10 Home Remedies for Toothache: Dentist-Approved Tips for Quick Relief

A toothache can hit you out of nowhere. One minute you are eating dinner, and the next you are gripping the side of your face wondering if this is ever going to stop.

If you can't get to a dentist right away, there are some home remedies for toothache that can take the edge off until you are in the chair. These won't fix the root cause (pun intended), but they can buy you some relief in the short term.

At Appin Dental Surgery in the Wollondilly Shire, we see patients from Appin, Campbelltown, Camden and surrounding suburbs who have tried everything at home before calling us. Here's what actually works, and what you should know before trying it. 

What Causes Toothache Pain?  

Before you start searching through the pantry, it helps to understand why your tooth hurts in the first place. The most common causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities): Bacteria eat through the enamel and reach the sensitive inner layer of your tooth. This is the single most common reason for toothaches. Left untreated, cavities usually need dental fillings or more complex treatment. 

  
  

• Gum infection or abscess: A pocket of pus forms around the tooth root. The pressure builds up and the pain can radiate to your jaw, ear, and neck. This one needs professional attention quickly, often a root canal treatment. 

  
  

• Cracked or chipped tooth: Biting down on something hard or a sports injury can fracture a tooth, exposing the nerve. Depending on the damage, you may need a dental crown to restore the tooth. 

  
  

• Tooth sensitivity: Hot coffee or cold water sends a sharp sting through your teeth? That's usually worn enamel or receding gums.

  
  

• Impacted wisdom teeth: When wisdom teeth don't have enough room to come through, they push against neighbouring teeth and cause a dull, throbbing ache. In many cases, wisdom teeth extraction is the best solution. 

  
  

Knowing the cause matters because some remedies work better for certain types of pain. A saltwater rinse is great for minor gum infections, but it won't do much for a cracked tooth.

10 Toothache Remedies You Can Try At Home

 

1. Saltwater Rinse

This is a classic for a reason. Salt is a natural disinfectant that helps loosen trapped food, reduces gum inflammation, and kills bacteria on contact.

How to do it: Dissolve half a teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm (not hot) water. Move it around your mouth for about 30 seconds, focusing on the sore area. Spit it out and repeat two or three times. You can do this several times a day.

It's safe, it's cheap, and it works for most types of toothache pain as a first line of defence. If you're dealing with gum irritation or a minor infection, this one's your best starting point.

2. Clove Oil (Oil of Cloves)

Clove oil has been used for toothaches for hundreds of years, and there is real science behind it. The active compound is basically a plant-based substance (eugenol), which is a natural anaesthetic and antibacterial agent. In fact, eugenol is still used in many professional dental products today.

How to do it: Soak a small cotton ball with a few drops of clove oil and place it gently on the affected tooth for 10 to 15 minutes. If the flavour is too strong, mix it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil before applying. You can also add a drop of clove oil to a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash.

Safety note: Don't leave clove oil on your gums for more than 15 minutes, as it can cause irritation. And it's not recommended for young children.

3. Cold Compress

If your toothache came from a knock, fall, or any kind of swelling, a cold compress is your go-to. It constricts the blood vessels in the area, which reduces inflammation and temporarily numbs the pain.

How to do it: Wrap an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) in a thin towel and hold it against the outside of your cheek near the painful area. Keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then take a break for 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.

This works especially well for toothaches that come with visible swelling. It's also a good option before bed if the pain is keeping you up at night.

4. Raw Garlic

Garlic isn't just for keeping vampires away. When you crush a garlic clove, it releases a compound called allicin, which has antibacterial properties that can help fight the bacteria causing your toothache.

How to do it: Crush one fresh garlic clove to make a paste. Mix it with a tiny pinch of salt and apply it directly to the affected tooth. You can also just chew a raw clove slowly on the sore side. It'll taste strong, but plenty of people swear by it.

Garlic is best for toothaches caused by infection. But if the pain persists for more than a day or two, it's time to call us for a check-up.

5. Peppermint Tea Bag

Peppermint contains menthol, which is a mild natural numbing agent. A warm (or cold) peppermint tea bag placed on the tooth can calm the pain and take the sting out of a toothache.

How to do it: Brew a peppermint tea bag in hot water for two minutes. Remove the tea bag and let it cool until it's comfortable to handle. Place it directly on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. Some people prefer to pop it in the freezer for a few minutes first for a cooling effect.

This one's gentle enough for most people and works well as a complement to a saltwater rinse.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse can reduce bacteria, fight plaque buildup, and calm bleeding gums. It's a good option when your toothache comes with gum inflammation.

