Home Remedies for Tooth Pain: 9 Useful Tips to Help You Find Relief

What Causes Tooth Pain?

Tooth pain can be caused by a variety of things, from cavities to gum disease, and can range from mild to severe. While it’s always best to see a dentist for a professional diagnosis, there are some home remedies you can try to help relieve mild-to-moderate tooth pain.

1. Salt Water Rinse

A salt water rinse is one of the oldest, simplest, and most effective home remedies for tooth pain. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit it out, but don’t swallow it. The salt water helps reduce inflammation and fight infection.

2. Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation. Wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth and hold it against the outside of your face where the pain is located. Don’t apply the compress directly to your skin, and don’t leave it on for more than 10 minutes at a time.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and swelling. Follow the instructions on the package, and don’t take more than the recommended dosage.

4. Clove Oil

Clove oil has been used for centuries to help relieve tooth pain. It contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic and anesthetic. To use it, mix a few drops of clove oil with a teaspoon of olive oil and apply it to the affected tooth and area with a cotton swab. Don’t use clove oil more than once a day, and don’t swallow it.

5. Garlic

Garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To use it as a tooth pain remedy, crush one garlic clove and mix it with a teaspoon of salt. Apply the mixture to the affected tooth, and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing with warm water.

6. Peppermint Tea Bags

Peppermint tea contains menthol, which has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. To use it, steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for five minutes. Once the tea bag has cooled, apply it directly to the affected tooth for 15 minutes. Don’t swallow the tea.

7. Guava Leaves

Guava leaves have been used to treat tooth pain for centuries. They contain natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory compounds. To use them, grind a handful of guava leaves into a paste and apply it to the affected tooth. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

8. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective antiseptic and can help prevent infection. To use it, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and use it as a mouthwash. Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Don’t swallow the mixture.

9. Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help relieve tooth pain. To use it, mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply it to the affected tooth and leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

When to See a Dentist

If your tooth pain persists despite trying these home remedies, it’s best to see a dentist. A dentist can diagnose the cause of the pain and provide additional treatments to help relieve the pain.