10 Best Natural Toothache Remedies

Suffer from achey gums and teeth? These natural toothache remedies are proven to work in even the worst of situations. If you want to heal your teeth without the use of harsh dental chemical products that often contain fluoride, then these remedies are just what you need!

Typical toothaches are caused by either infection, gum disease, grinding teeth (bruxism), tooth trauma, dental surgery, an abnormal bite or tooth eruption (in children and babies). Thankfully, there are natural means for helping alleviate pain and inflammation from a toothache.

Here are 10 of the best natural toothache remedies!

1. Warm Salt Water Flush

This is one of the easiest toothache remedies. Salt water (used with high-quality unrefined sea salt or himalayan salt) healing has been used since the beginning of time by Egyptians and The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates. Salt water works by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which promotes wound healing. The isotonic environment created by the salt prevents destruction of cells moving into the area that are working to repair the wound.

For a standard toothache, mix 2 cups (500ml) warm filtered water with 1 tsp. sea salt. Make sure it is well mixed, and then swish in your mouth for 15-30 seconds. Repeat until solution is done, and do this 3 times daily. For a more extreme toothache, mix 2 cups of water with 2 tsp. sea salt.

2. Garlic

Garlic is a very effective natural antibiotic and makes a great remedy for toothaches. When crushed, or finely chopped, garlic produces chemical compounds that create Allicin, a compound with incredible antibiotic and antiseptic properties. It helps ward off pain, and heal gingivitis. Crush a little bit of garlic and apply directly to the tooth, or cavity in the tooth. Garlic can irritate the gums, so make sure you don’t apply it directly to the gum line. If you do, make sure you keep it there for only 30 seconds, and then rinse away, and repeat this 3 times a day.

3. Ginger Root

Ginger is incredibly healing, and has been used for toothaches for decades. Make sure you use raw ginger root when applying to the affected area. Cut one-inch of ginger root, peel off the skin layer, and place on the affected tooth. If you can, bite the ginger piece down to hold it in place. The pain will eventually subside. Change the piece of ginger throughout the day to ensure maximum pain-relief. Likewise, you could always juice ginger, or combine it in juices, and before swallowing, swishing the juice in your mouth to help coat your teeth and gums.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric, one of the best anti-inflammatory herbs out there, is also a wonderful toothache healer. Turmeric relieves pain, and is highly antiseptic and anti-bacterial. Juicing turmeric root in your green juices and swishing this in your mouth before swallowing will do just the trick. Likewise, you could also make a paste of 1 teaspoon turmeric powder with a little bit of distilled water and then apply this to the affected area with a cotton ball (leave the cotton ball in place with the turmeric paste for an hour or so, before you go to bed).

5. Oil Pulling

The health benefits of oil pulling are quite incredible, and one of the major benefits is reduction of toothache and gum pain. I like to use coconut oil to oil pull, mainly because it is highly anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and has been used in Ayurvedic practices to help improve oral health and detoxification. Becoming a regular oil-puller will not only improve your toothache condition, but it will help heal cavities (and prevent them), bleeding gums and gingivitis.

6. Cloves

Cloves are one of the most potent anti-inflammatories available, and contain anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties too. Clove oil is very effective in treating toothaches, infections and abscesses. Why do cloves work? They contain a potent chemical called eugenol, a phenylpropene that gives clove its amazing properties. Put some clove oil on a cotton ball and dab onto the affected area 3 times a day. Alternatively, you can swish a mixture of 2-4 drops clove oil in 1/4 cup water around your mouth 2-3 times a day.

7. Onion

Applying raw onion on the affected area is even recommended by dentists! Onions have antimicrobial properties, which is beneficial when dealing with dental pain. When you feel tooth pain come on, bite down on the onion just until its juice comes out. This will significantly help reduce swelling and pain.

8. Hydrogen Peroxide

This affordable, effective remedy is used by many to help heal and cure toothaches. Hydrogen peroxide fights infection and swelling, which are the main culprits of many toothache sufferers. Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and warm water into a glass. Swish in your mouth, and SPIT OUT (please do not swallow). Repeat twice a day.

9. Thyme

Thyme is also recommended for treating dental pain. This powerful little herb is anti-fungal, anti-septic, and highly medicinal, making it a great remedy for fighting tooth decay and gum disease. You can crush thyme leaves with a little bit of water to create a paste that can be applied to the affected area 3 times a day, or you can swish with equal parts thyme oil and water 3 times daily.

10. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint contains the compound menthol, making it a very pleasant way to relieve tooth pain because of its soothing, cooling properties. Peppermint oil or leaf is also anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, so it is effective in fighting bacterial infections and abscesses. Chewing peppermint leaf will help relieve your dental pain, or if you choose to use peppermint oil, dilute 2-4 drops oil with 1/4 cup water, and swish in your mouth 3-4 times a day.