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Need tooth pain relief fast? Effective, dentist-approved home remedies you can try.
Get tooth pain relief in no time flat with these dentist-approved tips for relieving toothaches.
Has the joy of a sweet and delicious ice cream morphed into a lightning bolt of pain? Or has a warm and comforting soup become an unlikely culprit of discomfort? You need tooth pain relief! Toothaches might seem minor, but they pack a punch that can ruin your favorite treats and leave you dreading the dentist.
FGO Organic Peppermint Tea, Eco-Conscious Tea Bags, 100 Count
Organic Clove Essential Oil 30 ml
Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets 200 mg
The discomfort of a toothache is bad enough, but the underlying causes can be even more alarming. Sometimes toothaches signal serious issues like infection and decay, making it crucial to consult a dentist for any persistent, severe or new pain.
Until you can see a professional, here are some expert-backed tooth pain relief strategies to try at home, plus valuable tips from dentists on managing tooth pain.
What is a toothache?
A toothache results from irritation to the nerve in the root of a tooth or the surrounding gum or bone, says Daniel Weinstein, DDS, chief dental officer at ProHealth Dental, an affiliate of Northwell Health in New York.
Weinstein explains that toothaches are caused by inflammation in the tooth's "pulp." Usually, the tooth's enamel, cementum and dentin protect the pulp, but if these layers are damaged or irritated, the pulp can become inflamed.
"The nerve endings in the pulp are very sensitive to pain," notes Weinstein. So if they become irritated, you could experience a toothache.
What are common causes of toothaches?
Some of the most common causes of toothaches include:
Cavities
Tooth infection
Tooth decay
Injury to the tooth or gum
Gum infection
Chelsea Perry, DMD, owner of Elite Dental Studio in Westborough, Mass., says cavities often cause toothaches. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food and produce acid that erodes the tooth's enamel, exposing the pulp and irritating the internal nerve endings.
Other causes of toothache can include:
Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
Tooth abscess
Sinus infection
Impacted wisdom teeth
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Occasional tooth pain can happen due to temporary causes like food caught in your teeth or sensitivity. These temporary aches may not need treatment.
"Sometimes your teeth can be healthy, but you may still experience toothache pain," Weinstein explains. "This often can be because enamel can wear away over time, and when the middle layer of your tooth is exposed, anything you drink or eat can reach your nerve endings. Gum disease can also be a factor."
However, a toothache that persists or causes sharp, severe pain is more likely to need treatment from a dentist.
What are remedies for tooth pain relief?
Tooth pain should always be checked by a dentist. They can diagnose the cause, provide treatment and ensure there are no further complications. Weinstein cautions, "If left untreated, toothache pain can worsen, and an infection can spread."
While you wait for your dental appointment, here are some toothache remedies to try.
Apply a cold compress
In a 2019 meta-analysis of 11 studies, researchers found that cold therapy with ice can reduce pain following tooth surgery. Although the effectiveness of cold therapy for tooth pain was varied, the review concluded that using a cold compress is a good starting point due to its affordability and lack of side effects.
Moreover, applying an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area can reduce tissue swelling, making it easier for your dentist to assess your tooth or gums at your appointment.
Gargle with salt water
A small study of 74 people with cavity-induced tooth pain found that gargling with salt water helps reduce pain and potentially decreases inflammation and infection-causing bacteria. Although the study's results were primarily self-reported, they were encouraging.
As with a cold compress, salt water is inexpensive, readily available and has no adverse side effects. To see if it helps your toothache, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in ½ cup of water, gargle for a few minutes and then spit it out.
Drink peppermint tea
According to Weinstein, peppermint tea may offer cooling and soothing effects for toothache pain and might also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Let the tea cool to a comfortable temperature before drinking to avoid irritating the tooth further. You can also use a steeped peppermint tea bag as a compress on the affected area.
A medicinal review supports peppermint's pain-relieving properties and suggests soaking a cotton ball in peppermint oil and applying it to the tooth.
