A toothache can be unpleasant and downright agonizing. These at-home remedies will help ward off the pain until you can visit a dental health professional.
Toothaches can happen unpredictably and have many potential causes. While a visit to the dentist is the best way to resolve the problem, sometimes you can’t get to the office right away. Rather than suffer in silence, try these home remedies to ease discomfort until you can get professional care.
1. Keep Your Head Elevated
Lying flat causes blood to rush to your head, increasing pressure and intensifying tooth pain. Keeping your head upright, even while sleeping, can reduce inflammation and discomfort.
2. Take Pain Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can offer relief by targeting inflammation. You can also try a benzocaine gel from the pharmacy, which provides temporary numbing when applied directly to the gums.
3. Use an Ice Compress
Cold helps numb the pain and reduce swelling. Wrap a bag of ice or an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the affected side of your face for up to 20 minutes at a time.
4. Rinse With Salt Water
Salt water acts as a natural disinfectant and can help reduce swelling and pain. Mix one teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, swish it gently around your mouth, and spit it out.
5. Try a Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide helps kill bacteria and soothe bleeding gums. Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, rinse your mouth thoroughly, and spit (do not swallow).
6. Apply a Peppermint Tea Bag
Peppermint’s antibacterial and numbing properties can calm tooth pain. Let a used peppermint tea bag cool down slightly, then apply it to the affected area. You can also chill the tea bag in the freezer for extra relief.
7. Use Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural pain reliever and antiseptic. Dilute a drop of clove oil in a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil, dip in a cotton ball, and apply it directly to the aching tooth. You can also use diluted clove oil as a rinse.
8. Dab on Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract has alcohol that can help numb pain and reduce inflammation. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball or your finger and gently dab it on the sore area a few times a day.
9. Chew Guava Leaves
Guava leaves are both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. You can chew fresh guava leaves or brew them into tea, let it cool, and use it as a soothing rinse.
10. Try Garlic Paste
Garlic contains allicin, which has antibacterial properties that can help relieve pain. Crush a garlic clove into a paste and apply it to the affected area—or chew the clove slowly. Be sure not to leave crushed garlic on your gums overnight, as it may cause irritation or burns.
After At-Home Toothache Care…
These remedies can offer short-term relief, but they’re not a substitute for seeing a dentist. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, it may be a sign of a cavity, infection, or another issue that needs professional treatment.
At Espire Dental, we’re here to help you find the source of your toothache and provide lasting relief. Don’t wait—schedule your appointment today!
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