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

Toothaches are the kind of pain that demand attention. Sharp, throbbing, or dull—no matter the form, it can keep you from sleeping, eating, or even thinking clearly. Before you reach for over-the-counter painkillers, you might be surprised to learn that your kitchen holds a treasure trove of natural toothache remedies. Below, I’ve detailed 12 home treatments, some proven, some well, let’s say, mentioned and tried, complete with some background and preparation steps, to help ease discomfort until you can see your dentist. Please note: these are not substitutes for my professional care, but they can offer some much-needed relief, especially if you are out of town.

Clove

Why It Works:

Clove has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat pain. It contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antiseptic that numbs pain and kills bacteria. Dentists even use eugenol in certain restorative dental materials. It’s especially effective at reducing pain caused by exposed nerves or decay.

How to Use It:

You can apply clove oil directly to the sore area using a cotton ball or Q-tip. Alternatively, grind a few whole cloves into a powder and mix with a few drops of olive oil to form a paste. Apply this paste directly to the tooth. You can also make a mouth rinse by adding a few drops of clove oil to warm water.

Warm Salt Water

Why It Works:

Saltwater is one of the oldest and most effective natural disinfectants. It helps reduce inflammation, wash away food particles, and soothe irritated tissues. It also creates an alkaline environment that limits bacterial growth.

How to Use It:

Dissolve half a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of very warm water. Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit. Repeat several times a day as needed.

Ice Pack or Cold Compress

Why It Works:

Cold therapy helps numb nerve endings, reduce inflammation, and slow blood flow to the area, which decreases swelling. It’s especially useful for trauma-related pain or swelling.

How to Use It:

Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap with a clean cloth. Apply to the cheek near the affected tooth for 15–20 minutes. Do not place ice directly on the tooth, as it could increase sensitivity.

Salt and Pepper Paste

Why It Works:

This blend has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Salt draws out infection and reduces swelling, while black pepper may reduce pain through mild numbing effects.

How to Use It:

Mix equal parts of salt and black pepper with a few drops of water to create a paste. Apply directly to the painful tooth and leave on for a few minutes. Rinse and repeat as needed.

Garlic

Why It Works:

Garlic has strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Allicin, a compound released when garlic is crushed, is a natural antibiotic and can help kill the bacteria responsible for toothaches. How to Use It:

Crush a garlic clove and mix it with a little salt. Apply directly to the affected tooth. You can also chew a fresh garlic clove if tolerated, though it may be intense. As part of my immune routine, I eat a clove of garlic a day.  Again, it must be eaten raw and chewed well. I bury it in cheese or a piece of bread

 

Asafetida

Why It Works:

Used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine, asafetida is known for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Though pungent in smell, it has been used to relieve dental pain and gum issues.

How to Use It:

Mix a pinch of powdered asafetida with a few drops of lemon juice. Warm the mixture slightly and apply to the affected area using a cotton pad.

Baking Soda

Why It Works:

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) neutralizes acids in the mouth, reduces bacteria, and soothes irritated gums. It also helps clean the area and draw out infection.

How to Use It:

Dampen a cotton swab with water and dip it in baking soda. Apply to the sore tooth or gums. You can also dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in warm water and use it as a mouth rinse.

Guava Leaves

Why It Works:

Guava leaves have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. They are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat mouth ulcers and tooth pain.

How to Use It:

Chew a few fresh guava leaves slowly until their juice coats the affected area. Alternatively, boil 4–5 leaves in water, add a pinch of salt, and use as a mouth rinse once cooled.

Vanilla Extract

Why It Works:

Vanilla extract contains eugenol, the same pain-relieving compound found in clove oil. It also has mild antiseptic properties and a calming aroma, which may offer added soothing benefits.

How to Use It:

Soak a cotton ball with vanilla extract and press it against the sore tooth for several minutes. Reapply as needed. Make sure to use real vanilla extract, not imitation.

Onion

Why It Works:

Onions are rich in sulfur-containing compounds with strong antimicrobial effects. These compounds can kill bacteria responsible for tooth decay and reduce inflammation.

How to Use It:

Place a fresh slice of raw onion on the affected area or gently bite into it to release its juices. Hold for a few minutes and repeat several times a day.

Bayberry

Why It Works:

Bayberry bark contains tannins and other compounds with astringent and antibacterial properties. It has traditionally been used to strengthen gums and relieve dental pain.

How to Use It:

Mix powdered bayberry bark with a few drops of vinegar to make a paste. Apply to the affected tooth using a cotton swab. Reapply as needed.

Lime or Lime Juice

Why It Works:

Lime juice is rich in vitamin C and citric acid, which help fight bacteria and boost gum health. It also reduces inflammation and helps prevent further infection.

How to Use It:

Apply fresh lime juice directly to the painful area using a cotton swab. Or chew on a small wedge of lime, allowing the juice to coat the sore area. If cold sensitivity is a concern, let the lime sit out to warm slightly first.