Article: Home & Natural Toothache Remedies: Dentist-Approved

Home & Natural Toothache Remedies: Dentist-Approved
By Dr. Flora Stay
Nothing ruins your day quite like a toothache. Whether it’s a dull throb, a sharp sting, or radiating jaw pain, a toothache is often a warning sign that something needs attention.
While the best solution is always to visit a dentist for diagnosis and treatment, that’s not always possible right away. In the meantime, several home and natural remedies for toothache pain can help provide temporary relief—using ingredients you may already have in your kitchen or medicine cabinet.
Important: These are short-term remedies. They do not replace professional dental care. If your toothache is severe, comes with swelling or fever, or lasts more than a couple of days, see a dentist immediately.
What Causes a Toothache?
Toothaches can happen for many reasons, including:
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
- Tooth abscess (infection at the root)
- Tooth fractures or cracks
- Sinus infections (causing referred pain)
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Food particles stuck between teeth or under the gumline
Important: If you have severe pain, fever, or swelling, these may signal a serious infection. Don’t delay seeking care.
Best Home and Natural Remedies for Toothache Relief
These toothache remedies can provide comfort until you can see a dental professional.
1. Saltwater Rinse
Why it works: Reduces inflammation, cleans the mouth, and loosens trapped food. (1)
How to use: Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in warm water. Swish for 30 seconds, then spit. Repeat 2–3 times daily.
2. Cold Compress
Why it works: Numbs pain and reduces swelling.
How to use: Wrap ice in a towel and hold against the cheek for 15–20 minutes. Repeat every few hours.
3. Clove Oil
Why it works: Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antibacterial compound, and Inflammopharmacology research supports its effectiveness in reducing oral pain and inflammation. (2) (3)
How to use: Dip a cotton ball in diluted clove oil and apply to the sore area. Avoid swallowing.
Caution: Don’t overuse clove oil – it can irritate gums and soft tissues if applied in excess.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Why it works: Disinfects, reduces bacteria, and soothes gums. (4)
How to use: Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Swish for 30 seconds, spit, then rinse with plain water.
5. Garlic
Why it works: Contains allicin, a natural antibacterial compound.
How to use: Crush a clove, mix with salt, and apply to the tooth. Or chew a raw clove for relief.
6. Peppermint Tea Bags
Why it works: Menthol provides a cooling, numbing effect.
How to use: Place a cooled or chilled peppermint tea bag directly on the sore tooth.
7. Vanilla Extract
Why it works: The alcohol numbs pain and antioxidants may aid healing.
How to use: Apply pure vanilla extract to the sore area with a cotton swab.
8. Thyme Essential Oil
Why it works: Potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
How to use: Dilute with a carrier oil, apply with a cotton ball, or add a drop to warm water for a rinse.
Tips to Prevent Future Toothaches
While remedies help in the moment, prevention is key:
- Brush twice daily with a gentle toothpaste like Cleure Fluoride-Free Toothpaste.
- Clean your tongue during each brush.
-
Floss daily to remove plaque and food debris.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods that erode enamel.
- Stay hydrated and rinse with water after meals.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups.
When to See a Dentist
Seek immediate dental care if you experience:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain.
- Swelling in gums or face.
- Fever or foul-tasting drainage (possible infection).
- Pain when chewing or biting.
- Tooth sensitivity lasting more than a few days.
Important: Ignoring tooth pain can lead to complications like infections, abscesses, or even tooth loss.
Why Choose Cleure for Oral Care?
If you're looking for gentle and effective oral care products, Cleure offers a line of dentist-formulated and recommended, fluoride-free toothpaste and mouthwash made for sensitive mouths. It is also recommended by dermatologists because of its mild formula which is free of common irritants. Certain skin conditions known as perioral dermatitis can also affect the soft tissues of the mouth, and clear oral care products can help.
- No artificial sweeteners.
- Mint-free and salicylate-free (ideal for perioral dermatitis).
- No dyes or parabens.
- No alcohol or SLS.
- Safe for dry mouth and gum sensitivity.
- Made in the USA and cruelty-free.
Cleure toothpaste with baking soda helps gently polish teeth and helps remove surface stains, without irritating your gums. It's a great choice if you want clean, fresh breath and a healthier smile using gentle ingredients.
Explore our carefully formulated and tested oral care products, all proudly fluoride-free and SLS-free:
FAQs About Toothache Remedies
What is the fastest way to stop a toothache at home?
Saltwater rinses, cold compresses, and clove oil are among the quickest ways to relieve pain.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for toothache?
It’s a short-term method: take 3 ibuprofen, every 3 hours, for 3 days. Only do this under a doctor or dentist’s advice.
How do you stop nerve pain in a tooth ASAP?
Cold compresses and clove oil may temporarily numb nerve pain. A dentist must address the root cause.
What drink helps with toothache?
Cold water may soothe pain temporarily, but avoid sugary or acidic drinks that worsen sensitivity.
Which finger do you press for a toothache?
Some reflexology points suggest pressing between the thumb and index finger, but this is not a proven medical treatment.
How long will a tooth hurt before the nerve dies?
It varies, but prolonged pain may indicate an infection. Only a dentist can diagnose this properly.
Best Home Remedies for Toothache: The Takeaway
Toothaches can disrupt your life, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. These home and natural remedies for toothache pain can provide temporary relief until you can get professional care.
Pairing these remedies with a preventive oral care routine, and gentle products like Cleure’s dentist-approved toothpaste and mouthwash, will help keep your smile healthier and pain-free in the long run.
Questions? Reach out to our dedicated customer support team who will help you choose the best solution to fit your lifestyle.
References:
1. Clinical Oral Investigations, July 2021.
2. Pharmacological Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, August 2021.
3. Inflammopharmacology, March 2025.
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