20 Toothache Home Remedies That Actually Work

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Dealing with a toothache can be distressing, whether it's from decay, infection, or other dental issues. While waiting to see your dentist, simple home remedies can offer temporary relief.

From applying a cold compress to rinsing with salt water or sipping peppermint tea, these remedies can help ease the discomfort. These home remedies are a life-saver when it comes to relaxing intense toothache.


1. Saltwater Mouthwash

Saltwater mouthwash is an effective home remedy for toothache. The salt used in the solution can deter away bacteria that cause toothache. This remedy can also be helpful in cases where gums are swelling.

If the pain is due to stuck food particles, swishing with salt water can easily dislodge them from their hiding area. The preparation is also easy, simply dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. You can use this mouthwash two to three times daily for early pain removal.

2. Clove Oil Compress

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A compress made of clove oil is a common at-home treatment for toothaches. When applied, the oil can help reduce the pain because of its analgesic properties. The oil is also full of healing compounds like eugenol.

Clove oil also serves as an antiseptic. It reduces the number of pathogens involved in toothache, if any, significantly. If the cause is severe, such as cavities, then clove oil should be used only for temporary relief.

3. White Willow Bark

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Another home remedy for toothache is white willow bark. Lesser known, the bark holds a chemical known as salicin that is as potent as drugs formulated to help relieve pain.

Besides relieving pain, white willow bark has other compounds, both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, that assist in the healing. White willow bark paste is normally used near affected areas as a remedy. Tea can also be brewed from dried white willow bark.

We recommend you take medical advice before using it as some people have allergic reactions to this remedy.

4. Cold Compress

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Oral pain can be effectively treated with a cold compress, particularly if the toothache is the result of trauma such as injuries. The afflicted area might be temporarily pain-free and swollen down by using a cold compress or a wrapped bag of ice.

Apply the compress to the outside part of your cheek in the vicinity of the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, and repeat as often as necessary throughout the next few hours. By numbing the area and reducing blood flow, this technique helps manage pain until more treatment is available.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Hydrogen peroxide is a renowned antiseptic. Its disinfecting property can be utilized to reduce the severity of toothache as well. When used for rinsing, it reaches pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity hence preventing their growth.

Moreover, the rinse is also known to soothe the inflamed tissues in the oral cavity. While it makes an effective remedy for toothache, it's important to know that swallowing the rinse can cause trouble in stomach.

6. Peppermint Oil

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A simple application of peppermint oil works like magic for toothache. A very old known remedy, peppermint oil has compounds like menthol which has cooling and pain-relieving effects.

The oil also has strong anti-microbial components that ward off infection- a potential cause of the pain. The strong, minty aroma also makes it an evergreen remedy for toothache.

7. Garlic

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There are many benefits of garlic. This traditional aromatic has compounds that act like an antibiotic, so it is a probable remedy to stop toothache caused by infections.

Allicin, the star component of garlic carries all the benefits of providing natural relief against the pain. To use, chew a clove of garlic or apply crushed garlic directly to the affected tooth.

8. Echinacea

Toothaches may be relieved by echinacea, a herb having antibacterial qualities utilized in Native American traditional medicine. It protects cavities and reduces gum disease, according to studies. Prepare a tea with echinacea and apply it to the toothache-affected area to help relieve the pain.

Both pain relief and bacterial reduction are possible with this natural therapy. Just steep the tea, allow it to cool, and with the help of a cotton ball dab the solution into the aching gums or teeth.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

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Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) can change the native pH of the mouth. ACV is rich in organic acids, so its use makes the oral cavity less conducive to the development of infecting organisms.

It is possible that using it as a diluted rinse may help decrease bacterial load as well as inflammation. However, the use of ACV should be moderated because when used frequently or in concentrated form it has been known to weaken the tooth enamel and cause sensitivity.

For dental health concerns, it is recommended to follow water rinsing after using ACV and it is also wise to see a dentist on how to go about the use of ACV with regards to toothache.

10. Turmeric Paste

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The benefits of turmeric are due to its beneficial compounds, making it a natural remedy for toothache. When applied in the paste format, turmeric can help with toothache, particularly due to the presence of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds.

The compound known as curcumin in turmeric helps to reduce swelling, pain, and bacterial activity in the mouth. The paste should be left such for a few minutes for the desired benefit.

