20 Effective Home Remedies for Toothache Relief

Your head aches, your gums are sensitive, your mouth is sore and tender. You’re experiencing a toothache. See a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, use these 20 home remedies for temporary pain relief.

Home Remedies for Toothache – Fast, Effective Pain Relief

When you have a toothache, you can apply several simple home remedies to reduce pain and prevent infection. Below are two popular and effective ways to treat toothache:

1. Saltwater Rinse

Rinsing with salt water is a method many people use to alleviate pain and support oral hygiene. Thanks to its natural antiseptic properties, salt water helps eliminate bacteria, reduce inflammation, and clean plaque trapped between teeth. Simply dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, stir well, and use it as a mouthwash.

2. Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse 

Besides saltwater, rinsing with hydrogen peroxide is also a way to treat toothache, reduce inflammation, and prevent gum bleeding. Hydrogen peroxide has strong antibacterial effects, effectively helping to clean dental plaque. You should dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide at a 1:1 ratio with water and then use it as a mouthwash. Note that you should not swallow this solution to avoid health issues.

3. Safe Toothache Pain Relievers When Needed

When a toothache becomes severe, pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be used. However, these are only temporary solutions that provide quick pain relief but do not address the root cause of the problem. Before use, you should consult a doctor and avoid abusing medication, as it can cause dangerous side effects. The dosage and duration of medication use will be adjusted by a doctor to suit each specific case.

4. Cold Compress: A Quick Toothache Relief Solution

Applying a cold compress is an effective way to relieve toothache, especially in cases of injury. The cold helps constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the inflamed area, thereby diminishing swelling and dental inflammation. To do this, wrap ice in a cloth and apply it to the painful area for 20 minutes. You can repeat this after a few hours for more effective pain relief.

5. Desensitizing Toothpaste

There are several brands of desensitizing toothpaste. You may need to try a few to find the one that works best for you. After using one for a while, your teeth should become less sensitive. You can also rub desensitizing toothpaste along the gum line around sensitive teeth before bed at night.

6. Thyme

Thyme is well-known for its powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which help relieve toothache and prevent tooth decay. Thyme oil, in particular, can be used as a natural mouthwash. Simply add one drop of thyme oil to warm water and rinse daily to boost oral protection.

7. Aloe Vera – Natural Gel

Aloe vera gel contains numerous vitamins A, C, E, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, etc., which help inhibit bacteria and effectively relieve pain. To use, take a fresh aloe vera leaf, peel it, cut it into small pieces, and extract the gel. Then, apply the aloe vera gel directly to the painful tooth area, leave it for 10-15 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

8. Peppermint Tea Bags to Soothe Sensitive Gums

Peppermint tea has soothing properties that help reduce pain and alleviate sensitive gums. To use, you can let a used peppermint tea bag cool down and then apply it to the tooth. Additionally, for an enhanced cooling effect, place the tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes before applying it to the painful area.

9. Chamomile

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce swelling. The NLM or the National Institutes of Health notes the herb’s effectiveness in treating various ailments and recommends topical use to prevent toothache. The easiest way to use it may be in tea bag form.

10. Garlic: Antibacterial and Natural Toothache Remedy

Garlic for toothache is a long-standing folk remedy due to its powerful antibacterial properties. Garlic not only helps kill plaque-causing bacteria but also acts as a natural pain reliever. To use, crush a clove of garlic, mix it with a little salt, and apply it to the tooth. For a simpler approach, you can chew a garlic clove directly for quick pain relief.

11. Vanilla Extract for Effective Toothache Relief

Few people know that vanilla extract contains alcohol, providing immediate pain relief. Furthermore, vanilla’s antioxidant properties support the toothache healing process. The method is very simple: use a cotton swab or your finger to dab a small amount of vanilla and apply it directly to the painful area several times a day.

12. Cloves: Natural Toothache Pain Relief

Cloves have long been used to treat toothaches due to their eugenol content – a compound with strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To use, you should dilute clove oil with a vegetable oil (such as sunflower oil) at a ratio of 15 drops of clove oil to 30ml of vegetable oil. Dip a cotton ball into this mixture, then gently dab it onto the painful tooth area several times a day. Alternatively, you can add one drop of clove oil to water and use it as a mouthwash for quick pain relief.

13. Guava Leaves for Oral Protection

Guava leaves are a trusted toothache remedy for many due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. You can chew fresh guava leaves directly or crush them and add them to boiling water to create a natural mouthwash solution. Regularly rinsing with guava leaf water helps soothe pain and prevent bacteria from growing in the oral cavity.

14. Wheatgrass for Effective Oral Cleansing

Wheatgrass contains numerous nutrients, especially chlorophyll, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties, and supports the immune system. To use, you can mix wheatgrass powder with water and then use this mixture as a mouthwash to relieve pain and protect oral health.

15. Treating Toothache with Fresh Ginger Water

Fresh ginger is a natural ingredient containing oleoresin, terpenes, and zingibain enzymes, which have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effects, helping to relieve toothache and reduce bad breath. The method is simple: Wash a piece of ginger, peel it, gently crush it, and then apply it to the painful tooth area for about 10-15 minutes.

