Toothache is a common dental problem faced by many people around the world. It can range from mild discomfort to extreme pain, and is caused by various reasons such as tooth decay, gum disease, or a cracked tooth.
Whatever the cause of the toothache may be, the pain can be excruciating and unbearable at times. Here are 30 immediate toothache relief methods that can offer temporary relief until you can see your dentist:.
1. Salt Water Rinse
A salt water rinse can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth that may be causing the toothache. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and rinse your mouth thoroughly for a few minutes before spitting it out.
2. Ice Pack
An ice pack can help numb the pain and reduce swelling. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time. Make sure to use a cloth to prevent the ice from touching your skin directly.
3. Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural numbing agent that can help relieve tooth pain. Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and place it on the affected tooth for a few minutes.
Alternatively, mix a few drops of clove oil with a teaspoon of olive oil and use a cotton swab to apply it to the affected area.
4. Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint tea bags can also help numb the pain and reduce inflammation. Steep a peppermint tea bag in boiling water for a few minutes, and place it on the affected tooth for 15-20 minutes.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
A hydrogen peroxide rinse can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in the mouth. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, swish it around your mouth for a few minutes, and spit it out.
6. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract contains natural alcohol that can help numb the pain. Soak a cotton ball in vanilla extract and place it on the affected tooth for a few minutes.
Alternatively, dab a few drops of vanilla extract on your finger and rub it on the affected area.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce tooth pain. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area with a cotton swab.
8. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help relieve toothache. Chew on a fresh guava leaf for a few minutes, or boil a few leaves in water to make a mouthwash.
9. Onion
Onion contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and kill bacteria in the mouth. Cut a small piece of onion and place it on the affected tooth for a few minutes.
10. Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce tooth pain and prevent infection. Crush a garlic clove, mix it with a pinch of salt, and apply it to the affected tooth for a few minutes.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth and reduce inflammation. Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water, and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out.
12. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help relieve tooth pain. Cut a small piece of fresh ginger, place it on the affected tooth, and chew on it for a few minutes.
13. Baking Soda
Baking soda can help neutralize acids in the mouth and kill bacteria that may be causing the toothache. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a cup of warm water, and swish it around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out.
14. Aspirin
Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid, a natural pain reliever that can help reduce toothache. Crush a tablet of aspirin, mix it with a few drops of water to make a paste, and apply it to the affected tooth for a few minutes.
15. Almond Extract
Almond extract contains natural oils that can help numb the pain. Soak a cotton ball in almond extract and place it on the affected tooth for a few minutes. Alternatively, dab a few drops of almond extract on your finger and rub it on the affected area.
16. Cucumber
Cucumber has cooling properties that can help reduce inflammation and relieve tooth pain. Cut a fresh cucumber into slices, and place them on the affected tooth for 15-20 minutes.
17. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil contains natural compounds that can help relieve tooth pain and prevent infection. Mix a few drops of oregano oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area with a cotton swab.
18. Alcohol
Alcohol can help numb the pain and kill bacteria in the mouth. Swish a small amount of whiskey, brandy, or vodka around your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out.
19. Numbing Gel
A numbing gel such as Orajel or Anbesol can help numb the toothache. Apply a small amount of the gel to the affected area with a cotton swab.
20. Warm Compress
A warm compress can help improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. Use a warm, damp towel or a heating pad, and apply it to the affected side of your face for 15-20 minutes.
21. Acupressure
Acupressure can help relieve tooth pain by stimulating certain pressure points in the body.
Using your thumb and index finger, press down on the webbing between your index finger and thumb on the hand opposite to the side of the toothache, and hold for a few minutes.
22. Sage
Sage has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve tooth pain. Boil a few fresh sage leaves in water to make a mouthwash, or place a fresh sage leaf on the affected tooth for a few minutes.
23. Black Tea
Black tea contains tannins that can help reduce inflammation and relieve tooth pain. Steep a black tea bag in boiling water, and place it on the affected tooth for 15-20 minutes.
24. Mustard Oil
Mustard oil contains natural compounds that can help reduce toothache. Mix a few drops of mustard oil with a pinch of salt, and apply it to the affected tooth for a few minutes.
25. Potato
Potato has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce tooth pain. Cut a fresh potato into slices, and place them on the affected tooth for 15-20 minutes.
26. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract contains natural antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth. Mix a few drops of grapefruit seed extract with a tablespoon of coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area with a cotton swab.
27. Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass juice has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce tooth pain and prevent infection. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with wheatgrass juice, or chew on fresh wheatgrass for a few minutes.
28. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. Take a supplement of vitamin C or eat foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, kiwis, or strawberries.
29. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil contains natural compounds that can help reduce inflammation and relieve tooth pain. Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area with a cotton swab.
30. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help relieve toothache. Steep a chamomile tea bag in boiling water, and place it on the affected tooth for 15-20 minutes.