10 Proven Home Remedies for Toothache That Give Quick Relief
Tooth pain can stop you in your tracks. Eating, sleeping, even thinking clearly becomes hard. Many people search for quick home remedies for toothache when they cannot see a dentist right away.
You may feel:
- A sharp, stabbing pain
- A dull, throbbing ache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Discomfort when you bite or chew
These remedies can bring temporary relief and help you feel calmer. They are not a replacement for professional dental care. They can, however, bridge the gap until your appointment and sometimes reduce minor irritation.
Before trying any home remedy for toothache, read the safety tips in each section. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have medical conditions, speak with a dentist or doctor first.
Let’s explore 10 trusted options that many people find soothing. 🦷
1. Warm Salt Water Rinse
A warm salt water rinse is one of the simplest home remedies for a toothache. It helps clean the mouth and may reduce irritation.
Salt water works because it:
- Creates a mild antiseptic environment
- Helps dislodge food particles
- Can reduce swelling in the gums
How to use a salt water rinse
- Warm 1 cup of water. It should be warm, not hot.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of table salt.
- Swish the solution around the sore area for 30 seconds.
- Spit it out. Do not swallow.
- Repeat 3–4 times per day as needed.
Example: Someone with food stuck between teeth may find relief after a gentle rinse, followed by careful flossing.
When to avoid
- If you have very large open wounds in the mouth
- If salt makes your mouth feel raw or irritated
If pain continues despite rinsing, a dental visit is essential. A rinse can soothe but cannot treat deep decay or infection.
2. Cold Compress or Ice Pack 🧊
A cold compress can reduce inflammation and help numb the area. It is often helpful when toothache comes with swelling in the face or jaw.
Cold therapy may:
- Slow blood flow to the area
- Reduce swelling
- Dull pain signals for a short time
How to apply a cold compress
- Wrap ice or a cold pack in a thin towel.
- Place it on the cheek near the painful tooth.
- Hold for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove for at least 10 minutes.
- Repeat as needed, several times a day.
Example: After biting down on something hard, a person may feel soreness in the jaw. A cold pack can ease the ache.
Safety tips
- Never apply ice directly to skin or gums.
- Do not use very cold treatment if you have nerve disorders in the face.
- If swelling grows quickly or breathing feels hard, seek urgent care.
3. Clove Oil: A Traditional Remedy with Modern Support 🌿
Clove oil has been used for dental discomfort for centuries. It contains eugenol, which has mild numbing and antiseptic properties.
Many dentists and researchers, including those at the Cleveland Clinic, note that clove oil can ease temporary tooth pain when used correctly. (Source: Cleveland Clinic – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11365-toothaches)
How to use clove oil safely
- Mix 1 drop of clove oil with 4–5 drops of a carrier oil.
- Examples: olive oil, coconut oil.
- Soak a small cotton ball in the mixture.
- Gently place the cotton on the sore tooth or gum.
- Hold it there for 5–10 minutes.
- Remove and rinse with plain water if the taste is strong.
Example: A person with a throbbing molar may feel temporary relief after gently applying diluted clove oil near the tooth.
Important cautions
- Do not swallow clove oil.
- Do not use on children without a dentist’s approval.
- Overuse can irritate gums or cause burns.
Use clove oil as a short-term comfort method until you see your dentist.
4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Nonprescription pain medicines can be effective home remedies for toothaches when used responsibly. They help reduce inflammation and pain.
Common options include:
- Ibuprofen (if suitable for you)
- Acetaminophen
- Combination of both, if a doctor approves
How to use pain relievers wisely
- Follow the exact dosing on the package.
- Do not exceed the daily limit.
- Avoid combining medicines without medical advice.
Example: Someone with a sudden weekend toothache might take ibuprofen with food while arranging a dentist visit on Monday.
Avoid placing pills on the tooth
Do not crush aspirin or other tablets and place them directly on the gum or tooth. This can burn the tissue and make pain worse.
If you have kidney disease, liver problems, ulcers, or take blood thinners, ask a doctor which medicine is safest.
5. Peppermint Tea Bag Compress 🍃
A cool or slightly warm peppermint tea bag can feel soothing on a tender area. Peppermint has mild numbing and calming properties.
