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Some natural remedies, such as rinsing with salt water or using a cold compress, may help relieve tooth pain. However, a dentist may need to treat the underlying cause if the pain persists.
A toothache is mild to severe pain in or around your teeth and jaws. It may indicate that you have a tooth or gum concern.
If you have a toothache, it’s important to figure out what’s at the root of your discomfort. From there, you can determine how to best relieve any pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
A regular salt water rinse and cold compress application can typically remedy minor irritation, but more serious toothaches may require a dentist’s intervention.
If your symptoms persist for more than a day or two, see your dentist. They can provide guidance on how to relieve your symptoms and prevent future pain.
You should also talk with your dentist before using any of the following remedies if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical condition that may be impacted by herbal ingredients.
Keep reading to learn more.
For many people, a saltwater rinse is an effective first-line treatment. Salt water is a natural disinfectant, and it can help loosen food particles and debris that may be stuck in between your teeth.
Treating a toothache with
To use this approach, mix 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) of salt into a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash.
A hydrogen peroxide rinse may also help to relieve pain and inflammation. In addition to killing bacteria, hydrogen peroxide
Make sure you properly dilute the hydrogen peroxide. To do this, mix 3-percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water, and use it as a mouthwash. Don’t swallow it.
You can use a cold compress to relieve any pain you’re experiencing, especially if any type of trauma has caused your toothache.
When you apply a cold compress, it causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict. This makes pain less severe. The cold can also reduce any swelling and inflammation.
To use this approach, hold a towel-wrapped bag of ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. You can repeat this every few hours.
Peppermint tea bags can be used to numb pain and soothe sensitive gums.
Allow a used tea bag to cool down a little before applying it to the affected area. It should still be slightly warm.
You can also use this method to cool, rather than warm, the area. To do this, put a used tea bag in the freezer for a couple of minutes to chill it and then apply the bag to your tooth.
For thousands of years, garlic has been recognized and used for its medicinal properties. It also has
To use garlic on a toothache, crush a garlic clove to create a paste and apply it to the affected area. You may wish to add a tiny bit of salt. Alternatively, you can slowly chew a clove of fresh garlic.
Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can help numb pain. Its proven
To use this remedy, dab a small amount of vanilla extract onto your finger or a cotton ball. Apply it directly to the affected area a few times per day.
You can do the following remedies at home, but you may need to source the ingredients from your local health food store or online.
Your mouth, teeth, and gums are likely sensitive at this time, so it’s especially important to purchase these ingredients from a reputable manufacturer. This can reduce your risk of potential irritation.
Clove has been used to treat toothaches throughout history. The oil can effectively numb the pain and reduce
To use this approach, dilute clove oil with a carrier oil, like sunflower or jojoba oil. Use a ratio of about 15 drops of clove oil to one ounce of carrier oil, according to the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.
Then, dab a small amount of the diluted oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area a few times a day.
You can also add a drop of clove oil to a small glass of water and make a mouthwash.
Guava leaves have
To use this remedy, chew on fresh guava leaves or add crushed guava leaves to boiling water to make a mouthwash.
Wheatgrass has countless healing properties, like anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It contains many
You can drink wheatgrass or use it as a mouthwash.
Thyme also has powerful antibacterial and antioxidant
To use this, dilute thyme essential oil with a carrier oil, and then apply it to the affected area.
You can also add a drop of the oil to a small glass of water and make a mouthwash.
The aptly named toothache plant is a flowering plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. Its active compound, spilanthol, has anti-inflammatory properties, according to a
Though this plant is generally considered safe, you shouldn’t use it if:
- you’re allergic to plants in the daisy family
- you drink alcohol
- you use diuretics
- you have prostate cancer
- you’re pregnant
If your toothache is severe or is the result of a more serious medical condition, it’s crucial that you see your dentist so you can treat it properly. Many toothaches will require medical attention. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen could help until you see a dentist.
You should also see your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- fever
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- general pain that lasts more than one or two days
- swelling
- pain when you bite
- abnormally red gums
- foul-tasting discharge, or pus
During your appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth to figure out what’s causing your toothache. They may also take an X-ray.
How your dentist treats your toothache will depend on the cause:
- Dental decay: If a cavity or dental decay is causing your toothache, your dentist will likely remove the decay and put in a filling.
- Filling: When a cavity is removed from your tooth, your dentist will fill the space with a tooth-colored material. If an existing filling is causing you pain, they may replace it with a new filling.
- Abscess: A dental abscess is a tooth infection that can occur if a cavity goes untreated. If you have an abscess, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, perform a root canal, or extract your tooth.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): If grinding or clenching your teeth is causing pain, your dentist may recommend a mouthguard.
- Periodontal disease: When plaque buildup leads to gingivitis, it’s possible for you to develop periodontal disease. This gum infection needs professional attention to remove tartar from your teeth and slow disease progression.
You can prevent the likelihood of toothaches occurring by practicing good oral hygiene. Floss at least once daily and brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least twice daily. You can also consider using mouthwash.
Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings twice a year, too.
Some foods can especially cause plaque buildup, including:
- citrus
- bread
- sour candies
- potato chips
- dried fruits
- carbonated drinks
- alcohol
- ice
Brush and floss after eating these foods to help prevent plaque buildup, or consider limiting them in your diet.
To get rid of a toothache at night, you may alleviate pain by:
- rinsing with fluoride mouthwash
- using a numbing gel
- applying a cold compress
To reduce swelling and prevent blood from pooling in your head, try sleeping with your head elevated. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin.
You can try to get rid of a toothache in 5 minutes by rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, salt water, or wheatgrass.
Next, you can apply clove oil, vanilla extract, or garlic paste to the affected area.
Finally, apply a cold compress or ice pack. If the pain doesn’t resolve or if it’s severe, talk with your dentist.
Depending on the cause of your tooth discomfort, it may not always be possible to get rid of a toothache without medication.
However, you can try cleaning your mouth by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, salt water, or hydrogen peroxide and seeing whether that brings some relief.
You can also use a cold compress, oil pull, and chew on fresh garlic. If your pain is severe or long lasting, though, make sure to visit your dentist.
A toothache can cause significant discomfort. While it’s important to see a dentist to figure out the root cause of your pain, there are some home remedies, like cold compresses and saltwater rinses, that may help you in the meantime.