19 Effective Home Remedies for Toothache Relief

Kitchen staples can soothe dental discomfort and swelling until you see a dentist.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 18, 2025

Kitchen staples can soothe dental discomfort and swelling until you see a dentist.

Toothache can strike suddenly, causing severe discomfort and impacting your daily activities. While it is vital to seek professional dental care for underlying issues, several home remedies can provide rapid relief by reducing pain, fighting infection, and soothing inflammation until you can see a dentist. This article covers 19 scientifically supported, easy-to-apply remedies for toothache relief using ingredients commonly found at home.

What Causes Toothache?

Toothache can result from various issues, including:

Tooth decay and cavities
Gum infection or gum disease
A cracked or chipped tooth
Dental abscess
Sinus infection triggering referred pain
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Food lodged between teeth

Typical symptoms include sharp or throbbing pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, and sometimes fever or headache. Home remedies can temporarily control symptoms, but persistent pain warrants dental evaluation.

Top 19 Home Remedies for Toothache

1. Clove Oil: Nature’s Anesthetic

Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory. Apply a drop or two to a cotton swab and gently dab on the affected tooth and gums. Alternatively, place a whole clove on the sore area and bite down lightly.

Frequency: Use as needed, but avoid overuse to prevent gum irritation.
Why It Works: Eugenol numbs pain and combats bacteria.

2. Vanilla Extract for Quick Relief

Vanilla extract acts as both an antiseptic and an analgesic. Dip a cotton swab into a few drops of high-quality vanilla extract and apply directly to the sore tooth.

Frequency: Repeat as necessary.
Why It Works: Its alcohol content provides temporary numbness and reduces germs.

3. Tea Bag Compress

Moisten a tea bag (black or green) with water and apply it to the painful area. If you don’t have sensitivity to cold, chill the tea bag briefly in the refrigerator first for enhanced numbing.

Frequency: Use once or twice daily as needed.
Why It Works: The tannins found in tea reduce swelling and may help stop minor bleeding after dental procedures.

4. Baking Soda: Anti-Inflammatory Aid

Moisten a cotton ball, coat it with baking soda, and place it on the affected tooth. Alternatively, dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in warm water and use as a mouth rinse.

Frequency: Apply two to three times per day until symptoms ease.
Why It Works: Baking soda has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping reduce infection and swelling.

5. Saltwater Rinse: Classic Soothing Solution

Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.

Frequency: Repeat several times daily.
Why It Works: Salt draws out infection and soothes inflamed tissue.

6. Garlic: Nature’s Antibiotic

Crush a garlic clove with a pinch of salt and apply the paste on the sore tooth. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Frequency: Use twice daily.
Why It Works: Garlic’s allicin compound fights bacteria and eases pain.

7. Peppermint Tea

Brew a cup of peppermint tea, cool a bag slightly, and press it to the aching tooth.

Frequency: Apply as needed.
Why It Works: Peppermint contains menthol, which soothes and relaxes oral tissues.

8. Cold Compress for Swelling

Wrap ice cubes in a towel or use a cold gel pack and place it on your cheek near the affected area for about 15–20 minutes.

Frequency: Every couple of hours as necessary.
Why It Works: Cold constricts blood vessels, reducing pain and inflammation.

9. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water. Swish for 30 seconds, then spit and rinse thoroughly with plain water.

Frequency: Use once or twice a day, as needed. Do not swallow.
Why It Works: It destroys bacteria, tackles infection, and helps with bleeding gums.

10. Onion Power

Chew fresh onion slices on the side of the mouth with the aching tooth. For severe pain, rest a piece of raw onion directly against the sore spot.

Frequency: Repeat twice a day.
Why It Works: Onions are rich in antimicrobial and antiseptic compounds that fight infection.

11. Guava Leaves

Boil 4–5 fresh guava leaves in water, strain, and let cool. Use as a mouth rinse, or chew the leaves directly for localized pain relief.

Frequency: Twice daily.
Why It Works: Guava leaves reduce inflammation and have natural antimicrobial effects.

12. Apple Cider Vinegar

Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and dab it onto the aching tooth. Alternatively, dilute it with water and use as a gentle mouth rinse.

Frequency: Apply up to three times daily.
Why It Works: Its acidity destroys bacteria and relieves inflammation.

13. Oil Pulling

Swish 1–2 tablespoons of coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth for 15–20 minutes before spitting it out and rinsing thoroughly.

Frequency: Once daily, preferably in the morning.
Why It Works: Oil binding may reduce oral bacteria and lower the risk of infections.

14. Wheatgrass Juice

Use freshly extracted wheatgrass juice as a mouth rinse to reduce bacterial load and promote healing.

Frequency: Once or twice a day.
Why It Works: Its powerful antioxidants help resist infection.

15. Asafetida Paste

Mix a pinch of asafetida powder with a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Gently warm the mixture (not hot), soak a cotton ball, and place it on the aching tooth.

Frequency: Repeat after a few hours as needed.
Why It Works: Provides almost instant pain relief, especially for pain due to cavities, thanks to its antiviral and antifungal properties.

16. Aloe Vera Gel

Apply some fresh aloe vera gel directly to the sore area, gently massaging it onto gums or exposed roots.

Frequency: Multiple times daily.
Why It Works: Aloe vera reduces inflammation and promotes healing of oral tissues.

17. Hydrogen Peroxide for Bleeding Gums

Swish a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3% diluted with equal parts water) for 30 seconds, then rinse with plain water. Especially helpful if your toothache is accompanied by bleeding gums.

Frequency: Once or twice a day, but do not overuse.
Why It Works: Acts as a disinfectant and supports gum health.

18. Cold Cucumber Slices

Place a cool cucumber slice directly on the aching tooth. If comfortable, store slices in the refrigerator for stronger numbing.

Frequency: Use as needed.
Why It Works: Cucumber’s cooling effect reduces pain and inflammation.

19. Turmeric Paste

Mix turmeric powder with a little water to create a paste. Apply directly to the aching tooth and gums for 15 minutes, then rinse.

Frequency: Use twice daily.
Why It Works: Turmeric possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Tips to Prevent Toothaches

Practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily.
Avoid sugary foods and beverages that contribute to decay.
Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months.
Protect your teeth from injury and avoid chewing hard objects.

When to See a Dentist

While home remedies can ease symptoms, you should contact a dentist if:

Pain lasts more than 1–2 days
Severe pain interferes with eating, sleeping, or daily activities
Swelling is present, especially with fever or difficulty swallowing
You notice pus or foul taste, indicating possible abscess

Dental professionals can diagnose and treat the root cause, preventing further complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can I relieve a toothache fast at home?

A: Apply clove oil, use a saltwater rinse, or press a cold compress against the cheek. These methods can help reduce pain quickly, but see a dentist if the pain persists.

Q: Is it safe to put aspirin on a tooth?

A: No, placing aspirin directly on teeth or gums can cause tissue irritation or burns. Take pain relievers only as directed by your healthcare professional.

Q: Can home remedies cure a tooth infection?

A: No. Home remedies may ease symptoms, but only a dentist can treat the underlying infection properly. If you suspect an abscess, seek urgent dental care.

Q: What foods should I avoid with a toothache?

A: Avoid very hot, cold, sugary, or acidic foods and drinks that can worsen pain or sensitivity.

Q: When should I visit the dentist for a toothache?

A: Visit the dentist if pain persists beyond 48 hours, is severe, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or pus.

Conclusion

These 19 home remedies for toothache offer fast pain relief and address minor infections, but they are not substitutes for professional care. Use these methods to manage discomfort and maintain oral hygiene while arranging for a dental evaluation to treat the underlying cause.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete