No one likes to deal with tooth pain. Whether it is due to a damaged tooth, infection, or gum disease, tooth pain can often be unbearable. While over-the-counter pain relievers may be beneficial, they don’t always address the discomfort you experience. At New Leaf Rohnert Park, we understand how bad toothache pain can get and advise you to contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Unfortunately, toothache pain often means your teeth need attention, and getting that attention as soon as possible helps reduce the risk of a worsening condition. However, until you can get into the office, there are some natural home remedies for toothache pain that can help until you can be seen.
Key Takeaways
- Cold compress: Use a cold cloth or frozen bag of peas to reduce swelling and alleviate toothache pain.
- Saltwater rinse: Rinse with warm salt water to kill bacteria and raise pH levels in the mouth.
- Clove oil: Apply a few drops of clove oil to a Q-tip and directly to the affected area for natural pain relief.
- Aloe vera: Rub all-natural aloe vera gel on the affected tooth and gumline to reduce infection, swelling, and pain.
- Guava leaves: Boil and simmer guava leaves to make a mouthwash for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Best natural pain relief for toothache
While most drug stores carry toothache pain relief products, not every home has some in its medicine cabinet. The good news is, there are many home remedies you can use to address tooth pain with products you may already have at home. While not all these remedies work for everyone, you will likely find at least one that will provide some comfort until you can be seen by the dentist.
Cold compress
Oftentimes, toothache pain is due to swelling around the tooth. A simple cold compress placed on your face near the infected tooth can help to bring down inflammation, often relieving your toothache pain. While a cold cloth can work, you can also opt for a frozen bag of peas from the freezer. Keep the cold compress on your face for 15-20 minutes. Another option is to take an ice cube and rub it around the inflamed gum line to directly reduce inflammation.
Saltwater rinse
Chances are you have heard a salt water rinse can help with a sore throat or even a toothache. But how does salt help? Salt temporarily raises the pH level in your mouth, creating an alkaline environment that bacteria do not like. Rinsing with salt water helps kill bacteria that may be contributing to tooth pain. Simply add a little salt to a cup of warm water and swirl the mixture in your mouth, focusing on the area of pain. Do this for 30 seconds and then spit the solution out.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide, when used as a rinse, can help kill bacteria, remove plaque, and promote healing for the gums. By doing this, it can also help to alleviate toothache pain. When making a hydrogen peroxide rinse, it is important that you dilute the solution properly, mixing equal parts of water with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Like a traditional mouthwash, swish the solution in your mouth, with a focus on the area causing pain. Do this for about 30 seconds before spitting out the solution. Do not swallow!
Garlic
Garlic has been used for hundreds of years for much more than seasoning your favorite foods. Garlic is packed full of medicinal properties. It is a natural antibacterial as well as a pain reliever. To use garlic for tooth pain, simply crush a garlic clove, make a paste, and apply the paste directly to the affected area.
Black tea
Black tea is packed with tannins that offer natural astringent properties that can help reduce inflammation in the gums and help promote healing. After you make a cup of tea, simply remove the warm tea bag, place it in your mouth against the infected area and leave it in place for at least 15 minutes.
Peppermint tea
Peppermint contains the active ingredient menthol, which is often used for its natural numbing properties. Similar to the black tea method above, applying a warm peppermint tea bag directly to the infected tooth can help relieve your toothache.
Clove oil
Cloves contain a natural ingredient called eugenol. Eugenol naturally reduces inflammation and acts as a pain reliever. The best way to use clove oil for toothache pain is to place a few drops of oil onto a Q-tip and then apply directly to the affected area to relieve pain.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a natural plant that you may be familiar with and even used after a bad sunburn. In addition to soothing burns, aloe vera has natural antibacterial properties and can help to reduce infection, reduce swelling, and reduce toothache pain. Rubbing all-natural aloe vera gel to the affected tooth and gumline can help reduce your symptoms.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract has natural antioxidant properties, but it also contains alcohol which can help numb pain when applied directly. However, you must use pure vanilla extract and not imitation vanilla. Apply the extract to a Q-tip and then apply directly to the infected tooth.
Guava leaves
Guava leaves have natural anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antimicrobial properties. To make a mouthwash, simply crush the leaves in a pot of boiling water and simmer for 15 minutes or so. Allow to cool to a warm temperature and then use as a mouthwash. This will help reduce swelling and aid in pain relief.
Thyme
Thyme has been used for years as a natural treatment for chest infections. However, the main component of essential thyme oil is thymol, which is known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties. Like the clove oil, simply add a few drops to a Q-tip and apply to your infected tooth.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the natural chemical found inside chili peppers. It is the substance responsible for the spice or “heat” you experience when making your favorite foods. However, this capsaicin also works to numb and relieve nerve pain. Applying a few drops of cayenne oil to a Q-tip and applying it directly to the tooth can provide relief. Just avoid the tongue unless you want to feel the burn at the same time. If you love the taste and heat of the chili pepper, you can go ahead and chew on the pepper directly to receive relief.
Never ignore tooth pain
While many of these natural home remedies offer short-term pain relief, they do not replace quality dental care. Toothache pain is a sign that something is wrong and, to prevent more damage, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. At New Leaf Rohnert Park, our team is ready to address what is causing your toothache and help promote good oral health so you can avoid toothaches in the future. If you are experiencing tooth pain, contact us online or call the office today to schedule a dental exam and let us help ease your pain and give you something to smile about.
