What is the best remedy for toothache?

Severe toothache can be unbearable and is usually a sign that something is wrong with the nerve in your tooth. In most cases, you will need to see a dentist to address the cause of the problem – which may require a filling, root canal, tooth extraction, or antibiotics if there is an infection.

What causes toothache?

Toothache is usually a sign that the nerve in your tooth is distressed and may be dying because of decay. It can take months or even years to get to this point and it starts when plaque forms on your teeth from poor tooth brushing or eating a lot of sugary foods. The acids in plaque start to remove minerals from the enamel, causing tiny openings or holes to develop. This allows bacteria and acid to reach the next layer inside the tooth called dentin which is softer and more easily damaged. Tiny tubes in dentin directly communicate with the nerve of the tooth causing sensitivity initially, then eventually becoming a pathway through which bacteria and acid can travel to the inner pulp. The pulp becomes swollen and irritated, and because there is no way to relieve the pressure this creates inside the tooth, the nerve becomes squeezed, causing pain. The pain can extend from the tooth root to the jawbone.

Why does toothache hurt so much?

Bacteria and acids that have found their way into the inner pulp of the tooth cause inflammation in the pulp, which in turn causes swelling. Because a tooth is an enclosed structure, it is not able to expand. The swelling causes pressure to build up, pressing and squeezing the nerve, which is felt as pain.

What is the best remedy for relieving toothache?

A dentist is the best person to relieve toothache because it is unlikely to go away by itself. But getting in to see a dentist is not always easy or affordable, so here are 9 remedies that may help relieve the pain while you are waiting to see one.

1. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has antibacterial properties that can be used to ease toothache pain and can be found in pharmacies. It works by releasing oxygen, which breaks down the slimy biofilm barrier surrounding bacteria in the mouth, making it difficult for anaerobic bacteria to survive.

To make a hydrogen peroxide gargle mix 3% hydrogen peroxide in equal parts of water. Move the mixture around the mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Do not swallow the hydrogen peroxide mixture and make sure to rinse the mouth with plain water afterwards.
Hydrogen peroxide is also commonly used for tooth whitening because it is a weak acid with strong oxidizing properties. Hydrogen peroxide-containing mouthwashes can also help reduce gum redness and inflammation. In 2020 the American Dental Association started recommending 1% hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse to be used before dental procedures because of COVID-19.

2. Saltwater

Saltwater, composed of sodium chloride (NaCl), possesses natural disinfectant properties. When used as a mouth rinse, it alters the pH balance of the mouth, making it more alkaline and less acidic. This creates an environment that hinders bacterial growth and survival.
Saltwater mouth rinses are commonly recommended for various oral issues such as sore throats, mouth ulcers, gum sores, and after dental surgery. They aid in reducing pain, and inflammation, and promoting wound healing. Additionally, using a saltwater mouth rinse may provide relief from toothache.
To prepare the rinse, mix about a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water. Gargle with the solution 2-3 times a day, swishing it around the mouth for 15-30 seconds before spitting it out.

3. Cloves

Clove, an herb known for its numbing properties, has long been utilized to alleviate toothache pain. It contains eugenol, an active ingredient that acts as an anesthetic and has anti-inflammatory effects.

Research suggests that homemade clove gel is as effective as a 20% benzocaine gel in reducing pain associated with dental injections. Moreover, a eugenol-containing paste has shown better results than a 0.2% chlorhexidine gel in preventing dry sockets after molar extraction. But do not use too much and do not give it to children. Clove oil can be toxic at high dosages, causing seizures and bleeding.

You can find clove-based oils and gels in pharmacies and some supermarkets for toothache relief. Alternatively, you can place whole cloves on the affected tooth or make pastes and oils containing cloves at home. When using clove oil, apply a few drops on a cotton ball or gauze pad and place it on the sore tooth or add it to a small glass of water to use as a mouthwash.

Related Questions

• Does Clove Oil help with toothache?
• Aleve vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
• Naproxen vs ibuprofen: What's the difference?

4. Baking soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), is effective in killing disease-causing bacteria and neutralizing plaque acids.

Products containing sodium bicarbonate are commonly used for maintaining oral health, including toothpastes that help prevent cavities, enamel erosion, and gum disease. Applying a baking soda slurry twice a day has been found to reduce inflammation caused by gum disease and aid in the healing of chronic periodontitis, a severe gum infection that may result from untreated gingivitis.

To alleviate toothache pain, dampen a cotton ball with water, cover it with baking soda, and place it against the affected tooth. Alternatively, dissolve a large teaspoon of baking soda in a little warm water and use it as a mouth rinse, repeating two to three times a day.

5. Peppermint

Peppermint possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties and contains menthol, which imparts a natural cooling and numbing effect and gives peppermint its distinctive flavor. Toothpaste and lozenges often include peppermint and menthol for their oral health benefits. Peppermint tea and peppermint oils can also help in relieving toothache and gum pain.

To use peppermint for relief, prepare a cup of peppermint tea and use it as a mouth rinse or hold a warm, wet tea bag against the affected tooth. Alternatively, a few drops of peppermint oil can be placed on a cotton ball and applied to the affected area.

6. Garlic

Garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties, which may help ease toothache by eliminating bacteria responsible for tooth infections, abscesses, and dental plaque. Allicin, the active ingredient in garlic, is responsible for its antibacterial action.

For tooth pain relief, chew a clove of garlic or create a paste with crushed garlic and a little salt, then apply it to the sore tooth.

7. OTC painkillers

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen (Aleve), are effective in alleviating dental pain. NSAIDs not only relieve pain but also help reduce inflammation.

A combination of acetaminophen and an NSAID can be used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. However, it's essential to follow the recommended dosages and avoid exceeding the maximum dose.

8. OTC gels, creams, liquids, and other topical preparations

Pharmacies offer a variety of preparations, including gels, strips, swabs, pastes, and more, designed to relieve toothache pain. Many of these products contain 20% benzocaine (Orajel, Anbesol), a topical anesthetic that numbs the affected area. Other options include eugenol-containing products, like the Red Cross Toothache kit, which also provide numbing effects.

9. A cold compress or an ice pack

Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the side of the face can help numb the pain and reduce swelling and inflammation. In the absence of ice, a bag of frozen peas can be used.

To relieve toothache with an ice pack or cold compress, wrap it in a towel or cloth and press it against the side of the face for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours.