Few things are as agonising as toothache pain. If you have ever suffered from a toothache, you know it is nothing to joke about. Fortunately, a range of home remedies can offer temporary relief while you arrange professional care.
Below, Dr. Michael Tam from Smile By Design shares 12 dentist-reviewed home remedies using common household items along with honest advice on when it is time to stop self-treating and call us.
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Key Takeaways: Natural Toothache Remedies
- Get dentist-backed advice on using home remedies for toothache.
- Learn how natural ingredients like garlic and aloe vera relieve pain.
- Find quick DIY methods using saltwater, onions, or hydrogen peroxide.
- Understand which remedies are safe, effective, and when to use them.
- Know when to see a dentist if pain persists or worsens.
For professional help, explore our emergency dental services or book an appointment directly through our cosmetic dentistry clinic in Bondi & North Sydney.
Few things are half as agonizing as toothache pain. If you have ever had the displeasure of suffering from a toothache, you certainly know it is nothing to joke about. Fortunately, you can use a few home remedies to alleviate the situation.
One of the best things about home remedies for toothache relief is they are relatively easy to make. In fact, you probably already have some of these remedies in your pantry. So without further ado, let’s delve into the 12 best natural home remedies for toothache pain.
Home Remedies for Toothache
1. Raw Garlic
Garlic has been recognized for millennia as one of the most potent medicinal plants. It boasts myriad health benefits, including having anti-microbial and antibiotic qualities.
If your toothache is due to a bacterial infection, garlic can come in real handy in offering quick relief. Its antibiotic properties help fight infections, thus offering you the comfort you need.
The best thing about garlic as a toothache remedy is that you don’t have to do much to enjoy its benefits. By simply chewing a clove or two, you can find immense relief from your pain.
Alternatively, you can make garlic paste and apply it to the affected tooth. Crush a clove of garlic and mix it with table salt. If you don’t have fresh garlic cloves nearby, garlic powder will work just as well.
If you suspect your toothache is caused by an infection, garlic can only mask the problem temporarily. A root canal treatment or dental check-up with Dr. Tam is the only way to properly clear the infection and prevent it from spreading.
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2. Salt Water Rinse
A saltwater mouthwash is one of the simplest and most effective home remedies for quick toothache relief. Salt is a natural disinfectant it kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and loosens food particles trapped between teeth.
To make one: dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swirl it around your mouth for 30 seconds, focusing on the affected area, then spit it out. Repeat 2–3 times. You can also combine equal parts salt and pepper with a little water to make a paste and apply it directly to the sore tooth.
While a saltwater rinse can slow bacterial build-up, recurring toothaches and plaque issues are best addressed with a professional dental check-up and clean.
3. Vanilla Extract
Another little-known home remedy for an aching tooth is vanilla extract. The extract contains alcohol which helps to numb pain. Additionally, it is a natural antioxidant that is effective at fighting disease.
To make the most of vanilla extract for pain relief, you must use the natural product and not the imitation. Fortunately, using it to alleviate toothache is relatively simple. All you need is to dab a small amount of the substance on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected tooth.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful disinfectant with anti-bacterial properties, making it effective at reducing plaque and fighting infections that cause toothache.
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Swish for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Rinse your mouth with plain water several times afterwards. Important: never swallow hydrogen peroxide, and do not use this remedy for children due to the risk of ingestion.
Persistent plaque and bacterial issues may also signal the need for tooth fillings if decay has taken hold.
5. Onions
Onions are also an excellent home remedy for toothache owing to their anti-microbial and antiseptic properties. This is particularly so if a bacterial infection is the cause of your toothache. If your gums are sore, onions can also bring you some relief.
The best part about using onions to alleviate a toothache is that you don’t have to do much. Just chew on a raw onion, and you should feel its soothing effect immediately. If the thought of chewing raw onions is unappealing to you, you can also place a slice of onion on the affected tooth and let its juices soak through to your gum.
6. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a versatile plant with remarkable healing properties. Applied to an aching tooth or inflamed gum, it delivers a soothing, cooling effect and is considered one of the more effective home remedies for managing pain from an exposed nerve.
Slice a fresh aloe vera leaf, scrape out the gel, and apply it directly to the affected area. Repeat as needed.
An exposed nerve is a serious dental issue that almost always requires a root canal treatment or dental crown. Aloe vera will ease the pain but will not fix the underlying problem.
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7. Peppermint
Peppermint is yet another herb that is a fantastic natural remedy for toothache. It has a numbing effect on the nerves, thus offering quick relief from inflamed gums. Additionally, the herb contains menthol, which has anti-bacterial properties. This makes it effective at fighting infections, which is why it is one of the best toothache remedies.
One of the ways you can use peppermint to minimize toothache is by brewing tea. Put one teaspoon of dry peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water and let it sit for about twenty minutes. You can then drink the tea or use it as a mouthwash.
