Let’s face it—when your tooth starts acting up, it’s hard to focus on anything else. That sharp, throbbing pain can throw your entire day off track. While painful cavities are often the usual suspects, there are plenty of other reasons your tooth might be screaming for attention—like gum issues, tooth damage, cracked fillings, misaligned bites, or even a newly erupting tooth.
And while you’ll absolutely need a dentist to get to the root of the problem, sometimes you need a little toothache help right now—something that can take the edge off until you can get into the chair of a good tooth dentist.
That’s where these 10 natural remedies come in. They’re quick, easy, and made with ingredients you probably already have at home. Think of them as temporary relief—not a permanent fix—but they might just help you power through the day with a little less pain.
1. Clove Tooth Oil for Instant Relief
If you’ve never tried tooth oil, clove is where you want to start. Its active ingredient, eugenol, is nature’s answer to numbing cream. Just mix a few drops of clove oil with a carrier like coconut oil, soak a cotton ball in it, and place it gently over the sore spot. Once the area is numb, remove it and rinse your mouth. This stuff is a classic use for toothache, and it really works.
2. Homemade Toothache Paste (With a Kick)
Want something with a little spice? Mix ginger and cayenne pepper with a bit of water to make a powerful toothache paste. Apply it directly to the affected tooth using a clean finger. It may tingle, but it’s known to reduce pain and inflammation while fighting off bacteria.
3. Ice Pack Magic
Sometimes the old tricks are the best. Wrap some ice in a towel and press it to the outside of your cheek where the pain is. This helps numb the area and brings down any swelling from infection or trauma to your tooth.
4. Sugar-Free Gum (Yes, Really)
Lost a filling or chipped a tooth? Until you can find a dentist that do emergency care, chewing sugar-free gum can help protect the exposed area. It won’t solve the issue, but it might cushion it enough to ease the pain temporarily.
5. Saltwater Swish
This is the go-to natural tooth remedy for a reason. Dissolve a bit of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. It helps clean the area, reduce inflammation, and calm the nerves. Do it a few times a day for the best results.
6. Turmeric Tooth Scrub
Turmeric has incredible anti-inflammatory properties. Mix it with coconut oil and a little peppermint oil, then use it like a paste to gently brush over the sore spot. It’s especially great if you’re dealing with tooth damage or gum irritation.
7. Essential Oils for Bacteria Busting
In addition to clove, tooth oil options like peppermint, myrrh, and tea tree oil are excellent for easing discomfort and targeting the bacteria behind the pain. Just be sure to dilute them and avoid swallowing. They’re potent, but when used correctly, they can be part of a strong natural tooth care routine.
8. Acupressure: The Pressure Point Trick
If you’re in a pinch and need some quick toothache help, try pressing the fleshy spot between your thumb and index finger. This ancient technique is said to block pain signals and give you a bit of temporary relief.
9. Sip on Herbal Tea
Chamomile, peppermint, or clove teas are loaded with antibacterial properties. Sip warm (not hot) tea and let it coat the sore area. It’s not only soothing, it’s therapeutic—and can calm more than just your tooth.
10. Garlic—Nature’s Antibiotic
Garlic is a potent germ fighter. Crush a clove, sprinkle a little salt on it, and gently chew it with the side of the sore tooth. It can help reduce inflammation and kill off harmful bacteria that could be behind those painful cavities.
Final Thoughts
Toothaches are no joke—but you don’t have to suffer while you wait for an appointment. These natural tricks aren’t replacements for proper dental care, but they can provide some comfort when you’re desperate for relief. Whether it’s a warming cup of herbal tea or a dab of tooth oil, a little natural TLC can go a long way.
And when it’s time to call in the professionals, don’t hesitate. If you’ve got persistent pain, swelling, or sensitivity, it’s time to need a dentist who can give you a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Until then, nature’s got your back—and your teeth.
