Of all the aches and pains that human bodies can suffer, a toothache can easily rank among the most painful. Even though our teeth are relatively small, they are packed with nerve endings. So any amount of pain or discomfort can feel magnified to the point of being debilitating! But there are simple ways to soothe the pain of a toothache, and I’ll be sharing 7 of them with you today!
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But before we get to that, I want to mention that having a toothache is usually a sign of a problem with your teeth. That problem could be anything from a small cavity to a serious infection, so it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist! The natural remedies in this post can help you manage your pain until your appointment, but they aren’t a substitute for professional dental care.
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Alright, now let’s get to those remedies! :-)
7 Natural Remedies For Toothaches
1. Salt Water Rinse
A salt water rinse is a useful remedy, because salt water is a natural disinfectant! And the swishing action can also help dislodge any food stuck between your teeth, which may relieve some of the painful pressure on your teeth and gums.
To do a salt water rinse, add 1/2 teaspoon of table salt to 8 ounces of room temperature water. Stir to dissolve the salt, then swish the salt water around in your mouth for one minute. Spit the salt water out when you’re done.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
A hydrogen peroxide rinse can be especially helpful if your symptoms are related to gingivitis. A 2004 study showed that using a hydrogen peroxide rinse can significantly reduce gingivitis and bleeding gums. (And as an added bonus, it can also help whiten your teeth!) To do a hydrogen peroxide rinse, mix up equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a small cup. Swish for one minute, then spit the rinse out.
To learn about more brilliant ways to use hydrogen peroxide, be sure to check out my eBook Hydrogen Peroxide Magic! You can buy it in my shop, or download it for free if you’re an OGT Plus member!
3. Cold Compress
When it comes to reducing pain and swelling, a cold compress can work wonders. Just dip a wash cloth into ice water, wring it out a bit, and press it against your cheek wherever the pain is most intense. Use the cold compress for 5-10 minutes, rewetting the cloth if it stops feeling cold. Repeat the process a few times a day as needed.
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4. Peppermint Tea
There are two ways to use peppermint tea to soothe a toothache. First, you can use the teabag itself. Just prepare a cup of peppermint tea as directed, then remove the teabag and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then put the cooled teabag in your mouth and press it against the area of the toothache for a few minutes.
The second way to use peppermint tea is as a rinse. Just swish the cooled tea around in your mouth for a minute or so. The peppermint will have a gentle numbing effect and help dull the pain.
5. Clove Essential Oil
Like peppermint, clove can have a soothing effect on minor aches and pains. This is because clove contains eugenol, which produces a numbing effect. You can take advantage of this effect with clove essential oil and a cotton ball.
Just put a couple of drops of clove oil onto the cotton ball, then dab it onto the area surrounding the toothache. (It doesn’t taste very good, so try to keep it away from your tongue if you can!)
6. Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
If you have a toothache, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush for sensitive teeth. A standard toothbrush could aggravate your teeth and gums and make the inflammation worse. And when you’re brushing, use soft, gentle strokes with the bristles angled up towards the gumline.
7. Garlic
Proceed with caution, as this particular remedy is not for the faint of heart! But according to a 2014 review, garlic has been shown to have antimicrobial effects that can help fight infection. And historical records suggest garlic was commonly used as a cure for toothaches in England during the Renaissance!
All you have to do is pop a clove of garlic in your mouth and chew! (As for me, I think I’ll try all of the remedies above before I resort to this particular option!) ;-)
Related: 11 Reasons Why Garlic Is The Most Useful Food In Your Pantry
Have you ever used a home remedy for a toothache?
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So weird that this article just came out now, as I just dealt w/ severe tooth pain last week. Turns out it was an exposed root, so the dentist put some “bondo” over it, but in the meantime (the longest day & half of my life!) the pain was so great that I thought I would pass out. I mean, I haven’t cried over pain since I was a little girl & got a boo-boo, until last week that is. My savior though was a warm saltwater & hydrogen peroxide rinse – not together, I just switched them up to… Read more »
The best way to prevent a toothache is regular dental care. Brush and floss after every meal – yes, every meal! Use a antiseptic mouthwash after brushing. Don’t chew on ice, don’t eat tons of candy. Don’t smoke! And visit the dentist for twice yearly cleaning and check ups!
I do all these things, and my dental health is excellent. When I need emergency dental service it’s because of broken fillings or incomplete root canals. Good dental hygiene will dramatically reduce the likelyhood of toothaches.
Most of the time good dental hygiene does not apply. My right front tooth hurts due to a dentist who performed a root canal.in 2008. Only Cymbalta (an anti-depression medication) has taken the edge off the pain. However, it still hurts while I’m awake.
I use two remedies: Tea Tree Oil – just a couple of drops in half glass of warm water, then rinse but be careful you don’t swallow. Be warned: it tastes “different” and may take time to get used to.
Alternately or as well: take garlic pills that have allicin in them – an amazing germ fighter. Some people, and I am one of them may give off a slight odour of garlic after using it.
I have tried a lot of remedies and the ones that helped me most was the clove oil and holding room temp water in my mouth. I suffered for years with teeth pain until I got them all removed and I am happy that I did. I do not miss them at all.
Great ideas. I’ve struggled with bleeding gums and sensitive teeth. I can keep it under control if I use a toothpaste and rinse formula for this. I’ll have to check and see if I have clove oil. I’ve used Vanilla extract in a pinch on a swab. It helps to numb it temporarily.
The best remedy that I have found for a toothache is to empty a new teabag, carefully pour in an equal amount of salt and pepper into the bag, close bag up again with a staple then gently bite down on the salt and pepper bag over the affected tooth. I heard about this years ago and it amazes me how well it works.