Alternatively, you can place a warm peppermint tea bag on the affected tooth and let it sit for a while. To make this remedy more effective, consider freezing the teabag first. This will help numb your blood vessels, thus reducing sensitivity significantly.
8. Ice Press
If your toothache is the result of physical trauma a chipped tooth, a knock to the mouth, or swelling a cold compress can significantly reduce pain and inflammation.
Wrap a bag of ice cubes in a towel and hold it against the outside of your cheek over the affected area. Apply for 15–20 minutes at a time.
A chipped, cracked, or loose tooth is a dental emergency. Please contact our emergency dentistry team as soon as possible, or if you’re considering a more permanent solution, ask us about dental crowns.
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9. Thyme
Thyme may be the spice that makes your food scrumptious, but it also has potent medicinal properties. Thymol, its active compound, has both anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. This makes it an effective weapon against most dental infections and one of the greatest toothache remedies.
There are two main ways of using thyme to relieve toothache. First, you can add a drop of thyme essential oil to a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a couple of drops of the oil on a cotton ball and press it against the aching tooth.
10. Toothache Plant
This aptly-named plant is one of the most effective natural remedies for toothache. The plant is native to tropical and sub-tropical regions. Its active compound, Spilanthol, has effective anti-inflammatory effects that provide a numbing sensation.
All you have to do is chew on the plant to benefit from its healing powers. However, it is not advisable to use the plant if you:
- Are pregnant
- Consume alcohol
- Use diuretics
- Are allergic to plants in the daisy family
For parents: if your child is experiencing tooth pain, please visit our children’s dentistry team for safe, gentle, age-appropriate care.
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11. Wheatgrass
The final natural remedy for toothache is wheatgrass. It has anti-inflammatory effects that can significantly reduce tooth pain. To use it, chew on some raw wheatgrass or use a wheatgrass concoction as a mouthwash.
Conclusion
These remedies can make a real difference to your comfort while you wait for a dental appointment but they are not a substitute for professional treatment. If your pain lasts more than 48 hours, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, you need to see a dentist immediately.
At Smile By Design, we see patients with urgent dental pain at both our Bondi Junction and North Sydney locations and we always make time for same-day emergency appointments when you need us most.
Once your pain is resolved and your teeth are healthy, you might also consider exploring our cosmetic dentistry services from teeth whitening to dental veneers and Invisalign. A pain-free mouth is the perfect foundation for a beautiful smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toothache Remedies
What is the most effective home remedy for toothache pain?
Clove oil, raw garlic, and saltwater rinses are among the most dentist-recommended options. Each has antimicrobial properties and can temporarily numb or reduce pain. For persistent toothache, contact our emergency dental team.
Can a hydrogen peroxide rinse relieve tooth pain?
Yes, a hydrogen peroxide rinse made with equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide can act as a natural disinfectant, helping to kill bacteria, reduce plaque, and soothe toothache pain. Be careful not to swallow hydrogen peroxide, and always rinse your mouth with warm water afterward.
Are these home remedies safe for treating a sore tooth in children or during pregnancy?
Some remedies, such as saltwater rinses and cold compresses, are generally safe. Others — particularly essential oils and herbal remedies should be avoided or used with caution. Our children’s dentistry team is always happy to advise on the safest approach for your child.
When should I see a dentist if my toothache persists?
If tooth pain lasts more than 48 hours, worsens, or comes with swelling or fever, you may have a bacterial infection, tooth decay, gum disease, or an abscessed tooth. These require professional treatment typically a root canal or tooth filling. Please book an emergency appointment right away.
Can I use essential oils like thyme or peppermint to alleviate pain?
Yes, thyme essential oil and peppermint oil contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce tooth pain and numb the affected area. Place a few drops on a cotton ball and apply it to the aching tooth to help relieve pain and reduce tooth sensitivity.
What natural methods can help with swelling caused by a painful tooth?
Using an ice pack or cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and ease pain signals from a severe toothache. These methods offer temporary relief until you can access professional dental treatments.
Is vanilla extract actually helpful for toothache relief?
Yes, vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can help numb pain and temporarily alleviate pain in a sore tooth. Apply it with a cotton ball to the affected area for short-term comfort, but be aware that it’s not a cure for serious dental problems.
Can a sinus infection cause tooth pain?
Yes sinus infections can cause pain in the upper molars that feels like a toothache. If you are unsure whether your pain is dental or sinus-related, our team can help you identify the cause during a dental check-up.
What should I do if I have a chipped or cracked tooth?
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and call us immediately. A chipped tooth can expose the nerve and become infected if untreated. Depending on the severity, options include a dental crown, dental veneer, or tooth filling. Contact our emergency dentistry team for advice.
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Bondi: (02) 9389 3333 | North Sydney: (02) 9460 3566
