Tooth pain can be a real nuisance! Whether it’s a sharp, searing sensation or a dull ache, tooth pain can quickly put a damper on your day. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to stop the discomfort fast. Here are some of the best ways to get rid of tooth pain fast and effectively.
Whether you’re searching for natural remedies for teeth, wondering how to stop tooth pain fast at home naturally, or just need something to get you through the night before your dentist can see you, the remedies below are meant to calm things down temporarily. None of them will address the actual cause of your pain, whether it’s a cavity, infection or simply a cracked tooth, so consider it as a temporary, not permanent, solution until you can get to your next dental appointment.
Fastest Natural Remedies at a Glance
Short on time? Let’s get the short version first, and then dive into each one in detail. These are the six remedies that most often provide the quickest relief and why each one works.
| Remedy | How It Helps |
| Warm salt water rinse | Reduces inflammation, helps draw out mild infection |
| Ice pack | Numbs the area, reduces swelling |
| Peppermint tea bag | Soothes with warmth and mild anti-inflammatory effect |
| Hydrogen peroxide rinse | Antibacterial, helps reduce swelling |
| Garlic | Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory |
| Clove oil | Natural numbing agent, widely recommended by dentists |
Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Rinsing with warm salt water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce tooth pain. Simply mix one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This will help reduce inflammation in your gums and draw out any infection that might be causing your discomfort.
Apply an Ice Pack
Applying an ice pack (or even just an ice cube!) directly to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the area, which will provide relief from any throbbing sensations. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel or cloth, so you don’t damage your skin or teeth with direct contact.
Peppermint Tea Bags
A warm peppermint tea bag can provide relief from tooth pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. To use, simply steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for several minutes and then apply it directly to the affected area of your mouth. The warmth of the tea bag will help draw out any infection, while the peppermint oil helps reduce inflammation and soothe the pain.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide has natural antibacterial properties that can help fight off infection and reduce swelling. To use, mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and swish it around your mouth for one minute before spitting it out. This should be done twice daily until the pain subsides.
Garlic
Garlic is another natural remedy for tooth pain due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components. To use, simply crush a clove of garlic into a paste or mash and apply it directly onto the affected area of your mouth. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm saltwater. You should also try eating raw garlic cloves throughout the day as they can also help fight infection while providing relief from pain and inflammation.
A Remedy Worth Adding: Clove Oil
If there’s one natural toothache remedy dentists mention more than any other, it’s clove oil. It includes eugenol, a natural numbing agent that dentists have been using for decades as part of restorative materials, and is also antibacterial. To apply it, mix a few drops of clove oil into a carrier oil (such as olive or coconut oil), apply a small amount to a cotton ball and place it on the sore tooth for a few minutes. If you don’t have a whole clove, a gentle bite on a single clove will do. Apply sparingly, as the undiluted clove oil might be harsh on your gums and do not use if pregnant or if you are giving it to a child without consulting a doctor first.
More Holistic Remedies for Toothache
There are a couple more home remedies for instant relief from toothache right away:
- Oil pulling: Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes then spit it out, to help eliminate bacteria.
- Aloe vera gel: Gums can be treated with a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to relieve gum irritation due to its antibacterial properties.
- Ginger tea rinse: Use of the tea rinse with ginger can help reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Toothache Remedies for Kids: What’s Safe to Try?
Not all of the remedies listed on this page will work well for a child’s toothache. Usually, a warm salt water rinse is safe when a child is able to spit, not swallow, the water, which is typically at age 6 or older. It is safe to use a cold compress placed on the outside of the cheek at any age and is usually the least complicated choice for younger children.
However, care should be taken with hydrogen peroxide rinses, garlic paste and clove oil as these may irritate a child’s more sensitive gums and clove oil should not be used in children under the age of 10 without a doctor’s advice. If in any doubt, a cold compress and a child’s dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen (following package instructions for children of the appropriate age) is the safest combination until you have them in to see a dentist.
