A toothache can strike at the most unexpected times—late at night, during work, or while you're traveling. While professional dental care is the best long-term solution, there are several safe and effective home remedies that can help ease the pain until you can see a dentist. Here are practical methods you can try at home to reduce discomfort.

1. Rinse With Warm Salt Water

A warm saltwater rinse is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ease toothache. Saltwater acts as a natural disinfectant, helping reduce inflammation and remove food particles stuck between teeth.

How to use:
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water, swish for 30 seconds, and spit it out. Repeat a few times a day.

2. Use a Cold Compress

If your toothache is caused by trauma, swelling, or inflammation, an ice pack can help numb the area.

How to use:
Place a cold compress wrapped in a cloth on your cheek for 15–20 minutes at a time. This reduces swelling and provides temporary relief.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain until you see a dentist.

Tip:
Always follow dosage instructions and avoid applying medication directly to your gums, as this can cause burns.

4. Clove Oil for Natural Pain Relief

Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic known for reducing tooth pain.

How to use:
Dip a cotton ball in a small amount of clove oil and apply it to the painful area. You can also dilute it with olive oil if the sensation is too strong.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse (Diluted)

A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse can reduce bacteria, ease pain, and help with bleeding gums.

Important:
Only use 3% hydrogen peroxide and mix it with equal parts water.
Do not swallow.

6. Garlic Paste

Garlic has natural antibacterial properties and can provide temporary relief from pain.

How to use:
Crush a fresh garlic clove to make a paste and apply it to the affected area. It may not smell pleasant, but it can help!

7. Peppermint Tea Bags

Peppermint has numbing properties and can soothe sensitive gums.

How to use:
Place a cooled peppermint tea bag on the painful tooth for several minutes. You can also gently bite down on it.

8. Keep Your Head Elevated

When lying down, blood pressure increases in the head, which can worsen tooth pain. Keeping your head elevated can reduce throbbing sensations, especially at night.

9. Avoid Trigger Foods

Until the pain subsides, avoid foods that can worsen sensitivity:

• Very hot or cold drinks
• Sugary snacks
• Hard or crunchy foods
• Acidic beverages like soda or citrus juice

When to See a Dentist

Home remedies can help alleviate pain, but they don’t fix the underlying cause. Contact a dentist if you experience:

• Persistent pain lasting more than 24–48 hours
• Fever or swelling
• Severe sensitivity
• A cracked tooth or trauma
• Signs of infection (bad taste, pus, swollen glands)

Early treatment can prevent complications and help save your tooth.