We’ve all been there - an unexpected twinge of tooth pain derails your entire day, and the simple joy of a morning coffee or eating a meal becomes difficult. If you haven’t already booked a dental check-up, now is the time to do so. But in the meantime, how do you know which home remedies for tooth pain are effective and safe? Read on to discover 7 scientifically proven ways to get temporary relief without compromising your long-term dental health.
Disclaimer: These home remedies for tooth pain are for temporary relief only and do not replace professional dental care. If the pain persists or worsens, please seek immediate dental attention.
Why Am I Having Tooth Pain?
The tooth discomfort you feel is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t quite right with your oral health. Several sources could be at the root of the throbbing pain you feel, including:
- You have untreated cavities/tooth decay.
- There’s an infection present, or you have gum disease.
- You’ve chipped or cracked a tooth, causing sensitivity.
- Your tooth roots have become exposed.
- You’re experiencing a sinus infection that’s causing your teeth to hurt.
If your pain is persistent and/or accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulties swallowing, don’t delay in getting dental treatment. You can read more about what constitutes a dental emergency here.
7 Easy Home Remedies For Temporary Tooth Pain
If it’s not a dental emergency, you can try using these home remedies for tooth pain while waiting for your dental appointment with us:
1. Salt-Water Rinses.
Mix ½ a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. This can help kill bad bacteria and reduce inflammation, promoting healing.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse.
If you have 3% hydrogen peroxide on hand, you can dilute it with equal parts water to use as a home remedy for tooth pain. You can also use it as a mouthwash to reduce plaque, combat gingivitis, and clean the affected area.
3. Over-the-counter Pain Relievers.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen are recommended for temporary tooth pain relief at home. They work by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals to the brain.
4. Cold Compress.
Apply to reduce swelling and numb the area. It is a home remedy for tooth pain as the cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, temporarily alleviating inflammation.
5. Peppermint Tea Bags.
Peppermint tea has natural numbing properties due to its menthol content. Menthol activates cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, creating a cooling sensation that can temporarily relieve pain. Apply a cooled tea bag to the affected area.
6. Clove Oil.
Dab diluted clove oil on the affected area as a home remedy for tooth pain. The eugenol content acts as a natural anesthetic and antiseptic, helping to numb pain and reduce inflammation.
7. Garlic.
If it’s an infection you’re dealing with, crushing up a garlic clove and applying it as a paste to the painful tooth may help. Garlic’s allicin content offers comparable antibacterial properties to that of mild antibiotics. You may be able to knock the infection down a bit while you wait to get in to see a dentist.
Honorable mentions include chewing on guava leaves (antimicrobial), using a wheatgrass mouthwash for its chlorophyll content (antibacterial), and rinsing with diluted thyme oil (antiseptic) for additional relief.
Can Home Remedies Kill A Nerve In My Tooth?
You may have heard about home remedies for killing off nerves in teeth, but this isn’t possible and can be dangerous. Tooth nerves are complex structures that require professional treatment when damaged or infected. Attempting to "kill" a nerve in your tooth as a home remedy can lead to worse pain, infection spread, or permanent tooth damage.
How To Maintain Oral Health to Avoid Tooth Pain?
The best way to deal with tooth pain is to prevent it. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Avoid sugary and acidic drinks and food, and always keep your dental check-ups and cleanings.
Don’t Let Tooth Pain Disrupt Your Life - Give Us A Call!
While home remedies for tooth pain can offer temporary relief, they're not long-term solutions. For expert dental care that addresses the root cause of your pain, give us a call at (813) 684-7888 or book your appointment online.
