Toothache relief is crucial when faced with the throbbing pain that can result from various conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, or dental abscesses.
When the ache strikes, there are several immediate remedies to ease discomfort, from over-the-counter painkillers to applying cold compresses.
Luckily, we'll show you practical strategies, both traditional and modern, to alleviate toothache and restore comfort.
Saltwater rinse
What's needed: Warm water, salt
How to do: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish the solution around in your mouth for about 30 seconds, and you should focus on the affected area. It's good for emergency toothache relief.
Caution: Avoid swallowing the saltwater rinse. Rinse your mouth with plain water afterward to remove any remaining salt.
Price: Low.
Clove oil
What's needed: Clove oil, cotton ball
How to do: Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the painful tooth and surrounding gums. It's an immediate toothache relief.
Caution: Use clove oil sparingly, as excessive application can cause irritation.
Avoid getting clove oil on your tongue or other sensitive areas.
Price: Clove oil is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at pharmacies or online.
Cold compress
What's needed: Ice pack or a towel-wrapped ice pack
How to do: Place the cold compress on the outside of your cheek, near the painful tooth, for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Caution: Do not apply the cold compress directly to the skin to prevent frostbite. Use a towel or cloth to wrap the ice pack.
Price: Ice packs are affordable and can be found at drugstores or online.
Peppermint tea
What's needed: Peppermint tea bags, hot water
How to do: Steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for several minutes. Allow the tea to cool slightly before swishing it around in your mouth. It's a type of a temporary toothache relief.
Caution: Be cautious with hot liquids to avoid burning your mouth. Let the tea cool to a comfortable temperature before use.
Price: Peppermint tea bags are inexpensive and available at grocery stores or online.
Garlic
What's needed: Fresh garlic cloves
How to do: Crush a garlic clove to release its juices, then apply it to the affected tooth and gums. This is a toothache wisdom teeth pain relief.
Caution: Garlic may cause a burning sensation, so use it cautiously and avoid contact with sensitive areas.
Price: Garlic is a common kitchen ingredient and is affordable.
Onion
What's needed: Fresh onion
How to do: Cut a small piece of onion and place it directly on the painful tooth or chew it on the opposite side of the mouth. It's a natural toothache pain relief.
Caution: Some people may find the taste or smell of raw onion unpleasant. Rinse with water afterward to remove any lingering odor.
Price: Onions are widely available at grocery stores.
Turmeric paste
What's needed: Turmeric powder, water
How to do: Mix turmeric powder with a small amount of water to form a paste.
Add the paste directly to the affected tooth and gums.
Caution: Turmeric may stain clothing and surfaces, so use caution when applying the paste. Rinse thoroughly after use.
Price: Relatively inexpensive and can be found at grocery stores or online.
Vanilla extract
What's needed: Pure vanilla extract
How to do: Dip a cotton ball or swab into vanilla extract and put it directly onto the painful tooth and gums. It's a toothache relief at home.
Caution: Use pure vanilla extract, as artificial flavorings may contain added sugar or other ingredients. Avoid swallowing the extract.
Price: Vanilla extract can vary in price depending on the brand and quality.
Ginger root
What's needed: Fresh ginger root
How to do: Cut a small piece of fresh ginger root and chew it on the opposite side of the mouth from the painful tooth.
Caution: Ginger may have a strong taste and spicy flavor. Chew ginger root to avoid irritating sensitive areas.
Price: Ginger root is affordable and can be found at grocery stores or Asian markets.
Warm saltwater gargle
What's needed: Warm water, salt
How to do: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle with the solution for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. It's a kid toothache pain relief as well.
Caution: Avoid swallowing the saltwater gargle. Rinse with plain water afterward to remove any remaining salt.
Price: Inexpensive and readily available in most households.
FAQ
Q1: How to stop toothache pain fast?
To stop toothache pain fast, try over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the painful tooth can also help numb the area and reduce inflammation.
Q2: How can I stop my tooth from throbbing nerve pain?
To stop tooth nerve pain, try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate discomfort, and using clove oil directly to the affected tooth may provide temporary relief.
Q3: Does salt water kill nerve pain?
While salt water can help alleviate toothache pain by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria, it may not directly target nerve pain. However, warm salt water mouth rinsing can provide temporary relief and promote oral health.
Q4: What to do if tooth pain is unbearable?
If tooth pain is unbearable, seek immediate dental care from a dentist or emergency dental clinic. In the meantime, you can try over-the-counter pain medications and try a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to help numb the area.
Q5: How can I relieve the pain of a hole in my tooth?
If you have a hole in your tooth causing pain, you should see a dentist as soon as possible for treatment. In the meantime, you can try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
