Ouch! 12 Natural Toothache Remedies You Can Try at Home (Before You Call Dr. Carlston)

There’s nothing quite as frustrating—or painful—as a toothache. The good news? You might be able to soothe your symptoms using common ingredients found right in your kitchen. Toothaches often come from inflamed pulp inside the tooth, where sensitive nerves can get triggered by hot or cold foods, decay, infection, or trauma. Before you raid the spice rack, it's helpful to understand the root causes of tooth pain and its common symptoms. For more on that, don’t miss my article called “Is That a Cavity? 8 Clues Your Teeth Are Trying to Tell You Something.”

Causes of Tooth Pain

• Abscessed Tooth – a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection.

• Infected Gums – inflammation caused by bacteria buildup or injury.

• Gingivitis – early-stage gum disease with irritation, redness, and swelling.

• Tooth Decay – enamel breakdown that exposes sensitive dentin.

• Damaged Fillings – worn, cracked, or lost fillings that expose nerves.

• Dental Injuries – chips, fractures, or trauma that affect nerves.

• Sinus Infection – pressure from a sinus infection can mimic tooth pain.

• Wisdom Teeth – impacted or erupting wisdom teeth can cause crowding or infection.

• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) – jaw joint issues can radiate pain to teeth.

Symptoms of Tooth Pain

• Swelling around the tooth or gums.

• Fever or general malaise.

• Headache or referred pain.

• Foul-tasting drainage from an infected tooth.

• Sharp pain when pressure is applied.

• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

12 Natural Home Remedies for Toothache Relief

1. Clove
   Clove is a powerful natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic. You can use clove oil by dabbing a small amount on a cotton ball and applying it directly to the affected tooth. Or, grind whole cloves into a paste with water or mix a few drops of clove oil into half a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash.

2. Warm Salt Water
   A simple mix of warm water and salt can reduce pain and inflammation. Combine half a teaspoon of salt with a glass of very warm water. Gargle thoroughly. Repeat as needed throughout the day.

3. Ice Pack or Cold Compress
   Place ice cubes in a Ziploc bag, wrap in a thin towel, and apply to the cheek near the aching tooth. This numbs nerve pain and reduces swelling. Do not place ice directly on the tooth.

4. Salt and Pepper Paste
   Mix equal parts salt and pepper with a few drops of water to form a paste. Apply directly to the tooth and leave for a few minutes. The natural antibacterial properties can relieve pain. Repeat daily.

5. Garlic
   Garlic contains strong antibiotic properties. Crush a garlic clove and mix with salt to apply directly. Or chew a clove if you can handle the strength. Use this remedy for a few days, but still book a visit.

6. Asafetida
   This pungent resin has been used for pain relief and bleeding gums. Mix powdered asafetida with lemon juice, warm the mixture, and apply with a cotton pad to the sore area. Odor aside—it works!

7. Baking Soda
   A popular toothpaste ingredient, baking soda soothes swollen gums and fights bacteria. Wet a cotton swab, dip in baking soda, and apply to the tooth. Or use a rinse made with one spoonful of baking soda in warm water.

8. Guava Leaves
   These have powerful antibacterial effects. Chew a few fresh guava leaves or boil 4–5 leaves in water with a pinch of salt, let cool, and use as a mouthwash.

9. Vanilla Extract
   Contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic and pain reliever. Soak a cotton ball with vanilla extract and press it against the sore tooth. Or rub it in gently with clean fingers. Repeat until the pain subsides.

10. Onion
    Onions have antimicrobial powers. Place a slice of raw onion in your mouth and bite gently to release the juice, or place it directly on the tooth. Use several times a day for relief.

11. Bayberry
    Bayberry bark strengthens gums and relieves pain. Mix the bark powder with vinegar to create a paste. Apply to the sore tooth several times daily.

12. Lime or Lime Juice
    The vitamin C and citric acid fight germs and prevent decay. You can bite into a lime wedge, or create a paste by mixing lime juice with asafetida. Apply directly and let it dry. Repeat two to three times a day.

Old Wives’ Tales: Toothache Remedies from the Past

Some remedies passed down from generations may not be fully backed by science—but they’re still fun to explore (and some might just work):

• Rinsing with whiskey or brandy for pain relief.

• Placing a used teabag on the tooth to soothe swelling.

• Chewing on plantain leaves or placing them on the sore area.

• Holding a copper penny between the cheek and gums (don’t try this one at home).

While many of these natural remedies can offer temporary relief, they’re not a substitute for professional dental care.

If your toothache persists longer than a day or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or severe pain, please make an appointment with Dr. Carlston right away.

We’re here to help you heal—naturally and professionally.