DIY Toothache Relief at Home

Your head pounds, your gums throb, and your mouth is sore and tender. You’ve got a toothache. See your dentist ASAP. In the meantime, use these home remedies to get short-term relief.

Saltwater rinse

Until you can get to the dentist, one of the best things you can do is swish warm, salty water around in your mouth. A good mix is half a teaspoon of table salt to 8 ounces of water. Spit it out, don’t swallow it. You can also gently floss around the sore tooth to remove any bits of food that may be stuck.

Clove Oil Compress

An oil said to possess pain relief properties, clove essential oil has long been used as a folk remedy for toothache.

In a survey published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2017, researchers surveyed practicing dentists in Germany and found that clove was one of the most commonly recommended plant extracts.2

Some proponents suggest dipping a cotton ball in one drop of pure clove oil that has been diluted in one teaspoon of olive oil and place the compress beside the tooth. A patch test should always be done to determine if you have a sensitivity to the oil.

Like other essential oils, clove oil is very potent and shouldn't be ingested, used in excessive amounts, or applied to broken skin.

Clove oil can increase the risk of bleeding and cause a rash, itchy eyes, or shortness of breath. Ingesting or absorbing large amounts can cause vomiting, sore throat, seizure, difficulty breathing, kidney failure, or liver damage.

Undiluted clove oil used in the mouth can cause burning, tissue or nerve damage, and pain. Children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with certain medical conditions shouldn't use clove oil. You can find out more about clove oil, but if you're considering using it, it's a good idea to consult your dentist or healthcare provider for guidance.

Garlic

A compress made with raw garlic cloves is sometimes recommended as a home remedy for toothache.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can try chewing or sucking on a cinnamon stick, or making a paste by mixing one teaspoon of cinnamon with five teaspoons of honey and applying it to the achy area.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can help remove pain due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Try swishing one tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for about 30 seconds then spitting it out.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a great source of capsaicin, a compound that blocks the sensation of pain from traveling between your brain and nerves. Relieve toothache pain by mixing two tablespoons of cayenne pepper with a half cup of coconut oil, swishing it around your mouth, then spitting it out.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract contains vanillin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as alcohol, an antiseptic that kills toothache-causing bacteria. Dab a cotton ball in vanilla extract then apply it to the ache to clean the area and relieve pain.

Green Tea

Green tea contains tannins, a compound that reduces inflammation. Try heating a green tea bag in water as though you are making tea, cooling the tea bag off in the fridge, then applying it to your achy tooth to ease pain and swelling.

Honey

Honey has powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Relieve toothache pain and swelling by dabbing honey onto the achy area as needed.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is a natural antiseptic sometimes used to prevent tooth decay, and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help relieve pain. Oregano oil is very concentrated, so you don't need a lot. Simply apply a small amount to a Q-tip and apply it to the ache.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it effective for relieving pain and healing infection. Using a Q-tip, dab a few drops of tea tree oil onto your achy tooth as needed to relieve pain.

Salt

Salt can reduce inflammation and kill toothache-causing bacteria. Make a saltwater rinse by combining a half teaspoon of salt into a cup of water, swishing it around your mouth, then spitting it out.

Using Home Remedies for Toothache Safely

Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider if you're considering trying any natural or home remedy to ensure that they're safe for you to use. Vinegar may cause burns, for instance, and essential oils such as oregano, cinnamon, and tea tree oils should be used only in extremely small amounts and shouldn't be ingested.