29 DIY Toothache Remedies to Try at Home

A toothache can happen to anyone without warning, and if you’ve ever had one, you know just how painful it can be. A toothache can be caused by a variety of different issues, including an infection, a cavity, gum disease, or an exposed root.

Regardless of what’s causing your toothache, it’s important to seek treatment from a trusted dentist to prevent the problem from getting worse.

While you shouldn’t put off seeking care, there are a number of helpful home remedies you can try to give you some relief before going in for your appointment.

DIY Toothache Relief at Home

In most cases, you can use homemade remedies to relieve your pain at home. Here are 29 natural ways to soothe a toothache.

1. Baby Aspirin

Crush up a flavored baby aspirin and apply the powder directly to the painful area in your mouth. Allow it to dissolve gradually to relieve your pain.

2. Teabag

You can place a wet teabag on your tooth to ease some of the pain and reduce swelling. If you’re not sensitive to cold, dip the tea bag in ice water beforehand to provide extra pain relief.

3. Ginger and Cayenne Pepper

To make an anti-inflammatory paste, mix together powdered ginger and cayenne pepper with a few drops of water. Then, use a cotton ball to apply the paste to your tooth. Keep the mixture away from your gums to avoid irritation. This can provide immediate pain relief.

4. Cloves

Cloves have been used for centuries to treat toothaches. Apply a pinch of ground cloves onto your tooth and hold it in place to help relieve your pain. Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the painful area.

5. Fresh Garlic

Garlic is a wonderful natural remedy that has a wealth of health benefits. To use fresh garlic as a toothache remedy, mix a crushed clove of garlic with a pinch of rock salt and apply it around your tooth.

6. Brandy or Whiskey

Soak a cotton ball in some brandy or whisky and apply it to your tooth for temporary relief of pain. You can use this remedy as often as needed while waiting to see your dentist.

7. Myrrh

Simmer a teaspoon of myrrh with 2 cups of water for half an hour. Strain the mixture and allow it to cool. Then dilute one teaspoon of this with half a glass of water. This solution can be used to rinse out your mouth several times a day.

8. Vicks Vapor Rub

Not just for coughs and colds, Vicks VaporRub can be very helpful if you have a swollen tooth. Put this rub on the painful area of your tooth and put a cloth or towel over it to keep the heat generated inside.

9. Salt Water

A salt water rinse is an excellent trusted remedy when it comes to combating an infection. To make a salt water rinse, simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. You can rinse your mouth out with salt water every 2 to 3 hours to kill bacteria and promote healing.

10. Peppermint Tea

You can also numb the pain in your tooth by using peppermint tea. Add a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for twenty minutes. Then, strain the tea and allow it to cool. You can use this as a mouth rinse and repeat as needed for pain relief.

11. Onions

Onions have been used for medicinal purposes throughout history. Cut off a piece of raw onion and gently press it against your sore tooth. This remedy will ease your pain and help kill bacteria.

12. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has many health benefits, including the ability to relieve pain. Dip a cotton ball soaked in tea tree oil against the affected tooth. Alternatively, rinse your mouth out with a mixture of warm water and a few drops of tea tree oil. Just be sure you don’t swallow the mixture.

13. Neem or Margosa Bark

There are numerous curative elements in both the bark of the Neem and Margosa trees. In a pot, heat 2 cups of water, 2 inches of bark, and 6 cloves together until boiling. Then, strain the liquid into a jar and store it in your fridge in a sealed container. Once the liquid cools, it can be applied to your sore tooth using a cotton ball.

14. Asafetida

Asafetida is a traditional Indian spice that can also be used for medicinal purposes. It’s an especially good remedy if your toothache is caused by a cavity. To make a pain-relieving solution, heat a couple of spoonfuls of lemon juice on the stove and mix in ¼ teaspoon of ground asafetida. Continue stirring on the stove until the asafetida softens and dissolves. Let the solution cool and apply it to your tooth using a cotton ball.

