Need quick toothache relief? Effective, dentist-approved home remedies you can try.

Has the joy of sweet, delicious ice cream turned into a bolt of pain? Or has a warm, comforting soup become an unlikely culprit of discomfort? You need toothache relief! Toothaches may seem small, but they pack a punch that can ruin your favorite treats and make you dread going to the dentist.

The discomfort of a toothache is bad enough, but the underlying causes can be even more alarming. Sometimes toothaches signal serious problems such as infection and tooth decay, making it crucial to see a dentist for any persistent, severe or new pain.

Until you can see a professional, here are some expert-backed toothache relief strategies to try at home, plus valuable tips from dentists on how to manage toothache.

What is a toothache?

A toothache results from irritation to the nerve in the tooth root or the surrounding gums or bone, says Daniel WeinsteinDDS, director of dentistry at ProHealth Dental, an affiliate of Northwell Health in New York.

Weinstein explains that toothaches are caused by inflammation in the “pulp” of the tooth. Generally, the enamel, cementum and dentin of the tooth protect the pulpbut if these layers are damaged or irritated, the pulp can become inflamed.

“The nerve endings in the pulp are very sensitive to pain,” notes Weinstein. Therefore, if they become irritated, you may experience toothache.

What are the common causes of toothache?

Some of the most common causes of toothache include:

Chelsea Perry, DMD, owner of Elite Dentistry in Westborough, Massachusetts, says cavities often cause toothaches. Bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars in food and produce acid that eats away at tooth enamel, exposing the pulp and irritating internal nerve endings.

Other causes of toothache may include:

Occasional toothache may occur due to temporary causes, such as food stuck in the teeth or sensitivity. These temporary pains may not need treatment.

“Sometimes your teeth may be healthy, but you may still have a toothache,” explains Weinstein. “This usually happens because the enamel can wear away over time, and when the middle layer of the tooth is exposed, anything you drink or eat can hit the nerve endings.

However, a toothache that persists or causes sharp, intense pain is more likely to need dental treatment.

What are the remedies for toothache relief?

Toothache should always be checked by a dentist. They can diagnose the cause, provide treatment, and ensure there are no further complications. Weinstein warns, “If left untreated, the toothache may worsen and an infection may spread.”

While you wait for your dental appointment, here are some toothache remedies you can try.

Apply a cold compress

On a 2019 meta-analysis of 11 studies, researchers found that ice cold therapy can reduce pain after dental surgery. Although the effectiveness of cold therapy for toothache has varied, the review concluded that using a cold compress is a good starting point due to its affordability and lack of side effects.

Additionally, applying an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area can reduce tissue swelling, making it easier for your dentist to evaluate the tooth or gums at your appointment.

Gargle with salt water

A small study of 74 people with cavity-induced toothache found that gargling with salt water helps reduce pain and potentially decreases inflammation and infection-causing bacteria. Although the study results were mostly self-reported, they were encouraging.

As with a cold compress, salt water is cheap, easily available and has no adverse side effects. To see if it helps your toothache, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in ½ cup of water, gargle for a few minutes, then spit it out.

Drink peppermint tea

According to Weinstein, peppermint tea can offer cooling and soothing effects for toothaches and may also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Let the tea cool to a comfortable temperature before drinking to avoid further irritating your teeth. You can also use a peppermint tea bag as a compress on the affected area.

A medical review supports the analgesic properties of peppermint and suggests soaking a cotton ball in peppermint oil and applying it to the tooth.

Apply clove oil directly to the affected tooth

O same assessment noted that many gingivitis and periodontal mouthwashes contain clove oil because it reduces bacteria and fights inflammation.

Weinstein suggests applying clove oil directly to the affected area to reduce toothache.

Use over-the-counter pain relievers

O American Dental Association recommends over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to relieve toothache. Taking ibuprofen or paracetamol can help reduce discomfort.

NSAIDs like ibuprofen are effective in treating pain, swelling, and fever associated with infections. But remember to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, even if medications relieve the pain. Ignoring a potential infection can lead to more serious problems.

Avoid very hot or cold foods

If you have a toothache, it is advisable to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks. “Our teeth have living nerves inside them that are sensitive to stimuli,” he explains. Ricky MarshallDMD, owner and dentist at Stratland Dental in Glendale, Arizona. “Therefore, any negative stimulus – trauma, infection, decay, etc. – will cause an inflammatory response from this living nerve, creating what we feel as a ‘toothache.'”

Hot or cold temperatures can further irritate already sensitive nerves, causing increased pain. Think of it as aggravating an already sore spot – it just intensifies the discomfort.

Some of our toothache analgesic options

FGO

You can help relieve your toothache with this 100-pack of organic peppermint tea bags. Hopefully you’ll get to the root cause of your pain long before you go all the way through the box, but even if you just need a cup or two of tea to ease the pain before you get to the dentist, that doesn’t happen. It doesn’t hurt to have more on hand.

$20 on Amazon

Nexon Botany

This bottle of USDA certified organic clove oil is specifically intended for use on teeth and gums for mild toothache. Just be sure to pay attention to the instructions before use — this 100% undiluted oil needs to be diluted with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) before applying with a cotton ball to your teeth.

$15 on Amazon

Amazon basic care

There’s no need to pay extra for an OTC brand pain reliever, as ibuprofen is ibuprofen whether it has a brand name or not. We like this Amazon Basic Care bottle with 500 coated tablets, which you can get for under $10.

$9 on Amazon

When should you see a dentist for a toothache?

Don’t wait to schedule a dentist appointment if you’re experiencing toothache, whether new or persistent. “Home remedies are often a band-aid that covers up problems that can worsen and become more complicated to treat”, he warns. Alice HoangDMD, FAGD, FICOI, with Brooklyn Mint Dental in Brooklyn, NY

Weinstein emphasizes the importance of immediate attention if you experience symptoms such as fever, ear pain, or pain when opening your mouth wide. These signs may indicate a more serious problem that requires specialized attention.

Tips to prevent future toothaches

It is impossible to prevent all potential causes of toothache. However, Weinstein emphasizes that maintaining daily oral hygiene can significantly lower your risk of toothaches caused by cavities and gum disease.

Follow these tips to minimize the risk of future toothaches:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

• Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.

• Maintain a well-balanced diet with limited sugar intake.

• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months.

“Cavities and infections that lead to toothaches are something we as dentists look for in every exam of our patients,” Marshall points out. “We can detect these things before they become a problem and help resolve them.”

Common questions

Are home remedies for toothache effective?

Although home remedies can temporarily relieve toothache, they do not solve the underlying problem. It is important to see a dentist to identify and treat the root cause of toothache.

When should I see a dentist for a toothache?

It is crucial to see a dentist for any toothache, as some can be dangerous if left untreated. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a fever or difficulty opening your mouth along with toothache.

How can I get rid of toothache quickly?

For quick relief, try a cold compress, add some ibuprofen or paracetamol, and gargle with salt water. These remedies can help relieve toothache, but remember, they are only temporary solutions.

Meet our experts

• Daniel WeinsteinDDS, director of dentistry at ProHealth Dental, an affiliate of Northwell Health in New York

• Chelsea PerryDMD, owner of Elite Dental Studio in Westborough, Massachusetts.

• Alice HoangDMD, FAGD, FICOI, with Brooklyn Mint Dental in Brooklyn, NY

• Ricky MarshallDMD, owner and dentist at Stratland Dental in Glendale, Arizona.