10 Homemade Remedies For Toothache: Natural Solutions for Dental Discomfort

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There’s nothing like a toothache to put a damper on your day (or night!). It’s that sharp, throbbing pain that comes out of nowhere and instantly demands your attention. While getting to the dentist is always the best option, there are some tried-and-true home remedies that can help take the edge off until you get proper care. Here, we’ll walk through ten natural toothache remedies that you can quickly and easily try right at home.

Clove Oil: Nature’s Painkiller for Toothaches

If there’s one thing people have been using for tooth pain for centuries, it’s clove oil. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic that numbs the pain and helps fight off bacteria.

1. Just take a few drops of clove oil and mix it with a carrier oil (like coconut oil).
2. Dab a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to the sore area.

This one can bring relief pretty fast and help calm any inflamed gums. Just be mindful not to overdo it – clove oil is potent and can be a bit strong for sensitive gums.

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Simple Saltwater Rinse

Here’s an easy remedy: a warm saltwater rinse. This classic solution helps clean the affected area, reduces swelling, and kills some bacteria along the way.

1. Mix about a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
2. Swish it around your mouth, focusing on the painful spot.
3. Spit it out after about 30 seconds, and repeat as needed.

Saltwater is great because it’s gentle, effective, and something you likely already have at home. Plus, it leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

Garlic Paste for Quick Pain Relief

Garlic isn’t just for the kitchen; it’s also a powerhouse of medicinal benefits. With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic can be a lifesaver when it comes to soothing a toothache.

• Take a clove of garlic, crush it, add a pinch of salt, and apply the mixture to your sore tooth.
• Leave it for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.

If you can handle the taste, garlic’s healing properties might be just what you need to get rid of that nagging ache.

Peppermint Tea Bag Compress

Peppermint tea isn’t just refreshing to sip; it can be a soothing compress for a toothache, too! Peppermint has mild numbing effects that can help with pain relief.

1. Brew a peppermint tea bag in hot water, then let it cool until it’s warm but not hot.
2. Apply it directly to the sore area in your mouth.

If you prefer, pop the tea bag in the freezer for a bit and use it as a cold compress. Either way, peppermint’s natural menthol can bring a nice, cooling sensation to the pain.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Hydrogen peroxide is another option for fighting off the bacteria that might be causing your tooth pain, especially if there’s an infection involved.

• Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide with water.
• Swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds, spit it out, and rinse with plain water afterward.

Just a little heads-up: be careful not to swallow this one, as hydrogen peroxide can upset your stomach if ingested.

Amazon Pick: 3% Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide – Safe for oral care and dental rinses.

Cool it Down with a Cold Compress

Sometimes, a simple ice pack can work wonders. If you’ve got a toothache from an injury or a bit of swelling, a cold compress may help numb the pain and bring down inflammation.

• Wrap an ice pack in a thin cloth.
• Hold it against the outside of your cheek near the sore area for 15-20 minutes.

This trick is especially helpful if you’re dealing with swelling since the cold helps reduce blood flow to the area, giving you a bit of relief.

Vanilla Extract: A Quick Fix with a Sweet Scent

Vanilla extract isn’t just for baking! The alcohol in vanilla can help numb pain, and it also has antioxidants that may promote healing.

• Put a bit of vanilla extract on a cotton ball.
• Gently press it on the aching tooth for a few minutes.

It’s simple, smells lovely, and may just give you the relief you need while you’re waiting for a longer-term solution.

Onion for Antibacterial Action

Onions might not smell the best, but they’re packed with antibacterial properties that can help fight the source of the pain.

1. Cut a small piece of onion and either chew it on the painful side of your mouth (if you can) or press it directly onto the aching tooth.

The onion juice helps reduce bacteria and can lessen the intensity of the pain over time. Plus, it’s a surprisingly effective natural remedy.

Thyme Tea or Essential Oil

Thyme is known for its antimicrobial and pain-relieving effects, making it a great choice for toothache relief. You can make thyme tea as a rinse or use the essential oil for direct application.

• Brew a strong thyme tea and let it cool, then use it as a mouth rinse.
• If using the essential oil, dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it with a cotton ball.

Thyme can be incredibly calming and may help relieve inflammation, making it a gentle yet effective remedy.

Apple Cider Vinegar Compress

Apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria and help with inflammation. However, since it’s a bit acidic, use it sparingly to avoid irritating your enamel.

• Dilute a small amount of apple cider vinegar, soak a cotton ball, and apply it to the sore tooth.

This method can work quickly, but keep it short to prevent enamel erosion.

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Having a toothache is no fun, but these easy, natural remedies can help you manage the pain until you can see a dentist. Remember, these are temporary solutions, and if the pain persists, it’s best to reach out to a dental professional to get the proper care.