7 Home Remedies for Tooth Pain
Tooth pain can strike at any time—late at night, on a holiday, or during travel. It ranges from a mild twinge to a severe, throbbing ache that disrupts sleep and daily life. While professional dental care is essential to address the underlying cause, certain home remedies may soothe the pain temporarily. However, these are not permanent solutions, especially if the pain is due to infection, decay, or nerve damage.
In our earlier post, “Misleading Toothache Remedies”, we explained how some commonly suggested treatments could do more harm than good. In this article, we’ll go deeper into safe and relatively effective home remedies for tooth pain—with scientific, empirical, or experiential support—and clarify when and how to use them.
Before You Begin: Important Truths About Tooth Pain Relief
- These remedies do NOT cure infections or decay.
- They only help reduce the intensity of pain (mild to moderate; rarely severe).
- Improper use can cause side effects like burns, gum irritation, or allergic reactions.
- These are temporary solutions—you still need to visit a dentist to treat the real problem.
Home Remedies for Tooth Pain
1. Saltwater Rinse – The Gentle Healer
Effective For:
- Mild to moderate pain
- Gum inflammation
- Early-stage irritation or food impaction
Why It Works:
Salt is a natural antiseptic. A saltwater rinse can reduce inflammation, clean debris, and soothe sore tissues.
How to Use:
- Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water
- Swish gently for 30 seconds
- Use 2–3 times a day
Caution:
- Don’t swallow the rinse.
- Avoid if you have open wounds after surgery (unless advised by your dentist).
2. Cold Compress or Ice Pack – Fast Numbing Relief
Effective For:
- Swelling
- Throbbing or sharp pain
- Pain due to trauma or abscess (temporary)
Why It Works:
Cold reduces blood flow and numbs the area, decreasing pain and swelling.
How to Use:
- Wrap ice in a towel
- Apply to outside of the cheek for 15–20 minutes
- Repeat every few hours
Caution:
- Do not apply ice directly on skin or teeth.
- Use cold, not heat, especially if swelling is present.
3. Garlic (Cautiously) – Antibacterial, But Irritating
Effective For:
- Mild pain due to bacteria
Why It Works:
Garlic contains allicin, a natural antimicrobial compound.
How to Use:
- Crush a garlic clove, mix with a pinch of salt
- Apply to the affected area for 2–3 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly after
Caution:
- May burn or irritate gums
- Avoid prolonged contact
- Not recommended for children or sensitive mouths
4. Clove Oil (Eugenol) – Nature’s Numbing Agent
Effective For:
- Localized moderate pain
- Temporary numbing of nerves
Why It Works:
Clove oil contains eugenol, which has anesthetic and antibacterial effects.
How to Use:
- Soak a small cotton ball in diluted clove oil (1 drop oil in 1 tsp carrier oil)
- Place gently near the painful tooth
- Use 1–2 times a day only
Caution:
- Too much can burn gums
- Not for use in children, pregnant women, or those with bleeding disorders
5. Peppermint Tea Bag or Oil – Soothing & Mildly Numbing
Effective For:
- Mild pain
- Soreness or gum irritation
Why It Works:
Peppermint contains menthol, a mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
How to Use:
- Steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water
- Let it cool to warm (or chill for a cold compress effect)
- Place over the affected area for 15–20 minutes
Caution:
- Use only natural, unsweetened tea
- Avoid peppermint oil directly on open wounds or sensitive gums
6. Hydrogen Peroxide (Only When Diluted & With Caution)
Effective For:
- Gum pain
- Bad breath
- Mild infection-related discomfort
Why It Works:
Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria and reduces inflammation.
How to Use:
- Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water
- Swish gently, then spit out completely
- Use only once daily, if at all
Caution:
- Overuse can damage soft tissues
- Never swallow
- Not suitable for children under 12 or those with swallowing difficulty
7. Over-the-Counter Painkillers (Temporary Aid)
Effective For:
- Mild to moderate toothaches
- Pain following dental work
Best Options:
- Ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory)
- Paracetamol / Acetaminophen (pain relief)
Caution:
- Follow recommended dosage
- Avoid aspirin in children or applying directly to gums
- Consult doctor if you’re pregnant, elderly, or have medical conditions
Special Considerations: Children, Pregnancy, and Elderly
Children:
- Avoid essential oils (clove, peppermint)
- Use cold compress and paracetamol (child-safe dosage only)
- Always consult a pediatric dentist
Pregnancy:
- Use only saltwater rinse, cold compress, or dentist-approved painkillers
- Avoid oils, hydrogen peroxide, or any unverified herbal remedies
Elderly:
- Be cautious with medications (drug interactions)
- Use milder remedies (tea bags, rinses)
- Monitor for dry mouth, sensitivity, or dentures-related pain
Don’t Forget: Home Remedies Are Not a Cure
Even if your pain subsides, it doesn’t mean the problem is gone. Home remedies can:
- Mask the real issue (infection, decay, fracture, abscess)
- Delay treatment and lead to complications
- Provide comfort but not correction
See your dentist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can prevent root canals, tooth loss, or systemic infections.
Final Thoughts: Use With Wisdom
While some home remedies for tooth pain have merit, they are like first aid, not final treatment. Use them to ease the journey until you reach the dentist—but never as a substitute. Misusing even natural remedies can burn, irritate, or worsen the pain.
FAQs – Home Remedies for Tooth Pain
- Can I use clove powder instead of clove oil for tooth pain?
Yes, clove powder can be used, but it should be applied carefully. Mix it with a few drops of olive oil to form a paste and apply gently to the affected area. Avoid swallowing or overusing. - How long can I rely on home remedies before seeing a dentist?
Home remedies are only for short-term relief. If the pain lasts more than 1–2 days, becomes worse, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or pus, you should see a dentist immediately. - Are home remedies safe for cavities or dental abscesses?
No, they do not treat cavities or abscesses. These conditions require professional dental intervention, possibly including fillings, root canals, or antibiotics. - Can I sleep with clove oil or garlic in my mouth overnight?
No. Leaving clove oil or garlic in your mouth overnight can cause burns, irritation, or even allergic reactions. Always use for a short time only, then rinse thoroughly. - Are essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus effective for toothache?
Some essential oils have antibacterial properties, but they should not be used inside the mouth unless recommended by a healthcare provider. They may be toxic if swallowed. - Can I brush my teeth after using a home remedy like clove oil or garlic?
Yes, but wait at least 15–30 minutes after application. Brushing too soon may irritate the gums or cause unpleasant reactions with residual oils or juices. - What is the best home remedy for sudden tooth pain at night?
A cold compress or saltwater rinse are the safest and fastest options for middle-of-the-night relief. You can also take an OTC painkiller if needed (as per dosage guidelines). - Are home remedies safe for people with sensitive teeth?
Only mild remedies like saltwater rinse and cold compress are generally safe. Avoid acidic, spicy, or strong ingredients like garlic, clove oil, or lemon juice, which may worsen sensitivity. - Can chewing on cloves help with tooth pain?
Chewing whole cloves may release eugenol, but it can be too strong and cause gum irritation. It’s safer to use diluted clove oil or clove-infused water. - Is it safe to combine multiple home remedies together?
No, combining remedies (like garlic and clove oil or hydrogen peroxide and salt) can cause unexpected reactions, burns, or over-irritation. Use one remedy at a time and monitor the effect.