15. Hydrogen Peroxide

3% hydrogen peroxide is excellent for killing bacteria and reducing plaque inside your mouth. It can also lessen your discomfort while dealing with a cavity or infection. After rinsing your mouth out with hydrogen peroxide, be sure to rinse with plain water a few times.

16. Chewing Gum

If you’ve recently lost a filling, chewing gum can be used to protect the gap while you wait to see the dentist. Simply place a small piece directly over the affected area.

17. Salt and Pepper

Using equal amounts of salt and ground black pepper, add a little water to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to the affected tooth to lessen the pain. Just be sure to avoid your gum line to prevent irritation.

18. Plantain Leaf

Take a washed plantain leaf and crush it up to release its juices. Then, place the leaf directly on your sore tooth, using your fingers if needed to keep it in place. This can give you some needed relief.

19. Ice Pack

Using a cold compress or ice pack is one of the easiest natural methods for relieving pain. Wrap the ice pack in a towel and hold it against the side of your face that is in pain. You can do this remedy for 15 minutes at a time. The cold will help bring down the swelling while numbing the pain.

20. Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

You know you have sensitive teeth if your tooth pain only crops up while eating cold or hot foods. You can remedy this issue by using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.

21. Honey and Cinnamon

Honey and cinnamon make a great combination because honey is naturally antimicrobial and cinnamon is naturally anti-inflammatory. To make a homemade pain relief salve, mix together 5 teaspoons of honey with 1 teaspoon of powdered cinnamon until it forms a sticky paste. Apply this mixture directly onto your tooth several times a day.

22. Potato for Toothache

Raw potato can be used to reduce the swelling that contributes to a toothache. Peel and slice a small piece of raw potato and place it directly onto your tooth. Alternatively, you can mix mashed potatoes with rock salt and apply this to your tooth to ease your pain.

23. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is a proven antioxidant, meaning that it can help facilitate the healing process. It also contains alcohol, which is known for being a natural pain reliever. For quick relief, place 2 to 3 drops of vanilla extract directly onto your sore tooth.

24. Cucumber:

Slice up a fresh, chilled cucumber and place one of the pieces right on your tooth to give yourself some relief. You can also make a paste by mashing up the cucumber and mixing it with rock salt. Apply the paste to your affected tooth.

25. Bayberry Bark

The bark of Bayberry is a popular natural remedy that can strengthen your gums and provide pain relief. To make a paste, combine ground bark of Barberry with white vinegar and apply the mixture directly to the affected area.

26. Baking Soda Toothache Remedy

Baking soda totes an incredible number of home and medicinal uses. To make a toothache remedy, simply wet a cotton ball and dip it in baking soda. Then, gently press the cotton ball against the affected tooth to reduce pain. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of baking soda into warm water and use it as a mouth wash.

27. Acupressure with Ice Cube

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicinal practice that can be used to relieve pain using various pressure points across the body. To relieve tooth pain, rub an ice cube in the space between your thumb and forefinger for a few minutes at a time.

28. Guava Leaves

Guava leaves are both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, making them a great choice for a toothache remedy. To relieve your pain, simply chew on a few guava leaves. If you can’t find guava leaves, you can use fresh spinach leaves as a substitute.

29. Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass is great at fighting tooth decay and easing pain due to its antibacterial properties. You can drink it straight or use it as a mouthwash to relieve pain and reduce bacteria in your mouth. If you have fresh wheatgrass, chewing on a few pieces will produce the same results.

Most toothaches can be prevented by keeping a good oral hygiene routine. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It’s also important to visit your dentist for a check-up every 6 months to catch dental problems early on.

Reach Out to our Chicago Dentists

While homemade remedies can provide you with some relief, you shouldn’t put off seeing a dentist about your toothache. Tooth pain can be a sign of many serious issues, including a tooth infection or abscessed tooth. It’s best to see a professional to ensure your teeth and health are both protected.

At Art of Modern Dentistry, we always put our patients first. We’re the most trusted choice for fillings, crowns, and root canals in Chicago.

Call us today at 773-935-3600 to schedule an appointment.