A toothache is a dental condition that’s very hard to ignore. It is one of the most painful ordeals that can hamper your day in a moment.
The extreme pain makes it difficult for many people to function normally.
This dental ailment is most commonly triggered by tooth decay. Tooth decay usually occurs when there is an accumulation of oral bacteria that infect the gums and teeth [1, 2]. Worry not. You can get rid of a toothache fast by using simple natural remedies.
Toothache is often the result of poor dental hygiene. That is to say, particularly, not brushing and flossing the teeth after meals or before going to bed.
It’s very much important for you to go and see a dentist for this problem. As, if you let it progress, then it can worsen the condition. A more serious infection can even lead to tooth loss and other complications of the gums.
While you get a dentist’s appointment and want immediate relief from the pain, you try using the following home remedies for a toothache. These are simple and very easy to put together and works really well!
In the following article, you will find:
- 15 Home remedies for relieving toothache
- How to prepare them for best results
RELATED: 11 Pain-Relieving Essential Oils for Toothache
Here are the most effective natural remedies for toothache.
1. Clove
Clove is a common spice in many Asian cuisines. It grows, primarily, in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and India. As mentioned already, clove is a staple ingredient in cooking, perfumery and, also, pharmacy [3].
Clove’s medicinal properties help relieve a toothache. It gets to the root of the problem and destroys the oral bacteria that causes pain and inflammation [4].
Some Korean researchers took a clove and did a thorough research on it. The primary object of their research was the active compounds found in clove oil. These are namely eugenol and beta-caryophyllene. These active compounds were assessed for their inhibitory effects against oral bacteria [4].
These compounds were used either alone or paired with antibiotics such as gentamicin and ampicillin [4].
Isolates of oral bacteria were reduced significantly by eugenol combined with antibiotics [4].
These findings suggest clove oil’s synergistic effects with antibacterial agents [4].
Not only that, clove is also a strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive agent that makes it a suitable treatment for a toothache and other dental ailments [3, 6, 7, 8].
Studies involving animal subjects show that clove oil’s eugenol prevented the pro-inflammatory cytokines from triggering the body’s inflammatory response [7].
Its pain-relieving effects, meanwhile, focused on the peripheral nervous system [7].
What You’ll Need:
- 2 whole cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Grate the cloves.
- Add olive oil to the grated cloves.
- Apply the mixture to aching tooth.
- Repeat as needed.
RELATED: 11 Home Remedies for Swollen Gums for Instant Relief
2. Garlic
Although some people avoid eating garlic as it causes bad breath, actually, they do not know its beneficial properties for the human body.
They also do not that garlic can be a good choice for oral health.
A group of researchers from South Yorkshire in the United Kingdom found that garlic prevents the growth of harmful oral microorganisms that cause dental problems [9].
This study, which was performed in 2005, shows that garlic extract inhibited the activities of all the oral microorganisms tested particularly the protease activity of Porphyromonas gingivalis [9].
In a short period, garlic extract can wipe out up to 94.88 percent [9].
This data indicates the therapeutic value of garlic for dental problems such as a toothache and gum infection [9].
A study conducted by scientists from Israel also released similar findings, indicating that garlic can control oral pathogens linked to tooth decay and cavities [10].
The antibacterial powers of garlic is due to its primary component called allicin, which has been proven effective in killing all strains of oral pathogens [10].
On top of these, this herb has analgesic and antinociceptive properties that relieve pain without inflicting any harmful side effects [11].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Recommended Directions:
- Crush and chop garlic into small pieces.
- Mix garlic and salt.
- Put chopped garlic with salt on the affected tooth.
- Repeat every day until the pain subsides.
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3. Onion
Onion – the most common name as an essential ingredient for cooking. Apart from its taste, flavor, and smell, it also shares properties with garlic.
Those who really know the benefits of onion, widely recognize it for its plethora of health benefits.
It’s also a popular remedy for all sorts of ailments including bacterial infections.
