6 Natural Remedies for a Toothache

natural remedies for toothache - woman holding ice pack to face

6 Natural Remedies for a Toothache

Having a toothache is a miserable experience. It’s difficult to eat, sleep, or get anything done when all you want to do is find relief. Luckily, there are plenty of at-home solutions you can try to soothe your pain. We put together this list of natural remedies for a toothache that you can try while you wait for an appointment with your dentist. 

Six Natural Remedies for a Toothache You Can Try at Home

1: Rinse with Warm Saltwater

A toothache could be the result of gum disease or tooth decay caused by harmful bacteria. Since salt is a natural disinfectant, it kills some of the bacteria attacking your teeth, reducing pain and inflammation. A saltwater rinse can also help dislodge food particles stuck in your teeth, further reducing the number of bacteria in your mouth. 

Rinsing with warm saltwater a couple of times each day can provide temporary relief and even freshen your breath. To make a saltwater solution, mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Then swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds, and spit. Just avoid rinsing more than two or three times each day, because that could cause more irritation. 

2: Use a Cold Compress

Another easy at-home solution for tooth pain is applying a cold compress to your face. You can make a cold compress by filling a sealable plastic bag with ice or small frozen vegetables. Then wet a washcloth with cold water and wrap it around the plastic bag. 

Place the cold compress on your cheek for a maximum of 20 minutes to reduce swelling and relieve your pain. Wait at least another 20 minutes before applying the cold compress again, to avoid damaging your skin. 

3: Apply Peppermint Tea Bags

Peppermint tea is antibacterial, so it can reduce toothache-causing bacteria in your mouth. It also contains menthol, which can help numb your pain. Swishing peppermint tea around your mouth can give you some relief from tooth pain, and so can applying a warm or cold peppermint tea bag directly to the affected area. If you plan to apply a used tea bag, make sure it has cooled down until it is only slightly warm before applying it to your teeth. 

4: Make a Garlic Paste

Garlic can also help kill harmful bacteria and relieve pain. In fact, ancient civilizations often used garlic for its medicinal properties. To find relief from tooth pain, you can either chew a clove of fresh garlic, or crush a garlic clove into a paste and apply it directly to the painful area. 

5: Keep Your Head Elevated

Lying down causes more blood to flow toward your head, putting pressure on the sensitive tooth. If you’re having trouble sleeping due to tooth pain, try lying with your head propped up higher than the rest of your body. Your face and body will have better circulation, decreasing swelling and pain. 

6: Take Over the Counter Medication

Lastly, you can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. These medications reduce inflammation, relieving your pain. You can also try an OTC numbing oral gel for relief. 

Follow the medication’s instructions, and never give aspirin to children under 18 years old. If you currently take any prescription medications, speak with your doctor about the potential for adverse drug interactions. 

Treating Toothaches in Prescott, Arizona

If you’re suffering from a toothache, there’s only one way to find long-term relief. Visiting your dentist is necessary to diagnose the root cause of your pain. The compassionate team at Prescott Dentistry can treat a wide range of dental problems that cause toothaches. If you’re in pain, please call us at 928-445-1660 to make an urgent appointment. 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/3/2023). Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash