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Home Remedies For Toothache: What To Know?

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Tooth pain can occur at unexpected times and cause immense discomfort. Though seeing a dentist is essential, there may be situations where you cannot. If the pain strikes at midnight, you may be desperate to relieve the pain somehow. In such cases, home remedies for toothache come in handy. They offer instant relief from the pain, though temporary.

Read on to learn about toothache, its causes, and simple remedies for quick pain relief. While seeing a dentist is vital for an effective cure, find out what you can do to prevent tooth pain.

What is a Toothache?

A toothache refers to pain felt in and around the teeth and jaws. Sometimes, it can be mild discomfort, such as irritation of the gums, that usually subsides with home remedies. Severe pain often affects daily activities such as eating and speaking, and it resolves only with professional care. Cavities, gum infections, or other underlying issues are the common culprits. 

Tooth pain may occur in different forms and with different symptoms. It may be a dull, persistent pain or a sharp, throbbing sensation. A sudden pain is usually felt while eating or drinking anything hot or cold or chewing food. Other signs that accompany tooth pain include headaches, swelling in the gums, teeth sensitivity, bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth. An intense toothache with a fever and chills is a dental emergency that requires the immediate attention of a dentist.

What Causes Toothache?

Not all tooth pain means a decayed tooth; the reasons could be many. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial to determining effective treatment for pain relief. Often, toothache is a result of poor oral hygiene that leads to tooth decay and cavities. However, various causes of toothache exist, which may be of oral or non-oral origin. The following are the common toothache causes to watch out for:

  • Cavities: Cavities are the common culprits behind the sharp pain felt while eating or biting down on food. They expose the underlying, delicate tooth pulp to external stimuli and cause pain.

  • Cracked tooth: A tooth that is chipped, cracked, or fractured for various reasons, such as a fall or accident, can cause pain. The crack exposes the tooth roots to external stimuli, causing pain as you bite down on the tooth.

  • Sensitive teeth: A sharp, sudden pain when drinking or eating hot or cold foods can imply tooth sensitivity. It results from damage to the enamel or the cementum that protects the underlying dentin and tooth pulp.

  • Tooth abscess: The pain around your teeth and jaws can be throbbing and steady, lasting several days. It often indicates an advanced oral infection or abscessed tooth, which needs immediate attention from a dentist.

  • Gum diseases: Advanced gum disease can cause tooth pain. Left untreated, gingivitis, an early form, can progress to advanced periodontal disease, causing pain in the gums and teeth.

Sometimes, tooth pain can be of non-dental origin, such as sinusitis. Along with nasal congestion, a sinus infection may cause pain in the upper teeth on both sides of the face. Jaw pain can occur from trauma, direct injury to the jaw, or medical conditions affecting the jaw.

Home Remedies For Toothache

While an effective toothache cure requires you to consult a dentist to diagnose and treat the root cause, sometimes you may not be able to do so. In such cases, one may look for simple remedies for instant toothache pain relief. It is essential to understand that there is no scientific evidence to back the effectiveness of natural remedies in curing tooth pain, and their effect is temporary. 

Moreover, they do not address the root cause and are not an alternative to a dental checkup.  Here are some common home remedies for toothache that can help ease your discomfort until you consult a dentist:

Cold Compress

It is a popular toothache remedy that is considered by many to seek relief for tooth pain associated with gum swelling or tooth injuries. A cold compress or ice pack is held outside the cheek (20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off). The cold eases the pain by slowing blood flow through the blood vessels and numbing the affected area. It also reduces swelling and inflammation.

Cold compresses are a simple home remedy you may consider to ease sudden tooth pain at night. They may offer temporary relief and help you fall back asleep, but they will not address the root cause of the toothache. If you have a cavity or another dental problem, it will not resolve until you seek proper treatment from a dentist.

Clove Oil

Many consider using essential oils, such as clove oil containing eugenol, to relieve tooth pain. Eugenol is a natural analgesic and has a numbing effect. Clove oil helps reduce the pain and swelling associated with a toothache. The remedy involves dipping a cotton ball in clove oil to soak up a few drops. The soaked cotton ball is then gently rubbed over the affected tooth and gums. However, clove oil only temporarily relieves dental pain and does not address the underlying problem. Besides, the bad taste of clove oil makes this remedy unpleasant to try.

Salt Water Rinse

Salt water rinse is a common homemade remedy for tooth pain relief. If your tooth hurts and your gums are swollen, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may offer some relief. Many people use salt water to ease discomfort from oral problems or dental procedures. Besides, the antibacterial properties of salt make the solution a natural disinfectant that inhibits harmful oral bacteria.

You can prepare a saline rinse by adding a teaspoon of salt to a glass of water. Warm water is ideal, as either hot or cold water can be uncomfortable for toothaches. You may swish the solution around your mouth before spitting it out. The warmth eases the pain, and the salt helps reduce the swelling. However, the effects are temporary and do not cure the underlying cause.

Tooth Pain Medication

Over-the-counter toothache medicine has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe swelling. The pain medication is not held directly on the affected tooth, as it can damage the nearby gum tissue. Pain relievers are a short-term toothache remedy to ease the pain before you visit a dentist. Consult a dentist to treat the root cause for effective pain relief.

Other remedies involve natural ingredients, such as guava leaves and garlic cloves. Some also use vanilla extract and peppermint tea bags. They offer health benefits and are rich in antioxidants believed to ease pain. Many consider hydrogen peroxide rinses for tooth pain. They mix hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water to make the rinse. However, it is not recommended due to potential risks. Most of these remedies lack scientific evidence and do not offer a toothache cure.

Toothache Prevention

While several factors can cause toothaches, cavities are the most likely cause. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to protect your teeth from cavities. Regular and consistent oral care practices are essential. They also help prevent gum diseases and infections that cause pain in the teeth and gums. Here are some tips to adopt for proper oral hygiene to keep tooth pain away:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use an extra-soft bristled toothbrush designed for sensitive gums.

  • Floss once daily to clean between the teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach.

  • Rinse the mouth using antimicrobial or antiseptic mouthwash to keep harmful bacteria and cavities at bay.

  • Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to improve your oral health. This will help prevent cavities, gum infections, and other potential oral problems.

When to See a Dental Professional?

The Ministry of Health Malaysia says it is essential to seek treatment from your dentist as soon as possible if you have a toothache. Though toothache medicine offers short-term relief, you should not delay visiting the dentist if the dental pain lasts for over two days. It is essential to diagnose the underlying cause for effective toothache relief. Treating a painful tooth in time saves it from further damage. A dental visit for tooth pain is crucial if you notice other signs, such as:

  • Fever and chills

  • Swelling in the face

  • Severe and constant tooth pain

  • Pain when biting or opening the mouth

  • Trouble swallowing or breathing

The dentist will examine your mouth and may use X-rays to identify the cause of the toothache. The treatment of tooth pain in dentistry will depend on the diagnosis. Your dentist may give you pain relievers and antibiotics to ease the pain and fight infection. For non-dental causes, you will get suitable recommendations. For causes of dental origin, the treatment options may include the following:

  • Fillings for early cavities 

  • Root canal treatment to remove the infected tooth pulp in advanced cavities

  • Gum disease treatment if an advanced gum infection is the cause of pain

  • Tooth extraction if a cavity has severely damaged a tooth

Tooth pain can strike at any time and cause discomfort. Home remedies for toothache offer temporary yet instant relief. However, they do not replace professional dental care from a dental clinic. If you have tooth pain, consult a dentist for an effective cure and permanent relief. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are key to oral hygiene. They prevent tooth pain from dental causes and protect your healthy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What drink helps a toothache?

Though they do not cure toothache, some drinks can offer temporary pain relief. Warm salt water rinses help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. Cold drinks, such as iced tea and water, can numb the affected area temporarily. However, these remedies are not a long-term solution. Consulting a dentist is crucial for an effective cure and toothache relief.

2. Are home remedies effective for toothache?

Home remedies for toothache can only relieve the pain for a short period of time. They do not address the root cause and are not a cure. While saltwater rinses, cold compresses, and clove oil may help soothe the pain for some time, they cannot treat the root cause of the problem. Effective cures and pain relief lie in professional dental care.

3. Is applying ice effective for toothache?

Yes, applying ice or a cold compress is a popular toothache remedy. The cold numbs the area and reduces inflammation. It is particularly helpful for teeth pain caused by swelling or injury. Though it provides temporary relief, it does not address the underlying cause of the tooth pain. If the pain persists, consult a dentist.

4. Are home remedies safe for children with toothache?

Home remedies for toothaches can be safe for children when used carefully and under parental supervision. Simple methods, like cold compresses and saltwater rinses, can provide quick pain relief. Diagnosis and treatment by a dentist are essential. Talk to your child’s dentist before trying any home remedy or medication to ease your child’s tooth pain.