Effective Toothache Relief: Top 14 Remedies According to Dentists

Toothaches can be incredibly debilitating, causing discomfort that interferes with daily activities and overall well-being. While it's always advisable to consult a dentist when experiencing tooth pain, there are several remedies you can use at home to alleviate discomfort until you can get professional help. Dentists recommend a combination of natural and over-the-counter treatments that can provide temporary relief. Here are the 14 best toothache remedies, according to dentists.

1. Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse is a simple yet effective remedy for toothache. It helps reduce inflammation and can clean the affected area, promoting faster healing. To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can be done several times a day as needed.

Why it works: Salt has natural disinfectant properties, and the warm water helps soothe irritated gums. The combination helps to clean out bacteria that could be causing the pain.

2. Cold Compress

A cold compress is a go-to remedy for any type of pain, including toothaches. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek where the toothache is located can help numb the pain and reduce swelling.

How to use it: Wrap a few ice cubes in a towel or use a cold pack and apply it to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this every few hours.

Why it works: The cold helps to constrict blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the area and thereby decreases swelling and pain.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

A hydrogen peroxide rinse can help relieve pain and inflammation in the mouth. It’s particularly useful if your toothache is caused by an infection, as hydrogen peroxide can kill bacteria.

How to use it: Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide with water and swish it around in your mouth, but don’t swallow it. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterward.

Why it works: Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant that can help eliminate the bacteria responsible for pain and infection.

4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are effective at reducing toothache pain. These medications help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from the throbbing pain associated with toothaches.

How to use it: Follow the dosage instructions on the package, and be sure not to exceed the recommended amount.

Why it works: These medications work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

5. Clove Oil

Clove oil has been used for centuries to treat tooth pain. It contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic, and antibacterial compound that numbs the affected area and reduces inflammation.

How to use it: Dab a small amount of clove oil onto a cotton ball and apply it directly to the painful tooth or gums. You can also mix a few drops of clove oil with a teaspoon of olive oil and use it as a rinse.

Why it works: Eugenol in clove oil provides temporary pain relief by numbing the nerves and killing bacteria.

6. Garlic

Garlic is known for its powerful antibacterial properties and can be used to relieve tooth pain. When crushed, garlic releases allicin, a compound that fights bacteria and infection.

How to use it: Crush a garlic clove to release the allicin and apply it directly to the affected area. You can also mix the crushed garlic with a little salt to enhance its effectiveness.

Why it works: Garlic's antibacterial properties help kill the bacteria that may be causing the pain, while the anti-inflammatory effects help reduce swelling.

7. Peppermint Tea Bags

Peppermint has numbing properties that can soothe a toothache. Peppermint tea bags, in particular, can be used to relieve discomfort and freshen your breath.

How to use it: After brewing a cup of peppermint tea, allow the tea bag to cool slightly and then apply it to the affected area. You can also place a used tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes and then apply it as a cold compress.

Why it works: The menthol in peppermint acts as a natural anesthetic, providing temporary pain relief.

8. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can help numb the pain and provide some relief. Additionally, the antioxidants in vanilla may aid in healing.

How to use it: Dab a small amount of vanilla extract onto a cotton ball or your finger and apply it directly to the affected tooth.

Why it works: The alcohol in vanilla extract acts as a temporary numbing agent, while the antioxidants help reduce inflammation.

9. Ginger-Cayenne Paste

A paste made from ginger and cayenne pepper is a powerful remedy for tooth pain. Both ingredients have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use it: Mix equal parts of ginger and cayenne pepper with a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to a cotton ball and place it on the affected tooth, avoiding your gums.

Why it works: Ginger and cayenne both contain compounds that inhibit the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain. Cayenne, in particular, contains capsaicin, which blocks pain signals to the brain.

10. Thyme Oil

Thyme oil has strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a good choice for treating toothaches caused by bacterial infections.

How to use it: Dilute a few drops of thyme oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball. You can also add a drop of thyme oil to a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash.

Why it works: The antibacterial properties of thyme oil help kill bacteria in the mouth, while its anti-inflammatory effects reduce swelling and pain.

11. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with toothaches.

How to use it: Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the painful area. You can also dilute apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a mouthwash.

Why it works: The acidity of apple cider vinegar helps kill bacteria, while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling.

12. Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass juice is a natural antibacterial agent that can help fight tooth decay and gum infections. It also reduces pain and inflammation.

How to use it: Swish wheatgrass juice in your mouth for several minutes and then spit it out. You can repeat this several times a day.

Why it works: Wheatgrass juice is rich in chlorophyll, which helps to eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

13. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is well-known for its healing properties and can be used to soothe a painful tooth or gums.

How to use it: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the affected area in your mouth. You can also use aloe vera juice as a mouthwash to reduce inflammation and bacteria.

Why it works: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce pain and fight infection.

14. Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is an effective remedy for toothaches, particularly if the pain is caused by a mouth ulcer or infection. Its antibacterial properties help fight off infection, while its alkalinity reduces acidity in the mouth, easing pain.

How to use it: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected tooth and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

Why it works: Baking soda neutralizes acids and creates an alkaline environment that is inhospitable to bacteria, providing relief from pain and promoting healing.

Conclusion

Toothaches can be excruciating, but these 14 dentist-approved remedies can provide temporary relief until you can see a dentist. While these remedies are effective for short-term pain management, it’s important to address the underlying cause of your toothache. Persistent tooth pain should always be evaluated by a dental professional to prevent further complications. Remember, these remedies are not substitutes for professional dental care.