouth.
Moderation: Don’t overdo it. Excessive use can be irritating.
Listen to Your Body: If any remedy causes more pain, irritation or discomfort, stop using it right away.

When to See a Dentist

Severe Pain
Pain with Fever
Swelling in Face, Jaw, or Gums
Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing
Pain that Lasts More than 1-2 Days
Signs of Infection (Pus, Redness)

Importance of Proper Oral Hygiene

It is always better to prevent a toothache than to treat one. Proper oral hygiene is important in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to limit the risks of a toothache. Therefore, build these habits into your everyday routine:

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day: Brush your teeth thoroughly for two minutes, twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste.

Floss Every Day: Make dental flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth, where the toothbrush can’t reach.

Regular Dental Check-Ups and Cleanings: Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings as recommended by your dentist every six months or so. These appointments are key for early detection and prevention of dental problems.

Dietary Recommendations for Good Dental Health: Your intake of sugars and acidic foods and beverages should be limited since they contribute to the chances of tooth decay. A healthy diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is good for overall and dental health.

Conclusions

In short, you can manage toothache at home through many remedies. From rinsing with salt water to using peppermint tea bags or garlic, you have many options to try and ease the discomfort. These home remedies as stated above can give you temporary relief and help you cope with toothache symptoms. But remember, these are not substitutes for professional dental care.