Onion has also been demonstrated in numerous studies to be a strong bactericidal agent [12].
A 1997 study reports that onion extract can successfully inhibit the activities of Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus mutans, which have been associated with a breakdown of teeth [13].
It can also control bacterial strains that lead to gum infections such as Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis [13].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of raw onion, sliced
Recommended Directions:
- Chew onion slices for five to 10 minutes.
- Or place raw onion on aching tooth.
- Do this remedy once a day until you get relief from pain.
4. Asafetida
This oleo-gum-resin derived from the asafetida root has long been used to cure various diseases such as asthma, gastrointestinal problems, intestinal parasites, diabetes, and fungal infections among many others [14].
Although it may not be the first natural remedy on people’s minds when it comes to treating toothache, it works like a charm.
It has anti-inflammatory mechanisms that can help tone down the swelling triggered by bacterial infection [14].
Contributing to this mode of action are its active compounds, which include sesquiterpene coumarins and polysulfides [14].
As a natural anxiolytic, it can help relieve stress and anxiety brought about by tooth pain and inflammation [15].
It is a good alternative to diazepam, a commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication [15].
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 teaspoon of asafetida powder
- 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Recommended Directions:
- Warm lemon juice in a pan for a few seconds.
- Remove from heat.
- Add asafetida powder.
- Apply solution on aching tooth using a cotton pad.
- Follow this remedy once a day for one to two weeks.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the world’s most popular herbal teas, and it’s not only because of its wonderful minty flavor [16].
Studies have found that peppermint is highly beneficial for the health, mainly as an antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory [16, 17, 18].
The main active compounds in peppermint responsible for most of its pharmacological effects are menthol and menthone [16].
Menthol, in particular, has been found to be a strong analgesic that can provide immediate pain relief for painful conditions such as a toothache [18].
All these properties are enough to convince anyone that’s it’s indeed a suitable solution for this dental problem.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint leaves
- 1 cup of water
- 5 drops of peppermint oil
Recommended Directions:
- Boil peppermint leaves in water.
- Add peppermint oil.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to painful tooth.
- Do this two to three times a day until pain is gone.
RELATED: 12 Uses and Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil
6. Vanilla Extract
Medicinal orchids like vanilla have been found to resolve a wide array of medical conditions including rheumatism, hysteria, fever, and many others [19].
It can help alleviate a toothache by killing infection-causing bacteria as it is also a strong antibacterial agent [20].
Its flavonoids and alkaloids have potent inhibitory effects on pathogenic microorganisms that cause dental infections [20].
Moreover, it has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions, as reported in an Indian study [21].
These actions can be attributed mainly to the compound called vanillin [21].
This means that vanilla can effectively relieve pain and tone down swelling of gums [21].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Recommended Directions:
- Apply vanilla extract on aching tooth using a cotton swab.
- Repeat several times a day until pain is relieved.
RELATED: 11 Home Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain for Immediate Relief
7. Guava Leaves
Among the various folkloric remedies used for a toothache, guava leaves are considered as some of the most effective, relieving pain brought about by dental caries [22].
This is not only helpful in curbing tooth pain among adults, but also safe enough to be used on children [22].
Unlike medications that sometimes have adverse effects, this herbal remedy is safe and well-tolerated [22].
Water extract from guava leaves has also been proven by Indian researchers to have significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and anti-microbial activity [23].
Flavonoids in guava leaves such as rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol are responsible for these beneficial effects [23].
What You’ll Need:
- 5 guava leaves
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- A pot of water
Recommended Directions:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add guava leaves and salt.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Let it cool a little.
- Gargle the solution for 5 minutes.
- Repeat as needed for one to two weeks or until the pain is gone.
8. Tea Tree Oil
A 2003 study published in the International Dental Journal reported that an oral solution consisting of 0.2 percent tea tree oil was enough to combat oral microorganisms that cause dental problems [24].
