Pain-free teeth are a rarity these days with the amount of processed foods individuals are consuming. In fact, tooth pain is one of the most common complaints that dentists hear in their offices.
The annoying thing is, is that you can’t really schedule a toothache, and sometimes getting to the dentist on time just isn’t enough.
Fortunately for you, there are a variety of different natural toothache remedies that, yes, actually work. In fact, they work so well that your dentist probably won’t mention them to you because then you wouldn’t become a regular patient.
Although these remedies work well, and can sometimes even cure a toothache, if your problem is persistent and not going away, seeking the advice of a holistic dentist would be your next best bet.
What Causes Tooth Pain?
Although the first thing that comes to mind when we experience toothache is “CAVITY!,” there are many other causes that might be at play (1).
These include:
– Tooth decay
– Tooth fracture
– Abscessed tooth
– A damaged filling
– Repetitive motions, like chewing hard foods or grinding the teeth
– Infected gums / gum disease
– Abnormal bite
– Tooth eruption
Symptoms of a toothache can range from a throbbing, sharp, constant pain, or pain that is only experienced when pressure is applied to the tooth. Other symptoms include swelling around the tooth, fever, or headache.
Although these remedies work well, and can sometimes even cure a toothache, if your problem is persistent and you’re experiencing severe pain, seeking the advice of a holistic dentist would be your next best bet.
10 Natural Toothache Remedies:
Use these remedies whenever you’re experiencing toothache. Clove oil is the best, in my opinion!
1. Clove Oil
Cloves are high in the compound eugenol, which gives it anesthetic and anti-septic properties. It’s even used in modern dentistry to relieve gum pain and kill germs during extractions, fillings and root canals (2).
You can rest a clove against the sore area until the pain goes away, or you can drop one or two drops of clove essential oil (don’t use more than that, as it can be toxic) on your affected tooth. Alternatively, you can swish a mixture of 2-4 drops of clove oil in 1/4 cup water around your mouth 2-3 times a day.
2. Salt Water
Using a high quality salt like himalayan salt can easily treat a toothache. Salt water works by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which promotes wound healing.
Mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 tsp. sea salt or himalayan salt. Make sure it is well mixed, and then swish your mouth for 15-30 seconds. Repeat until the solution is done. Do this 3 times a day.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
This method is incredibly affordable, and likely already in your medicine cabinet. Hydrogen peroxide has been used by many individuals to cure toothaches as it fights infection and swelling (which are usually the main culprits of toothache sufferers).
Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a glass. Swish in your mouth and SPIT OUT, do not swallow. Repeat twice a day.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-septic. It also penetrates the gums and de-sensitizes nerves in the tooth that is causing the ache.
Add a drop or two of tea tree oil to a cotton swab and hold it in place on the affected tooth. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to a small glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with it.
5. Oil of Oregano
Oil of oregano is one of the strongest antibacterial essential oils, equal in strength to pharmaceutical antibiotics. It is naturally anti-inflammatory, and will help kill pain instantly. Some would say that it is nearly as strong as morphine.
Mix an equal part of olive oil and oregano oil (say 1/8th of a teaspoon of olive oil and 1/8th of a teaspoon of oregano oil). Using a Q-tip, soak it in the solution and gently rub over the top and sides of the affected tooth. Alternatively, place a few drops of the solution onto a cotton ball and place on the affected tooth, while biting down gently to hold in place for several minutes.
6. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric is another wonderful anti-inflammatory herb, and a great toothache healer. Turmeric helps relieve pain, is highly antiseptic and works as an effective antibacterial.
Make a past of turmeric by mixing 1 tsp. of turmeric powder with a little bit of distilled water, and then apply to the affected area with a cotton ball (leave the cotton ball in place for about an hour before bed).
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s acidic in nature, and helps to kill bacteria causing a toothache. Be sure to choose apple cider vinegar that is unpasteurized and still contains the “mother” (live culture) inside for the most benefits.
Soak a cotton ball with ACV and apply it to the problem tooth. You can also mix half water and half apple cider vinegar in a glass and then swish with this twice a day.
8. Ginger Cayenne Paste
This super toothache paste helps control bleeding, reduce swelling, relieve pain, and fight infection (3, 4). Ginger has also been used for decades to help treat and get rid of toothaches.
To make it, mix equal parts ginger powder and cayenne with a little bit of water to make a paste (say 1 tsp. of each herb with a little bit of water). Saturate a cotton ball with the paste, and apply to your tooth, away from your gums and tongue if you can manage. Leave it on for as long as possible, and avoid swallowing (spit out whatever is left in your mouth).
9. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint contains the compound menthol, making it an excellent way to relieve tooth pain because of its ability to soothe and cool. The herb itself is highly anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, making it effective in fighting bacterial infections and abscesses.
Steep 1 tsp. of peppermint tea in 1 cup of water for at least 20 minutes. Drink as you normally would, but be sure to swish around your mouth a little bit every now and then. Alternatively, you can dilute 2-4 drops of peppermint oil with 1/4 cup of water and then swish around in your mouth 3-4 times a day.
10. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent anti-bacterial mouth rinse that can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and potentially reduce the swelling and pain that stems from a toothache.
Take a cotton swab and dampen it with a little bit of water. Dip it in baking soda really well and then apply to your affected tooth. You can also make a mouth rinse by mixing a heaping teaspoon of baking soda in a small glass of warm water and then swish this mixture in your mouth at least 2 times a day.
I don't see anything that addresses the progress of the cavity process. If there is no cavity and no advancing problem, fine. The advice just gives someone temporary relief and meanwhile a problem gets worse
Yes, this is obviously for temporary relief, but may provide permanent relief. I have eaten foods before that have given me toothache, and so I juice a bit of ginger and it goes away (for good). Underlying problems that are consistent and not getting better obviously need more attention, and I mention that in the article.
Good article and by highlighting the properties and functions of these natural herbs you are really educating, which I think is very good. Thank youyou Carly
Thanks Toni! 🙂
Would love to see people try these and report back on which ones work better than others… Would be a nice study, publishable in fact, if we can get at about 10-15 data points per method.
A drop or two of grapefruit seed extract in 4-6 ozs. of water swished around in the mouth helps, too.
Thanks for the tip!