12 Home Remedies for Toothaches

Do one or more of your teeth hurt? Are you experiencing sharp pain? Toothaches are extremely common and can be caused by anything from cavities to dangerous infections. Though it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist in Love Field as soon as possible so they can find the root of the issue, there are some things you can try at home to lessen discomfort. Here are 12 at-home remedies for a toothache that may help until then.

#1: Cold Compress

To reduce inflammation, apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. This will constrict the blood vessels and can help lessen swelling.

#2: Salt Water

Add half a teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water and gargle to kill bacteria and prevent infection. This can also dislodge food particles, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and help heal oral wounds.

#3: Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and use it like mouthwash to relieve pain and inflammation, kill bacteria, reduce plaque buildup, and heal bleeding gums.

#4: Garlic

Crush a garlic clove into a paste and apply it to the hurt tooth. Chew slowly to kill plaque-causing bacteria and relieve pain.

#5: Peppermint Tea Bags

Allow a used peppermint tea bag to cool a little or put it in the freezer for a few minutes to chill before applying it to the affected tooth. This can help numb pain and soothe sensitive gums.

#6: Clove

Clove oil contains a natural antiseptic called eugenol, which can help numb pain and reduce inflammation. Put 15 drops of clove oil into one ounce of a carrier oil like sunflower or jojoba. Put a small amount on a cotton ball and apply to the affected area a few times per day. You can also put a drop of clove oil in a glass of water to make a mouthwash.

#7: Guava Leaves

Chew on fresh guava leaves or add crushed ones to boiling water to make a mouthwash. Guava leaves have antimicrobial as well as anti-inflammatory properties and can help heal wounds.

#8: Wheatgrass

Drink wheatgrass or use it as a mouthwash to lessen inflammation, fight bacteria, and boost your immune system.

#9: Thyme

Dilute thyme essential oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the tooth or add a drop of it to a small glass of water to make a mouthwash. Thyme has powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties and can help fight cavity-causing bacteria.

#10: Toothache Plant

This contains an anti-inflammatory called spilanthol and creates a numbing sensation when chewed. It’s generally considered safe, but you shouldn’t use it if you drink alcohol, are allergic to plants in the daisy family, use diuretics, have prostate cancer, or are pregnant.

#11: Vanilla Extract

The alcohol in vanilla extract can help numb pain, and its antioxidant properties make it an effective healer. Dab a small amount onto your finger or a cotton ball and apply directly to the affected area a few times a day.

#12: Ginger and Cayenne

These potent painkillers can be added to water in equal parts to make a paste. Use a cotton ball and apply to the affected tooth. Leave it on until the pain subsides.

Though they won’t fix the issue completely, try one of these at-home pain-relievers until you can see your dentist. Have your tooth examined as soon as possible so you can enjoy a healthy, pain-free smile!

About the Practice

Bear Creek Family Dentistry treats patients of all ages from their offices in Dallas, Mesquite, Euless, Arlington, and Fort Worth. They are experts at a wide range of dental procedures and can both identify and treat the cause of your toothache to alleviate discomfort. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with Bear Creek Family Dentistry or have questions about temporary toothache relief, visit their website or call their Love Field office at (214) 350-5333.