Tooth pain can be intense and uncomfortable, often striking when you least expect it. While visiting a dentist is the best long-term solution, sometimes immediate relief is needed until you get professional help. Thankfully, there are several home remedies that can reduce tooth pain and ease discomfort temporarily. Here’s how you can manage tooth pain at home before seeing a dentist.
Rinse with Warm Salt Water
One of the simplest and most effective remedies is rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. Salt acts as a natural disinfectant and helps reduce inflammation. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse for 30 seconds. Repeat this several times a day for best results.
Saltwater helps cleanse the area around the tooth, remove debris, and promote healing in case of gum irritation or minor infections.
Use a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress on the outside of your cheek can reduce swelling and numb the area. This method is especially helpful if your pain is due to injury, swelling, or inflammation. Wrap a bag of ice or frozen peas in a cloth and apply it for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
This helps slow down blood flow to the area, easing pain and reducing swelling.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can offer temporary relief from tooth pain. Be sure to follow dosage instructions on the label. Avoid putting aspirin directly on your gums, as it can cause irritation or burns.
These medications help control pain and inflammation until you’re able to visit the dentist.
Use Clove Oil for Natural Numbing
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. You can apply it directly to the painful area using a cotton ball. It can provide quick relief and is commonly used in dental emergencies.
If you don’t have clove oil, crushed cloves can also work as a temporary alternative.
Elevate Your Head While Resting
Tooth pain often worsens at night when you lie down. Elevating your head with an extra pillow can reduce the blood pressure in your mouth and minimize throbbing pain. Sleeping upright or with your head raised may help you get through the night more comfortably.
This technique works well in combination with other remedies for better pain management.
Avoid Hot, Cold, or Sweet Foods
Sensitive or painful teeth can react strongly to extreme temperatures or sugary foods. Until you see your dentist, avoid ice cream, coffee, candies, and acidic foods like citrus fruits. These items can trigger pain or make existing discomfort worse.
Stick to soft, bland foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Try Garlic for Its Healing Properties
Garlic has strong antibacterial qualities and has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Crush a garlic clove to make a paste and apply it to the affected tooth. It may sting slightly but can offer temporary pain relief by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Garlic supplements are also available if fresh garlic isn’t an option.
Use Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint has mild numbing properties and can soothe irritated gums. Place a used peppermint tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes, then apply it to the sore area. The cold combined with the natural properties of peppermint can provide soothing relief.
It’s a gentle and easy method, especially for sensitive mouths.
Keep Good Oral Hygiene
Even during pain, it’s important to brush and floss gently. Keeping your mouth clean prevents further infection and controls bacteria that may be causing or worsening the issue. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing too hard around the painful tooth.
Good hygiene helps avoid worsening the condition before you get to the dentist.
When to See a Dentist
While these methods provide temporary relief, they are not a cure. Persistent tooth pain lasting more than 48 hours, especially with swelling or fever, needs professional attention. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious issues like abscesses or tooth loss.
Your dentist will identify the root cause—whether it’s a cavity, infection, cracked tooth, or gum disease—and provide a permanent solution.