Take Over-the-Counter Medication
Taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help relieve tooth pain quickly. These medications are designed to reduce inflammation and numb the area, which should provide quick relief from any discomfort you’re experiencing. However, these medications will only work if taken as directed – so always be sure to read the instructions on the package before taking them!
How to Stop Tooth Pain Without Medication: A Few More Tips
If you’d rather ease tooth pain naturally without reaching for a pill, a few small habits can make a real difference alongside the remedies above:
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated on an extra pillow, since lying flat can increase blood flow and throbbing in the area
- Don’t eat or drink anything too hot, cold, sugary or acidic, as this will all cause a more intense pain.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods that exert pressure on the painful tooth
- Gently brush and floss around the area instead of avoiding it, as sometimes trapped food can cause more pain.
What Are Some At-Home Remedies to Temporarily Relieve Toothache Pain Before a Root Canal?
If you already have a root canal appointment, the remedies listed above are exactly the type of teeth hurt remedy you need to help you pass the time until you get to your root canal. The most common treatments that dentists recommend in the days before the procedure are a warm salt water rinse, a cold compress on the outside of your cheek, diluted clove oil and an over the counter pain reliever as directed. Eating soft, lukewarm foods and avoiding anything too hard, chewy, cold or hot will also help to keep discomfort to a minimum. Again, this is not a substitute for the root canal. These measures alleviate the pain only temporarily and postponing your appointment may allow the underlying infection to worsen.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
Home remedies should be used for minor and temporary pain. If you experience any of the following, please see your dentist immediately:
- Pain that does not go away after 1 or 2 days
- Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums
- When a tooth is painful, there will be pus around it and a fever.
- Trouble with chewing or opening the mouth wide enough to swallow properly
These may be symptoms of a spreading infection and should be treated by a professional, not at home.
Preventing Toothaches: Simple Daily Habits
The best toothache remedy is the one you never need. There are a number of regular activities that can help prevent pain from appearing:
- Brush twice a day and floss once daily to keep plaque from building up
- Limit sugary foods and beverages that encourage decay-causing bacteria to thrive.
- If you clench your teeth at night, wear a nightguard as grinding can lead to pain similar to a toothache.
- Regular visits to the dentist to ensure that small problems are identified before they become painful.
Visit Your Dentist
If none of these remedies work for you, then it may be time for you to visit your dentist for professional help. At Smile4Ever Family Dentistry, we offer comprehensive dental care services that can help treat everything from cavities and gum disease all the way up to oral surgery and root canal therapy. Don’t let toothache ruin your day visit us today and let us take care of all your oral needs!
FAQs
Can you cure a toothache naturally?
Home remedies may help relieve pain temporarily, but they do not treat the cause of the pain, such as decay, infection or a crack. Only a dentist can find the cause of the pain.
What’s a fast teeth hurt remedy I can try right now?
A warm salt water rinse or cold compress to your cheek is typically the fastest way to alleviate the tension until you can determine what to do next.
How to stop tooth pain fast at home naturally without medication?
Try a salt water rinse, a cold compress, or diluted clove oil, and avoid hot, cold, or sugary foods that can make the pain sharper.
Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide for a toothache?
Diluted hydrogen peroxide rinses are generally safe for short-term use, but should never be swallowed, and shouldn’t be used for more than a couple of days without seeing a dentist.
What are the best home remedies for instant relief from toothache?
Cold compresses and clove oil tend to offer the fastest relief, since both have a numbing effect, while salt water and garlic work more on the underlying inflammation.
When should I stop trying home remedies and see a dentist?
If your pain lasts more than a day or two, or you notice swelling, fever, or pus, stop relying on home remedies and contact your dentist right away.
Conclusion
Tooth pain doesn’t have to ruin your day! By following these simple steps, you can stop tooth pain fast without having to resort to expensive treatments or prescription medications. So if you’re dealing with painful teeth, try rinsing with warm salt water, applying an ice pack, taking over-the-counter medication, or visiting a dentist at Smile4Ever Family Dentistry right away! You’ll be glad you did!