5 Effective and Proven Home Remedies for Tooth Pain Relief

Tooth decay, loss of a filling(s), a cracked tooth, or an infected tooth can cause a toothache. During a pandemic situation like the COVID-19 outbreak, visiting the dentist immediately can be difficult, but we do advise calling your dentist immediately.

At Smile Arizona Dentistry, we have immediate appointments available online through Zoom. All you need to complete this appointment is a smart phone. Once we have met and have assessed your condition, we can prescribe appropriate medications.

If you are in pain and or have any swelling, and there will be a delay before you have treatment, antibiotics are generally prescribed. We will appoint you for definitive care as soon as possible. We advise you to be seen for definitive treatment and NOT treat yourself as soon as possible. Although not common, pain and swelling in the mouth is absolutely indicative of a problem and it can become life threatening.

If you are unable to get in the office right away, here are a few home remedies for tooth pain relief:

1. Saltwater Rinse

Rinse your mouth with a saltwater (6-8 ounces of warm water with a teaspoon of salt) solution for 30 seconds and then spit it out, repeat a couple times in a row, then repeat this regimen every 4-6 hours. Saltwater is a natural disinfectant, and can help to get rid of the debris and food particles that get stuck between and around your teeth, it also helps reduce inflammation and swelling. It is isotonic and soothing to sore and irritated gums.

2. Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide solution (25% or 1/4th solution Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with 75% or 3/4th water) can help kill bacteria and relieve pain and inflammation. It provides temporary relief if the tooth pain has occurred due to fever and a foul taste. Hydrogen peroxide rinse can help keep your pain from worsening until you can see your dentist. Rinse for 30 seconds and spit out the solution. Rinse, spit, and repeat a couple times, you can repeat this regimen every 4-6 hours for comfort.

3. Clove Oil

Clove oil is effective in treating tooth pain, as it numbs pain and reduces inflammation. It contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic. Just put two drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and then apply it to the affected area until you get relief. You can also chew the whole clove for 20 to 30 minutes until the pain recedes.

4. Peppermint Tea Bag

Peppermint tea has numbing power and soothes sensitive gums. Put a teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in one cup of boiling water and steep it for 20 minutes. Then, allow the tea to cool down. Now, rinse your mouth with the tea for a few seconds and then spit it out or swallow. The astringent tannins in the tea can help reduce swelling. You can also place a warm tea bag on the tooth for temporary relief.

5. Ice Bag

You can use a bag of ice or a bag of frozen peas works well too to sooth the pain. Use especially if your toothache is caused by trauma. Apply the ice bag to the affected area for 10-15 minutes on the site and then 10 minutes off the site. You can repeat this until you can be seen up to 48 hours. It will help numb the nerves and reduce swelling and inflammation.

With these home remedies, you can ease your tooth pain while staying at home. However, please contact our office for an immediate appointment while you are trying these remedies. We are accepting virtual visits and in-person emergency appointments and our goal is to keep you safe and healthy.