This method is gentle and may work well for people who prefer herbal options.
How to use a peppermint tea bag
- Steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for a few minutes.
- Remove the bag and let it cool until warm or cool.
- Place the damp tea bag against the sore area.
- Hold it there for up to 15–20 minutes.
Example: After a dental cleaning, some people place a cool peppermint tea bag near a tender gum area for comfort.
Safety notes
- Do not place a very hot tea bag in your mouth.
- Avoid if you are allergic to mint.
This is one of the milder home remedies for a toothache and is often paired with salt water rinses.
6. Garlic Paste for Short-Term Relief 🧄
Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antibacterial properties. Some people use crushed garlic as a home remedy for toothache, especially when infection is suspected.
How to try garlic paste
- Crush a fresh garlic clove into a paste.
- Mix with a small pinch of salt.
- Apply a tiny amount to the sore tooth or gum.
- Leave in place for a few minutes.
- Rinse your mouth well afterward.
Example: A person with a deep cavity might feel reduced pressure for a short time after a careful garlic application.
Use with caution
- Garlic can burn delicate gum tissue. Use only a very small amount.
- Stop if you feel strong burning or irritation.
- Do not rely on garlic alone for infections.
If swelling, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth appears, contact a dentist urgently. Infection may be spreading.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse (Diluted Only)
A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse may help reduce bacteria and ease gum discomfort. It can be useful when your toothache feels related to inflamed gums.
The Mayo Clinic notes that gum disease and dental infections are common causes of toothache. (Source: Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toothache)
How to prepare a safe rinse
- Use 3% hydrogen peroxide only.
- Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and plain water.
- Example: 1/2 cup peroxide + 1/2 cup water.
- Swish gently around your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Spit it out completely.
- Rinse with plain water afterward.
Important warnings
- Never swallow hydrogen peroxide.
- Do not use on children who might swallow the solution.
- Do not use this rinse more than a few times per week unless your dentist approves.
This method can complement other home remedies for toothache but should never replace proper dental cleaning.
8. Elevating Your Head and Resting the Jaw 😴
Tooth pain can feel worse when you lie flat. Increased blood flow to the head can increase throbbing. Simple position changes may help.
How to use elevation for comfort
- Sleep with an extra pillow under your head.
- Rest in a semi-upright position on the sofa.
- Avoid sleeping on the side with the painful tooth.
Example: Someone waiting for a morning dental visit may sleep in a recliner with their head raised to reduce night pain.
Reduce strain on the jaw
- Avoid chewing on the painful side.
- Skip very hard or sticky foods.
- Choose soft, cool foods such as yogurt or smoothies.
Elevation and rest will not fix the cause, but they may help you get through the night.
9. Gentle Flossing and Oral Hygiene
Sometimes tooth pain comes from trapped food or plaque around the gum line. Gentle cleaning can bring surprising relief.
Dental experts, including the American Dental Association, stress that careful flossing can prevent many toothaches.
Steps for careful cleaning
- Use soft dental floss, waxed if your teeth are tight.
- Slide the floss gently between teeth near the sore spot.
- Curve it into a C shape against each tooth.
- Move it up and down slowly to remove debris.
- Rinse with warm water or salt water afterward.
Example: A person eating popcorn may get a husk stuck between teeth. Flossing often relieves the sharp pain quickly.
Extra tips
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush gently around the sore tooth.
- Avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can irritate gums.
Consistent oral care is one of the most effective long-term toothache cures. Home remedies for toothaches work best when paired with daily hygiene.
10. Numbing Gels and Desensitizing Products
Over-the-counter oral gels and desensitizing products can help calm tooth sensitivity or surface-level pain. These may contain ingredients like benzocaine or potassium nitrate.
Types of products
- Numbing gels for gums
- Desensitizing toothpaste
- Protective dental wax for sharp edges
Using them effectively
- Follow the product instructions exactly.
- Apply only to the area mentioned in the directions.
- Do not use benzocaine gels on children under two years old.
Example: Someone with a small chip in a tooth may cover it with dental wax to prevent it cutting the cheek or tongue.
