How to Relieve a Toothache: 7 Proven Methods
A toothache can strike at the worst possible moment: during a work presentation, on a weekend when the dental office is closed, or in the middle of the night when sleep feels impossible. While you should always see a dentist to address the root cause of your pain, there are several effective methods you can use at home to manage discomfort until your appointment. These remedies have stood the test of time and can make a real difference when you need relief fast.
Before we get into the specifics, a word of caution. Home remedies are designed to provide temporary relief, not to cure the underlying problem. A toothache is a sign that something needs professional attention. Use these methods to stay comfortable while you wait, and then follow up with your dental team to get the issue resolved for good. If your pain is severe, accompanied by swelling or fever, or does not improve within a day or two, contact an emergency dentist right away.
1. Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce tooth pain, especially if there is swelling involved. The cold causes blood vessels in the area to constrict, which reduces blood flow, decreases inflammation, and numbs the nerves that are sending pain signals.
To use this method, wrap a bag of ice or a bag of frozen peas in a thin towel or cloth. Hold it against the outside of your cheek, over the area where the pain is, for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Take a break for at least 10 minutes before reapplying. Never place ice directly on your skin or gums, as this can cause tissue damage. You can repeat this process several times throughout the day as needed.
A cold compress works best for pain caused by trauma, swelling, or inflammation. If your toothache is related to an injury, a recent dental procedure, or an abscess, cold therapy can be particularly helpful.
2. Rinse with Warm Salt Water
A warm salt water rinse is a time-honored remedy that dentists frequently recommend. Salt water is a natural disinfectant that can help kill bacteria in your mouth, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. It can also help loosen food particles that may be stuck between your teeth and contributing to your discomfort.
To prepare the rinse, dissolve half a teaspoon of table salt in eight ounces of warm water. Take a mouthful, gently swish it around the affected area for 20 to 30 seconds, and then spit it out. Repeat two to three times. You can do this several times a day. Be careful not to swallow the salt water, especially in large amounts.
Salt water rinses are safe for almost everyone and can be used alongside other remedies. They are especially helpful when pain is accompanied by inflamed or bleeding gums.
3. Use Clove Oil
Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for tooth pain, and for good reason. It contains eugenol, a compound that acts as both a natural anesthetic and an antiseptic. Eugenol temporarily numbs the nerves in the affected area and helps fight bacteria that may be contributing to infection.
To use clove oil, place a small amount on a cotton ball or a clean cotton swab. Gently dab it onto the painful tooth and surrounding gum tissue. You may feel a brief stinging or warming sensation before the numbing effect kicks in. Be careful not to use too much, as concentrated clove oil can irritate the soft tissues of your mouth.
If you do not have clove oil on hand, you can try placing a whole clove near the affected tooth and gently biting down to release its oils. Clove oil is available at most pharmacies and health food stores.
4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers are often the most effective way to manage moderate to severe tooth pain at home. The two most commonly recommended options are ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory medication that reduces both pain and swelling. It is often the first choice for dental pain because inflammation is frequently a contributing factor. Follow the dosing instructions on the package, and take it with food to avoid stomach upset. The typical adult dose is 200 to 400 milligrams every four to six hours, but do not exceed the maximum daily dose listed on the label.
Acetaminophen is another effective option, particularly for people who cannot take ibuprofen due to allergies or other medical conditions. It does not reduce inflammation but is effective at relieving pain. Some dentists recommend alternating between ibuprofen and acetaminophen for more sustained relief, as the two medications work through different mechanisms.
Important: Never place aspirin or any other pain medication directly on your gum tissue. This can cause a chemical burn that damages the soft tissue and makes your problem worse.
5. Try a Peppermint Tea Bag
Peppermint tea bags can provide soothing relief for a toothache. Peppermint contains menthol, which has mild numbing properties and a cooling effect that many people find comforting. The warmth of the tea bag can also help soothe the area.
Brew a cup of peppermint tea using a tea bag, then remove the bag and let it cool until it is warm but comfortable to touch. Place the tea bag against the affected tooth and gum and hold it there for several minutes. Alternatively, you can put the used tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes and then apply it to the painful area for a cooling, numbing effect.
Peppermint tea bags are a gentle remedy that is safe for most people. They are especially nice when the pain is mild and you want something soothing before bed.
6. Elevate Your Head
If you have ever noticed that your toothache gets worse when you lie down, you are not imagining things. When you recline, blood flows more freely to your head, which increases pressure in the blood vessels near the affected tooth. This added pressure can intensify throbbing pain and make it harder to sleep.
A simple solution is to prop your head up with one or two extra pillows when you lie down. Keeping your head elevated above the level of your heart reduces blood pressure in the area and can noticeably decrease pain. This is not a cure, but it can make a significant difference in your comfort level, especially at night.
Combining head elevation with an over-the-counter pain reliever before bed is one of the most effective strategies for getting through a night with a toothache.
7. Use an OTC Numbing Gel
Over-the-counter dental numbing gels containing benzocaine can provide fast, targeted relief for tooth and gum pain. These products work by temporarily blocking nerve signals in the area where you apply them. They are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores under various brand names.
To use a numbing gel, dry the affected area with a cotton ball or gauze, then apply a small amount of gel directly to the painful tooth and surrounding gum. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after application, as the numbness can make it difficult to feel hot temperatures or to chew safely.
Follow the directions on the package carefully and do not use more than recommended. Benzocaine should not be used on children under the age of two. If you have questions about whether a numbing gel is appropriate for you, ask your dentist or pharmacist.
When Home Remedies Are Not Enough
Home remedies can provide meaningful relief, but they have their limits. If your pain is severe and does not respond to over-the-counter medication, if you notice swelling in your face or jaw, if you develop a fever, or if the pain persists for more than a couple of days, it is time to see a professional. These signs can indicate a serious infection or other condition that requires treatment beyond what you can do at home.
At Lamb Family Dental, we understand that tooth pain is stressful and disruptive. That is why we make every effort to see patients with urgent concerns as quickly as possible. If you are dealing with a toothache, contact us and let us help you find lasting relief. You do not have to suffer through it alone.