Toothache pain can have many causes, including tooth decay, mouth injuries, and infections.
Persistent, throbbing pain around your tooth can disrupt how well you sleep and get through daily activities. Your dentist may suggest home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) options to treat your toothache as soon as possible.
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt (saline) water can help soothe soreness and kill bacteria. Salt water can also heal wounds and reduce swelling in your teeth and gums.
To make a saltwater rinse at home, dissolve a teaspoon (tsp) of salt into a glass of warm water. Then, swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out in the sink. You can gargle and rinse a couple of times if needed. However, using a saltwater rinse too many times can cause gum irritation.
Another mouth rinse alternative is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is antibacterial and can target any infection-causing bacteria at the root of your tooth.
Swish an equal amount of hydrogen peroxide and water in your mouth for about 30 seconds. Afterward, rinse your mouth out with water only. Be careful not to swallow hydrogen peroxide, and seek emergency medical attention if ingested in large quantities.
Over-the-counter (OTC) oral pain-relieving medications are often quick and effective toothache remedies.
Taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) like Aleve (naproxen) and Advil (ibuprofen) can help treat inflammation in your mouth. Because these OTC medications can cause side effects like an upset stomach or headache, consult your dentist (a healthcare provider specializing in oral health conditions) if you’re also taking other medications.
Applying a cold compress to the area can help temporarily relieve pain if you have a mouth injury or gum inflammation alongside your toothache. Experts suggest wrapping an ice pack or other cold compress in a clean towel and placing it against your cheek or outside of the jaw for around 20 minutes, several times a day if needed.
The cold temperature helps ease pain by constricting blood vessels in the area, numbing the area and reducing inflammation, discomfort, and bleeding. For safety, only keep the cold compress on the affected area for short intervals. Keeping a cold compress on your skin for too long can damage skin and tissue.
OTC topical anesthetics in the form of gels, liquids, or sprays can soothe pain and irritation caused by a toothache.
To use, apply an anesthetic to the sore tooth and surrounding gums. Be careful to avoid your eyes during application. In most formulas, the active ingredient benzocaine numbs the toothache temporarily.
It’s not recommended to use an OTC anesthetic for longer than a week unless your dentist recommends it. Avoid these products if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to local anesthetics.
Clove oil is an essential oil often used to relieve toothache pain and inflammation. It contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compound that may decrease pain caused by tooth infections.
Clove oil or gel can be dabbed onto a cotton ball and applied directly to your gum near your sore tooth for up to 10 minutes.
If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking other prescription medications or supplements, check with a healthcare provider before using clove oil. Clove oil may make you more sensitive to bruising and bleeding when used with other medications that prevent blood clots, like anticoagulants.
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds in fresh garlic may be beneficial for temporarily reducing mouth pain. You can peel and chew on a fresh garlic clove or apply a mixture of crushed garlic and salt to the affected area to reduce inflammation.
Exercise caution when using raw garlic as a remedy. It can trigger a skin reaction or gastrointestinal side effects for some people.
Peppermint contains menthol, a compound with analgesic (pain-relieving or numbing) and antibacterial properties that could soothe a toothache.
There are several ways you can use peppermint for toothache relief, including the following:
- Apply a wet, cool peppermint tea bag to the affected area for several minutes
- Steep a cup of peppermint tea and swish it around in your mouth
- Place a couple of drops of peppermint oil onto a cotton ball and hold it against the tooth or gum
Peppermint is generally safe for most people. However, if you apply it directly to the tooth area, be careful not to swallow the oil. Swallowing it can cause potential side effects like heartburn, nausea, and stomach pain.
While experiencing a toothache, it’s important to avoid certain foods and beverages that could make the pain worse. For example:
- Foods that are spicy, salty, or acidic
- Hot or frozen beverages
- Foods that are chewy or hard
Keeping your head slightly elevated while sleeping may also help reduce inflammation. While taking care of your teeth, gently floss around the affected tooth.
Most toothaches are caused by tooth decay, though gum disease, an abscess, or an impacted tooth are also possibilities.
In general, the best way to prevent toothaches is to practice good oral hygiene, including the following:
- Limit sugar in your diet
- Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice per day
- Floss your teeth daily
- Get regular professional dental cleanings
- Avoid biting your nails or chewing on hard objects
Speak with your dentist if you notice signs that you may be grinding your teeth at night. Small habits like occasionally using your teeth to open things can potentially cause damage to your teeth over time. Schedule a dental cleaning every six months to ensure you maintain your dental hygiene.
The remedies mentioned above are not a substitute for seeing your healthcare provider but may provide some temporary relief before you can see them. A dentist can examine the tooth and help you develop a treatment plan to prevent your tooth from dying.
Experts recommend seeing a dentist immediately for toothache pain if it’s accompanied by:
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A tooth that has been knocked out
- A foreign object stuck in between teeth
- Fever
- Earache
- Pain when opening and closing your mouth
While a dentist is usually the best provider to see for most types of toothaches, you may be referred to a primary healthcare provider if the toothache is caused by pain from another part of your body or a different health issue.
Tooth decay, injury, or infection are common causes of toothache pain. Several ways to help relieve mild toothache pain at home include using OTC oral and topical medications, cold compresses, mouth rinses, and essential oils.
While experiencing toothache pain, avoid hot, spicy, and acidic foods that could increase pain. See a dental healthcare provider if the toothache doesn’t subside within two days—or immediately if you’re experiencing a cracked or broken tooth, fever, or severe pain.