Apply clove oil directly to the affected tooth
The same review noted that many gingivitis and periodontal mouthwashes contain clove oil because it's thought to reduce bacteria and fight inflammation.
Weinstein suggests applying clove oil directly to the affected area to reduce toothache pain.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers
The American Dental Association recommends over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate tooth pain. Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce your discomfort.
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are effective in addressing pain, swelling and fever associated with infections. But remember to book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, even if medications ease the pain. Ignoring a potential infection can lead to more severe issues.
Avoid very hot or cold foods
If you've got a toothache, it's wise to avoid foods and drinks that are extremely hot or cold. "Our teeth have living nerves inside them that are sensitive to stimuli," explains Ricky Marshall, DMD, owner and dentist at Stratland Dental in Glendale, Ariz. "So, any negative stimuli — trauma, infection, decay, etc. — will cause an inflammatory response of that living nerve, creating what we feel as a 'toothache.'"
Hot or cold temperatures can further irritate already sensitive nerves, leading to heightened pain. Think of it like aggravating an already sore spot — it only intensifies the discomfort.
A few of our choices for tooth pain relievers
You can help soothe your toothache with this package of 100 organic peppermint tea bags. Hopefully, you'll get to the root cause of your pain long before you work your way through the whole box, but even if you just need a cup or two of tea to ease the ache before you get to the dentist, it doesn't hurt to have extra on hand.
This bottle of USDA-certified organic clove oil is specifically intended to be used on teeth and gums in the event of a mild toothache. Just make sure you pay attention to the instructions before use — this 100% undiluted oil needs to be diluted with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) before it's applied with a cotton ball to your teeth.
There's no need to pay extra for a brand-name OTC pain reliever since ibuprofen is ibuprofen whether it's got a name brand or not. We like this Amazon Basic Care bottle of 500 coated pills, which you can get for less than $10.
When should you see a dentist for a toothache?
Don't wait to schedule a dentist appointment if you're dealing with a toothache, whether a new or persistent issue. "Home remedies are often a Band-Aid covering up issues which can fester and become more complicated to treat," cautions Alice Hoang, DMD, FAGD, FICOI, with Brooklyn Mint Dental in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Weinstein stresses the importance of immediate attention if you have symptoms like a fever, earache or pain upon opening your mouth wide. These signs may indicate a more serious problem that requires expert attention.
Tips to prevent future toothaches
It's impossible to prevent every potential cause of a toothache. However, Weinstein emphasizes that maintaining daily oral hygiene can significantly decrease the risk of toothaches caused by cavities and gum disease.
Follow these tips to minimize the risk of future toothaches:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
Maintain a well-balanced diet with limited sugar intake.
Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months.
"Decay and infections leading to toothaches are something we as dentists look for at each exam for our patients," Marshall points out. "We can catch these things before they become an issue and help resolve them."
FAQs
Are home remedies for toothaches effective?
While home remedies can temporarily relieve toothache pain, they don't address the underlying issue. It's important to see a dentist to identify and treat the root cause of the toothache.
When should I see a dentist for a toothache?
It's crucial to see a dentist for any toothache, as some can be dangerous if left untreated. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a fever or have difficulty opening your mouth along with the toothache.
How can I get rid of tooth pain fast?
For quick relief, try a cold compress, pop some ibuprofen or acetaminophen and gargle with salt water. These remedies can help take the edge off tooth pain, but remember, they're just temporary fixes.
Meet our experts
Daniel Weinstein, DDS, chief dental officer at ProHealth Dental, an affiliate of Northwell Health in New York
Chelsea Perry, DMD, owner of Elite Dental Studio in Westborough, Mass.
Alice Hoang, DMD, FAGD, FICOI, with Brooklyn Mint Dental in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ricky Marshall, DMD, owner and dentist at Stratland Dental in Glendale, Ariz.