Important note
These products mask pain. They do not fix broken teeth, cavities, or infections. Always combine them with a plan to see a dentist.
Quick Comparison of Home Remedies for Toothache
Here is a simple overview to help you choose which method to try first.
| Remedy | Best For | How Often | Key Caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm salt water rinse | General soreness, minor irritation | 3–4 times daily | Avoid overly hot water |
| Cold compress | Swelling, throbbing pain | 10–15 minutes on, then off | Never apply ice directly on skin |
| Clove oil | Localized sharp pain | A few times daily, short term | Dilute well; avoid swallowing |
| OTC pain relievers | Moderate pain, inflammation | As directed on label | Check for drug interactions |
| Peppermint tea bag | Mild discomfort, soothing effect | Several times daily | Ensure bag is not too hot |
| Garlic paste | Possible infection, short relief | Occasionally | Can irritate gums |
| Hydrogen peroxide rinse | Gum issues, bad taste | A few times per week | Use only diluted; do not swallow |
| Head elevation | Night pain, throbbing | At rest and during sleep | Ensure neck support |
| Gentle flossing | Food trapped between teeth | Daily | Avoid snapping floss |
| Numbing gels | Surface gum pain, sensitivity | As product instructs | Do not overuse |
When Home Remedies Are Not Enough: See a Dentist 🚨
Home remedies for toothache are meant for short-term comfort. They cannot cure serious dental problems. Some signs mean you should see a dentist or doctor as soon as possible.
Seek urgent help if you notice:
- Fever or chills with tooth pain
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Severe, constant pain that does not improve
- Pus, a foul taste, or a bad odor from the mouth
- Trauma to the teeth or jaw
If you cannot reach your regular dentist, contact an urgent dental clinic or an emergency department. Pain control is important, but stopping infection is even more critical.
FAQs About Toothaches and Home Care
1. Can home remedies for toothache cure a cavity?
No. These remedies may relieve pain, but they do not repair tooth structure. Cavities need professional treatment, usually a filling or other dental work.
2. How long can I rely on home remedies for toothaches?
Use them only until you can see a dentist, ideally within a few days. If pain lasts more than 48 hours or keeps returning, seek professional care.
3. Are natural home remedies for a toothache safer than medicines?
Natural does not always mean safer. Clove oil and garlic can irritate tissue. Medicines have known doses and warnings. The safest choice depends on your health and the specific remedy.
4. What is the best emergency home remedy for toothache at night?
Many people combine a warm salt water rinse, an approved pain reliever, head elevation, and a cold compress. This combination can make sleep easier until a morning appointment.
5. Do these toothache cures home remedies for toothaches work for children?
Some do, such as salt water rinses for older children and cold compresses. Avoid strong products, essential oils, or adult-strength medicines without a pediatric dentist’s guidance.
6. Can I use these remedies if I am pregnant?
Many simple methods, like salt rinses and cold compresses, are usually safe. However, always ask your prenatal care provider or dentist before using medicines or herbal products. The American Dental Association notes that dental care during pregnancy is important for both mother and baby. (Source: American Dental Association)
Putting It All Together: Caring For Yourself Until You See a Dentist ✅
Tooth pain can feel overwhelming, yet you have many ways to ease it at home. From salt water rinses and cold compresses to clove oil and careful flossing, these home remedies for toothache can help you feel more in control.
Use these approaches as a toolkit:
- Start with gentle options like rinsing and elevation.
- Add short-term aids such as pain relievers or numbing gels if appropriate.
- Consider herbal or natural methods carefully, following the safety notes.
Remember, a home remedy for toothache is a bridge, not a final solution. Lasting relief usually requires treating the cause, whether that is a cavity, cracked tooth, gum disease, or infection. Regular checkups, daily brushing, and flossing remain your best long-term defense.
If your pain is severe, keeps you from sleeping, or comes with swelling or fever, do not wait. Contact a dental professional or urgent care service right away. Prompt treatment protects not only your smile but your overall health.
With the right mix of smart home care and timely professional help, you can get through this painful moment and return to eating, smiling, and living comfortably again. 💙