11. Feverfew

Feverfew, also known as bachelor's buttons, is occasionally used as a homemade remedy for toothache due to its antiseptic properties. Although its effectiveness lacks robust scientific backing, it is generally considered safe with minimal side effects, except for pregnant individuals who should avoid it.

To use, brew feverfew tea and use it as a rinse. For safety, take medical advice.

12. Baking Soda

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Baking soda is an effective remedy if too much inflammation is going on in the affected area. The alkalinity of baking soda saves from the ache effect as it helps to neutralize the acidity caused by different immune reactions.

Prepare a paste of baking soda and apply it directly to the affected tooth or gum area. It's important to use this paste sparingly to avoid excessive abrasion as it can only add to the pain.

13. Cinnamon

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Eugenol present in cinnamon is what makes all the difference. This compound present in many spices and herbs is known for its ability to keep away tooth pain and help recover inflamed dental tissue. Not only that, another compound called cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon can ward off all the harmful bacteria.

The spice also has essential oils which can also help in relieving toothache. All over, the endless amount of beneficial compounds makes cinnamon a potential remedy for toothache.

14. Coconut Oil

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Fatty acid present in coconut oil known as lauric acid reduces harmful bacteria in the mouth and also prevents future infections. The oil also has other compounds that help to soothe swollen and infected tissues. Besides this, there are many proven benefits of coconut oil as well.

Oil pulling is the best way to get the desired benefits. The procedure involves swishing the oil, at least for 15 minutes. Oil-pulling hydrates the mouth, strengthens the gums and helps healing of affected tissues.

15. Cayenne Pepper

It may sound surprising but cayenne pepper is also an effective remedy for toothache. The compound called capsaicin present in the pepper is a bacteria deterrer and pain reliever.

Cayenne pepper paste is prepared for the application. Though it may be burning, it can reduce the extent of pain you are facing due to toothache. This remedy is the one you need to be fully cautious with while applying!

16. Vanilla Extract

Vanillin is the name of the analgesic compound present in vanilla extract. This compound can numb the pain you are facing during toothache. The sweet aroma and antioxidants of vanilla extract also play a notable role in healing the pain.

You can either apply the pure vanilla extract to the affected area or prepare its rinse.

17. Green Tea

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Green tea can help alleviate toothache by reducing the immune reactions in the affected site. Catechin, tannins and polyphenols are some important compounds present in green tea that reduce gum disease and prevent the chances of tooth decay.

These exact properties also help heal the toothache. To use green tea for relief, brew a cup and use it as a rinse.

18. Honey

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Glucose, fructose and phenolic compounds present in honey are healers. So, using honey can be the best way to deal with sore gums and oral injuries.

If there is any disturbance in the oral pH then honey can also help maintain it. This helps prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. For the benefits, you can apply honey directly to the affected area. Not only honey but another secretion of honeybees known as propolis is known to help with toothache significantly.

19. Oregano Oil

Oregano is an evergreen pizza seasoning, and we are talking about its oil! You heard it right, compounds like carvacrol and thymol make it a probable remedy for toothache.

These compounds help keep the carries-causing bacteria away. Moreover, other compounds like rosmarinic acid and polyphenols can heal pain and swelling related to toothaches. For application, dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, before applying it to the affected tooth or gum area.

Use sparingly and avoid contact with sensitive areas like open wounds to prevent irritation.

20. Tea Tree Oil

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Terpinenol, terpineol and cineole are some important compounds of tea tree oil. These compounds make this oil a probable remedy for toothache.

To reduce the swelling as well as ward off infecting bacteria, apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly onto the painful tooth or gum area with the help of a cotton swab. Besides toothache, this oil also prevents plaque build-up and freshens the breath.

What Are The Causes of Toothache?

Toothache can have various causes and is mainly due to dental issues. Some common ones are:

  1. Tooth decay/cavities caused by bacteria
  2. Gum diseases
  3. Tooth abscess
  4. Tooth fracture due to injury or biting something hard.
  5. Teeth grinding or bruxism, generally during sleep.
  6. Tooth eruption, when teeth break through the gums, common in children and adults with wisdom teeth.

When To Consult A Dentist?

When you have a persistent or severe toothache, especially if it is accompanied by swelling, fever, or foul-tasting drainage, it could indicate severe infection. In this case, it's best to visit a dentist.

How To Prevent Toothache?

Here are some tips to stay away from toothache:

  • Brush and floss regularly
  • Use toothpaste with fluoride
  • Limit sugar intake
  • Avoid use of tobacco and tobacco products

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