The most important component of tea tree oil is terpinene-4-01, which is said to have powerful antimicrobial effects against many strains of bacteria [24].
It was noted that tea tree oil worked against 161 isolates of oral bacteria, which is why it is recommended to be included in oral hygiene products [25].
Researchers also confirmed that tea tree oil can be a good alternative to chlorhexidine solution when it comes to treating oral infections [24].
There were some reports of unpleasant side effects such as bad breath, burning sensation, and nausea but most of these are tolerable [24].
On top of all these, tea tree oil has also been found effective in reducing gum bleeding in people suffering from chronic gingivitis [26].
What You’ll Need:
- 5 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Dilute tea tree oil with olive oil.
- Gargle the oil mixture for 10 minutes.
- Be careful not to swallow.
- Repeat remedy once a day for one week.
RELATED: 11 Effective Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Warts
9. Ginger
Since ancient times, ginger has been widely used to alleviate various types of pain [27].
Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms have been well-documented in the scientific literature [28, 29].
It means that it can provide pain relief and at the same time, tone down swelling in cases of a toothache.
A 2015 study featured in the International Journal of Dentistry confirmed that ginger has strong antibacterial activities against microorganisms that cause tooth decay such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis [30].
As it turns out, ginger does not only alleviate the symptoms of a toothache, but also works to kill the source of infection.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
Recommended Directions:
- Apply grated ginger on painful tooth.
- Follow this remedy twice a day for one to two weeks to get rid of toothache naturally.
RELATED: 20 Great Ways Of Using Ginger To Fight Your Acne
10. Myrrh
Traditional healers from India and China have used myrrh to treat arthritis, obesity, heart disease, and gastrointestinal problems [31].
It has also been proven to be an effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory [32, 33].
Even at low dosage, myrrh proves to be highly useful in minimizing pain and reducing inflammation [32].
Its pharmacological effects are due to the presence of diterpenes, sesquiterpenes and diterpenic acids [32].
These properties make myrrh a therapeutic agent for toothaches.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of myrrh powder
- 2 cups of water
Recommended Directions:
- Simmer myrrh in water for half an hour.
- Strain powder.
- Gargle solution several times a day for one week.
RELATED: 11 Amazing Health Benefits of Myrrh Oil (Backed by Scientific Evidence)
11. Ice Cubes
Ice is often recommended by doctors for numbing the pain caused by tooth decay.
A study that can be found in the Canadian Medical Association Journal revealed that massaging the painful region with ice reduced dental pain by up to 50 percent [34].
Patients who complain of acute dental pain were treated with either ice massage or massage alone [34].
Reduction in pain intensity was more significant among those who received a massage with cold therapy than those who were treated with massage alone [34].
The pain-reducing effects of ice are similar to those of acupuncture [34].
What You’ll Need:
- Ice cubes
Recommended Directions:
- Wrap ice cubes with a cloth.
- Hold it against your cheek and gently massage.
- Do this for five to 10 minutes.
- Repeat remedy for one to two weeks.
12. Black Pepper
If you think that black pepper does nothing more than spice up your dishes, you’re wrong.
The partner of salt is actually a potent medicine for numerous diseases.
A powerful antimicrobial, black pepper can efficiently combat the oral bacteria that cause tooth and gum infection [35].
It is also said to have analgesic effects, which can come in handy in minimizing the pain and discomfort brought about by this dental issue [35].
You’ll notice that you’ll immediately feel better after using black pepper on your aching tooth.
It will numb the pain and help in toning down the swelling.
Black pepper is very easy to use, and since it can probably be found in your kitchen, you will not have a difficult time putting this remedy together.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
Recommended Directions:
- Combine black pepper and olive oil.
- Mix well.
- Soak a cloth in the mixture.
- Press the cloth gently onto the painful area.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Follow this procedure two to three times a day for up to one week.
13. Basil
Basil is typically added to pasta, soups, salads, and other dishes to bring out a unique flavor and aroma.