How to do it: Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide with water (a 1:1 ratio). Move it around your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds, then spit it out completely. Rinse your mouth with plain water afterward. 

Important: Never swallow hydrogen peroxide. And this remedy is not safe for children, as they may accidentally swallow it. Stick to saltwater for kids.

7. Vanilla Extract

This one surprises people, but vanilla extract contains alcohol, which helps in blocking the area around a sore tooth. It's also an antioxidant, which may help with healing.

How to do it: Dab a small amount of real vanilla extract (not the imitation stuff) onto a cotton ball or your fingertip. Apply it directly to the tooth and surrounding gum area. Repeat a few times throughout the day if needed.

It's a mild remedy and won't work for severe pain, but it can take the edge off while you wait for your dental appointment.

8. Warm Compress

While a cold compress works for swelling, a warm compress is better for deep, and dull pain without inflammation. The heat increases blood flow to the area, which can promote healing and relax tense jaw muscles.

How to do it: Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring out the excess, and hold it against the outside of your jaw near the aching tooth. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.

This is particularly helpful for wisdom tooth pain or jaw soreness that comes with a toothache.

9. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Sometimes you just need something stronger while you wait for your appointment. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Nurofen) are often recommended by dentists as a first-line option for dental pain. Paracetamol (Panadol) is another option if you can't take ibuprofen.

Dosage: Follow the instructions on the packet. For adults, ibuprofen is typically 200 to 400mg every 4 to 6 hours. Don't exceed the recommended daily dose.

Tip: Don't place aspirin directly on your gum tissue. It's an old myth that it helps, and it can actually burn your gums.

10. Elevation (For Nighttime Toothaches)

Toothaches tend to get worse at night. Why? When you lie flat, blood pools in your head and increases pressure around the inflamed tooth.

How to do it: Lie yourself up with an extra pillow or two so your head sits above your heart. This reduces blood flow to the area and can noticeably lower the pain.

Combine this with a cold compress before bed and an OTC painkiller, and you'll have a much better chance of actually sleeping through the night.

When to See a Dentist? 

Home remedies are great for short-term relief, but they are not a fix. If any of the following apply to you, it's time to book an appointment:

• Severe or constant pain that doesn't respond to OTC (over-the-counter) painkillers.

• Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums.

• Fever, which can signal an infection spreading.

• Pain that lasts more than 1 to 2 days.

• Broken, cracked, or knocked-out tooth.

• Pus or discharge around the tooth or gums.

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing (this is a medical emergency, call us).

  
  

A toothache caused by an infection or abscess won't go away on its own. Left untreated, it can spread to your jaw, neck, or even your bloodstream. If you are in the Wollondilly or Macarthur area, Appin Dental Surgery offers same-day emergency appointments. Call us on (02) 9068 1369 or book online. 

How to Prevent Toothaches in the First Place?

The best toothache remedy? Avoiding one altogether. Here's what our team at Appin Dental Surgery recommends:

• Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste: Two minutes, every time. No shortcuts.

  
  

• Floss every day. Yes, every day. It removes the bacteria and food your toothbrush can't reach.

  
  

• Get a check-up every 6 months: : Most toothaches start as small cavities that are painless and easy to fix early. Skip your check-ups and they grow into bigger, more painful problems.

  
  

• Limit sugary foods and drinks: Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause decay. Simple as that.

  
  

• Wear a mouthguard: if you play contact sport or grind your teeth at night.

FAQs

Q: What kills a toothache instantly? 

Nothing kills a toothache instantly, but clove oil comes close. The eugenol in clove oil acts as a topical anaesthetic and can numb the area within a few minutes. Combining clove oil with an OTC anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen is the fastest relief most people can get at home.

Q: Is it OK to put salt directly on a toothache? 

You can, but a saltwater rinse works better. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around the affected area. Direct salt on the tooth can irritate exposed gums. The rinse gives you the antibacterial benefit without the sting.

Q: Why is my toothache worse at night? 

When you lie flat, blood rushes to your head and increases pressure around the inflamed tooth. That's why the pain feels sharper at night. Try propping your head up with an extra pillow and applying a cold compress before bed.

Q: Can a toothache go away on its own? 

Sometimes the pain fades, but that doesn't mean the problem is gone. A cavity or infection won't heal by itself. If the nerve dies, the pain might stop temporarily, but the infection can still spread. Always get it checked by a dentist.

Q: When should I go to the emergency room for a toothache? 

Go to the emergency if you have a high fever with facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or uncontrollable bleeding from the mouth. These are signs of a serious infection. For most dental emergencies, call Appin Dental Surgery on (02) 9068 1369 for same-day care.