Toothaches can be excruciating and disruptive, often signaling an underlying dental issue like cavities, gum disease, or an abscess. While visiting a dentist is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment, home remedies can provide temporary relief from toothache pain until you can seek professional care.
In this article, we’ll explore 30 effective home remedies for relieving toothache pain, along with tips for maintaining oral health. Plus, we’ve included a helpful FAQ section to answer your most common questions about toothaches.
30 Home Remedies for Relieving Toothache Pain
1. Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds.
2. Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. Dab a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area.
3. Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and pain-relieving properties. Crush a garlic clove to release its juices, and apply it to the painful tooth.
4. Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint has numbing properties that help relieve pain. Place a cooled, damp peppermint tea bag on the affected area.
5. Ice Pack
An ice pack can help numb the pain and reduce swelling. Wrap ice in a cloth and hold it against your cheek near the painful tooth.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide helps kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds.
7. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can help numb the pain. Dab a small amount of vanilla extract on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area.
8. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Mix turmeric powder with water to create a paste, and apply it to the painful tooth.
9. Ginger Root
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain. Chew on a small piece of fresh ginger or apply ginger paste to the affected area.
10. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and apply it to the painful tooth.
11. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda helps neutralize acids and reduce inflammation. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, and apply it to the affected area.
12. Onion
Onion has antimicrobial properties that help reduce pain and infection. Place a small piece of raw onion on the painful tooth.
13. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Chew on fresh guava leaves or boil them to make a mouth rinse.
14. Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass juice has antibacterial properties that help reduce pain and inflammation. Swish wheatgrass juice around your mouth for a few minutes.
15. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that help reduce pain. Dab a small amount of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area.
16. Coconut Oil Pulling
Coconut oil pulling helps reduce bacteria and inflammation. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes, then spit it out.
17. Thyme Oil
Thyme oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix a few drops of thyme oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the painful tooth.
18. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has antimicrobial and pain-relieving properties. Mix a few drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.
19. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the painful tooth.
20. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.
21. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the painful tooth.
22. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which helps numb pain. Mix cayenne pepper with water to create a paste, and apply it to the affected area.
23. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has antibacterial properties that help reduce pain. Dab a small amount of fresh lemon juice on a cotton ball and apply it to the painful tooth.
24. Potato Slices
Potato has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain. Place a slice of raw potato on the affected area for a few minutes.
25. Cucumber Slices
Cucumber has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Place a chilled cucumber slice on the painful tooth.
26. Mint Leaves
Mint leaves have numbing properties that help relieve pain. Chew on fresh mint leaves or apply mint paste to the affected area.
27. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory properties. Boil fenugreek seeds in water, let it cool, and use it as a mouth rinse.
28. Bayberry Bark
Bayberry bark has astringent and antibacterial properties. Make a paste with bayberry bark and vinegar, and apply it to the painful tooth.
29. Asafoetida
Asafoetida has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Mix a pinch of asafoetida with lemon juice, and apply it to the affected area.
30. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and reduce inflammation. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Tips for Preventing Toothaches
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods that can damage tooth enamel.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Use a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.
FAQ About Toothaches
1. What causes toothaches?
Toothaches can be caused by cavities, gum disease, tooth abscess, cracked teeth, or impacted wisdom teeth.
2. When should I see a dentist for a toothache?
Seek dental care if the pain persists for more than 1-2 days, is severe, or is accompanied by fever, swelling, or difficulty swallowing.
3. Can a toothache go away on its own?
Temporary relief may occur, but toothaches often indicate an underlying issue that requires professional treatment.
4. Are home remedies safe for toothaches?
Most home remedies are safe for temporary relief, but they should not replace professional dental care.
5. Can stress cause toothaches?
Stress can lead to teeth grinding, which can cause toothaches.
6. How can I prevent toothaches at night?
Elevate your head with pillows to reduce blood flow to the affected area, and avoid eating sugary foods before bed.
7. Can a toothache cause ear pain?
Yes, toothaches can radiate pain to the ears, especially if the issue is related to the back teeth.
8. Are there foods to avoid with a toothache?
Avoid hard, crunchy, sugary, or acidic foods that can aggravate the pain.
9. Can a sinus infection cause a toothache?
Yes, sinus pressure can cause pain in the upper teeth.
10. How can I relieve toothache pain during pregnancy?
Use safe remedies like saltwater rinses or clove oil, and consult your dentist for guidance.
Conclusion
Toothaches can be incredibly painful, but these 30 home remedies can provide temporary relief until you can see a dentist. By incorporating these natural solutions into your routine and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can reduce the risk of toothaches and keep your smile healthy.
If your toothache persists or worsens, seek professional dental care immediately. With the right approach, you can achieve lasting relief and maintain optimal oral health.