Amazingly, this herb is more than just a culinary spice, it’s also a valuable natural medicine.
One of the many health issues that it can resolve is a toothache.
In the Unani system of medicine, this herb is often employed as a remedy for tooth pain [36].
Basil is also said to have antibacterial properties that can help get to the root of the problem, which are the oral bacteria [37].
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup of basil leaves
Recommended Directions:
- Crush and chop basil leaves.
- Wrap a cloth around the crushed leaves.
- Put the cloth on your painful tooth.
- Do this for 15 minutes.
- Repeat several times a day until the pain subsides.
14. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar or ACV is an effective home remedy for a toothache. Raw apple cider vinegar is packed with anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, analgesic, and detoxifying properties. The acetic and malic acids in ACV can detoxify and relieve the pains of infected teeth. Apple cider vinegar can balance pH or acidity inside the mouth. Thus, it helps prevent tooth decay, bacterial growth in the gums, and tooth ache.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of ACV
- Cotton ball
Recommended Directions:
- Soak a cotton ball on ACV.
- Hold the ACV soaked cotton ball on the affected tooth and gum for several minutes.
- Repeat the treatment thrice daily to get rid of tooth ache naturally.
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15. Saline or Salt Water
In case you are down with a toothache the first aid to treat the problem would be swishing salt water. Salt is a natural disinfectant and antiseptic. Swishing saline water can provide with instant relief from the aches and pains in the inflamed gums and tooth.
Many people use salt water to clean their mouth as a regular oral hygiene practice. The antimicrobial properties in saline solution can inhibit the growth of harmful microbes inside the mouth responsible for bad breath, toothache, and gum diseases.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 glass of lukewarm water
Recommended Directions:
- Dissolve salt in the lukewarm water.
- Take the saline solution in the mouth and swish and swirl it for some time.
- Repeat the process until the pain is gone.
- Redo the treatment several times daily to keep a check on toothache.
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Some Q&A About Toothache
Q. What could be the reason behind my toothache?
A. Actually, a toothache might be an indicator of multiple different issues. You might have a broken or fractured tooth. Or it can be a sign of a dental infection. Even so, the enamel of your tooth may be decaying as well, which can be another reason.
You must be aware of the fact that if a toothache is due to a fracture or a broken tooth, it will never go away on its own. You MUST visit a doctor. While you do so, you can try the above home remedies for a toothache in the meantime.
Q. How do I prevent a toothache?
A. The best way to prevent a toothache and ensure that your teeth stay healthy is to take proper dental care. It is essential in preventing a toothache. Regular brushing of your teeth, especially after every meal can help. It prevents any leftover food from staying in your mouth for extended periods of time. Also, you should use toothpaste that has fluoride. It is because fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth.
Q. Does a toothache contribute to bad breath?
A. Yes. Sometimes it does. With a toothache, one might have what is called a “dry mouth”. This dry mouth can cause a dry or burning sensation to occur inside the mouth. This can lead to the chronic bad breath.
Q. What are the common symptoms associated with a toothache?
A. You might experience a sharp pain in your teeth when chewing or when eating hot or cold food. On the other hands, signs like the following can indicate that your oral health is really bad. They are:
- Pain when chewing anything
- Increased tooth sensitivity to any hot or cold food or drink
- Bleeding from the teeth or gums
- Swelling around the tooth or gums
- And swelling of the jaw
Bottom Line
It must be mentioned that the above home remedies for toothache give fast but temporary relief.
To get rid of a toothache permanently, you will need to get to the underlying problem, the real problem. Only eliminating that problem will allow you to find permanent relief.
As for now, toothache can negatively affect eating, sleeping, and normal day-to-day activities.
You can temporarily resolve these problems right away with the help of these safe and natural home remedies.
We really hope this article came to your help; if you have any questions or confusions regarding it feel free to ask us.
Also, don’t forget to share your experience with us by leaving your comments below.
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