16. Reducing Tooth Sensitivity with Lemon Leaf Essential Oil

Lemon leaf essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, effectively aiding in toothache treatment. To make lemon leaf essential oil at home, wash fresh lemon leaves, boil them with 1 liter of water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, simmer for 10-15 minutes, then let it cool and store in a bottle. Before use, clean your teeth thoroughly, then soak a cotton swab with the essential oil and apply it to the painful tooth area.

17. Elevate Your Pillow When Sleeping for Temporary Toothache Relief

Elevating your pillow while sleeping helps prevent blood from pooling in the tooth roots, thereby reducing toothache. However, it’s important to choose an appropriate height to avoid affecting your spine.

While these folk remedies may provide temporary pain relief, no scientific studies have proven their effectiveness in providing a permanent cure. If the pain persists, you should see a dentist to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.

18. Rinsing with Alcohol

Alcohol, also known as ethanol, is a type of alcohol with antiseptic properties. Therefore, if you’re wondering what to rinse with for a toothache, you can try rinsing with a little alcohol to alleviate the pain. People might use white rice wine or wines infused with gac fruit seeds or betel nuts. Similar to a saltwater rinse, hold the alcohol in your mouth for at least 30 seconds for best results.

19. Coconut Oil

Oil pulling is a popular part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, originating from India. This method involves rinsing your mouth with oil in a similar way to using mouthwash. A few studies suggest that this method can improve your oral health by reducing plaque on teeth and gum inflammation.

20. Turmeric

This spice plays a significant role in Indian cuisine and has been used as an herbal medicine for centuries. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Massaging a mixture of turmeric powder and water onto sensitive teeth can alleviate pain.

Causes of Toothache and Effective Treatment Methods

When experiencing a toothache, timely dental examination is crucial. A Maxillofacial Dentist will perform a clinical examination combined with an X-ray to identify the cause and propose appropriate treatment. Some common causes of toothache include:

Tooth decay: If tooth decay is the main cause, the dentist will clean the damaged part of the tooth and perform a filling to protect the tooth structure.

Painful filling: If an old filling causes tooth sensitivity or pain, the dentist will remove it and replace it with a new one.

Dental abscess: Infection from prolonged tooth decay can lead to a dental abscess, causing severe swelling and pain. In such cases, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics, perform root canal treatment, or extract the tooth if necessary.

Teeth grinding (Bruxism): This habit wears down tooth enamel, making teeth more sensitive. The dentist may recommend using a nightguard while sleeping.

Periodontal disease: When gingivitis is not controlled, bacteria can spread, leading to gum recession and tooth loss. The dentist will perform scaling to remove plaque, helping to prevent the disease from progressing.

Important Notes When Treating Toothache at Home

When experiencing a toothache, you can apply several home remedies to alleviate discomfort. However, it’s important to note what you should and shouldn’t do to avoid affecting your oral health.

✅ Do’s

Use toothache pain relievers like paracetamol, but note that children under 16 should not take aspirin.
Consult your dentist about saltwater rinses – this method helps reduce bacteria but is not suitable for children.
Apply oral pain-relief gel, available at pharmacies or supermarkets, to soothe the pain.
Eat soft foods like yogurt, steamed eggs, or scrambled eggs to avoid strong impact on the painful tooth.

❌ Don’ts

Avoid sweets, overly hot or overly cold foods, as they can worsen the pain.
Do not smoke, as nicotine can slow down the healing process and negatively affect oral health.

Risks of Home Remedies for Toothache

Home remedies for toothache can be temporarily helpful, but they cannot replace the care your dentist can provide. You might get short-term pain relief, but the root problem remains.

Some remedies might not be very effective for your toothache. And some could cause side effects.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are safe when you take the correct dosage and use them occasionally. But exceeding the recommended dose or using them for extended periods can lead to complications, including:

• Liver or kidney damage
• Diarrhea, nausea, and stomach upset
• Tinnitus or hearing loss
• Stomach ulcers
• Difficulty forming blood clots

The active ingredient in toothache relief gels that you apply to your gums is benzocaine. It has been linked to a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Use products containing benzocaine as directed and do not exceed the recommended amount. It is not considered safe for children under 2 years of age. Consult your dentist if you have questions.

Effective Permanent Toothache Treatment at the Dentist

When experiencing signs of permanent toothache, early dental examination is the best way to prevent complications. At the clinic, the dentist may order dental X-rays or perform necessary dental tests to determine the exact cause. Based on the examination results, the dentist will develop an appropriate treatment plan for the teeth, ensuring effectiveness and safety.

The method is applied based on the principle of minimally invasive treatment, which helps limit intervention on healthy tooth tissue, reduce pain, and shorten recovery time.

At My Auris Dental Clinic HCMC, a team of experienced maxillofacial specialists will directly examine and treat, providing optimal solutions to help you quickly end toothache and restore comprehensive oral health.