There are several ways you can treat a toothache at home. Once you figure out what’s the root of your discomfort, you’ll be able to best determine how to relieve the pain, swelling, or any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
However, if symptoms continue for longer than two days, you should visit your dentist.
Speak to your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- fever
- swelling
- general pain that lasts more than one or two days
- pain when you bite
- foul-tasting discharge, or pus
- abnormally red gums
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical condition that may be impacted by herbal remedies, talk to your dentist before trying any of the following at-home treatments for toothache.
Salt Water Rinse
This is often an effective first-line treatment for many people. Saltwater, as a natural disinfectant, can help to loosen food particles or debris from between your teeth. Salt water can also help to reduce inflammation and heal oral wounds.
To do a salt water rinse, mix 1/2 tsp of salt into a glass of warm water and then use it as a mouthwash.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide rinses can help to relieve pain as well as inflammation. They help to kill bacteria and also can help to reduce plaque and heal bleeding gums.
Hydrogen peroxide rinses need to be properly diluted. To do so, mix 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and then use it as a mouthwash. Do not swallow the rinse.
Cold Compress
Sometimes, cold compresses can help to relieve pain, especially when the pain is a result of trauma to the tooth. Cold compresses cause the blood vessels in the affected area to constrict, which helps with pain management. The cold can also reduce swelling and inflammation.
To create a cold compress, wrap a towel around a bag of ice and hold it to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. This can be repeated every few hours.
Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint tea bags can help to numb pain and soothe sensitivity in the gums.
Place a used tea bag on the affected area. Tea bag should be slightly warm.
Alternatively, you can freeze the used tea bag for a couple of minutes and press the cold tea bag to the affected area.
Garlic
Garlic helps to kill harmful bacteria that cause dental plaque and can also work as a pain reliever.
Crush a garlic clove into a paste and apply the paste to the affected area. Salt may also be added to this mixture.
Or, you can slowly chew a clove of fresh garlic.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which helps to numb pain.
Dab a small amount of vanilla extract into your finger or a cotton ball and then apply to the affected area several times a day.
Clove
Clove oil helps to numb pain and reduce inflammation.
Dab some clove oil on a cotton ball and apply to the affected area several times a day.
Or, you can add a drop of clove oil to a small glass of water and make a mouthwash.
Guava Leaves
Guava leaves are anti-inflammatory and can help to heal wounds. They help with oral care because of their antimicrobial benefits.
Chew on fresh guava leaves, or, add crushed guava leaves to boiling water to make a mouthwash.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass helps to relieve inflammation and prevent infections. It fights bacteria thanks to its high chlorophyll content.
Use wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash.
Thyme
Thyme has antibacterial and antioxidant benefits that help to treat toothaches.
Dab several drops of thyme essential oil, plus several drops of water onto a cotton ball. After diluting the oil with water, it can be applied to the affected area.
Or, add a drop of oil to a small glass of water and use as a mouthwash.
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