A severe toothache can be painful, distracting, and stressful—especially when it strikes outside of regular dental office hours. While home remedies cannot replace professional dental care, they can provide temporary relief until you’re able to see a dentist. Understanding what helps (and what doesn’t) can make a difficult situation more manageable.
1. Rinse With Warm Saltwater
One of the simplest and most effective remedies for tooth pain is a warm saltwater rinse. Salt helps reduce inflammation, soothe irritated gums, and clean the affected area by flushing out bacteria and food particles.
How to use it: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish gently for 30 seconds, then spit. Repeat several times a day for relief.
2. Apply a Cold Compress
If your toothache is accompanied by swelling or throbbing pain, a cold compress can help numb the area and reduce inflammation. Cold therapy is especially helpful if the pain is caused by trauma or pressure buildup.
How to use it: Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15–20 minutes at a time. Wait at least 20 minutes between applications.
3. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Non-prescription pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage toothache pain and reduce inflammation. These medications work systemically and can provide temporary comfort.
Important tip: Always follow the recommended dosage and avoid placing pain medication directly on your gums or tooth, as this can cause irritation or burns.
4. Elevate Your Head While Resting
Tooth pain often feels worse at night because lying flat increases blood flow to the head, intensifying pressure and throbbing. Keeping your head elevated can help reduce this discomfort.
How to use it: Use an extra pillow when lying down or sleeping to keep your head raised and minimize pressure on the affected tooth.
5. Clove Oil for Natural Pain Relief
Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for tooth pain due to its numbing and antibacterial properties. It can help dull pain and reduce irritation temporarily.
How to use it: Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and gently dab it on the affected area. Avoid swallowing the oil or using excessive amounts.
What Home Remedies Can—and Can’t—Do
These remedies may help ease pain temporarily, but they do not treat the underlying cause of a toothache. Severe tooth pain is often a sign of decay, infection, gum disease, or dental trauma. Ignoring the cause can allow the problem to worsen and lead to more serious complications.
When to See a Dentist
If your toothache lasts more than a day or two, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible. These symptoms may indicate an infection that requires professional treatment.
Home remedies can help you get through the discomfort, but they are not a substitute for dental care. Seeing a dentist promptly is the best way to relieve pain permanently and protect your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Evan Pedersen attended the prestigious Harvard School of Dental Medicine where he obtained his dental degree. In 2013, Dr. Pedersen entered private practice and never looked back. Are you experiencing a severe toothache or other dental emergency? If so, there’s no need to suffer in silence. Book an appointment with us online or call our Austin office at (512) 777-0866.