I have suffered from toothaches, and let me tell you, it’s no joke. Ironically, it always seems to strike at night, just when you’re trying to get some rest. Even my 8-year-old daughter has dealt with it, and seeing her in pain was heartbreaking.
I’m always on the lookout for natural remedies for common aches and pains, and this list has truly been a lifesaver for us. What I love most is how easy these remedies are to find, no fancy, hard-to-pronounce ingredients, just simple, natural solutions that you probably already have at home.
If you’re like me, preferring to reach for natural options before heading to the pharmacy, you’re in the right place. Tooth pain can be absolutely miserable, affecting your entire face, causing swelling, soreness, and even tension headaches.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some effective, natural remedies that can help you get through until you can see a dentist.
1. Clove Oil
Clove oil is the go-to holistic remedy for tooth pain. It is on nearly every list for how to stop toothaches and there is a reason. Clove oil, in pure essential form, will numb the area and reduce infection. It is an all-in-one. It will stop the inflammation, reduce the pain, kill the bacteria, and give you some relief without the use of painkillers and chemicals.
The trick to clove oil is getting a therapeutic grade oil. You do not want to skimp on this and you do not want to go with one that is cut with other oils.
A good way to make sure you are getting pure oil is to look for dark bottles and the Latin name of the plant or herb on the bottle. This will help reduce the chances that you are getting a bad oil.
2. Black Tea Bag
It may sound odd, but if you already drink organic black tea it is likely you have what you need in your pantry right now. A simple black tea or loose leaf black tea can help with inflammation and help reducing some of the pain you are feeling. I
f you are using loose leaf tea, you will need a muslin tea bag. If you are using a bagged tea then you are ready to go. Brew the tea and allow the brewed tea to cool slightly. You are trying to release the tea and make it easy to place on your tooth.
Once this is down, place the tea bag on your tooth and allow it to sit for several minutes. You will need to do this several times a day to keep the pain down.
3. Bourbon and Cotton
It may sound strange to bring alcohol into the mix, but alcohol can have several medicinal properties and one of those is to reduce pain. It has been used for centuries to reduce pain for small pain issues all the way to larger pain problems and even emergency surgeries.
If the clove oil is not working, the tea bags are not working, or you have neither in the house then consider bourbon and cotton.
Take a cotton ball and soak it in bourbon. Place the cotton ball on the area. It will disinfect the area and help reduce the inflammation. It will also numb the nerves reducing the pain.
4. Saltwater Rinse
A simple saltwater rinse can do wonders for tooth pain. Salt is a natural disinfectant and can help reduce inflammation. This is a very common remedy in Brazil, and I actually learned it from my grandma.
Mix a teaspoon of sea salt into a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Spit it out and repeat a few times a day for relief.
5. Garlic
Garlic isn’t just for cooking! It has powerful antibacterial properties that can help fight off infections and provide pain relief. Crush a garlic clove to release its juices and apply it directly to the affected tooth. You can also chew a clove slowly for a few minutes if you can handle the strong taste.
6. Peppermint Tea Bags
Just like black tea, peppermint tea bags can help numb the area and reduce inflammation. Brew a peppermint tea bag, let it cool slightly, and then place it on the sore area. Plus, it leaves your mouth feeling fresh!
7. Cold Compress
A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help numb the pain and reduce swelling. Wrap some ice in a cloth and apply it to the area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat every few hours as needed.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
If you suspect an infection, a diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse can help. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, swish it around your mouth, and spit it out. Do NOT swallow this mixture. It can help kill bacteria and reduce discomfort.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is amazing for killing bacteria and can be a great natural remedy for tooth pain. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce pain and prevent infection.
Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the affected area, or mix a tablespoon with warm water and use it as a mouth rinse.
10. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a preventative remedy that I’ve been using weekly, and it works wonders not just for keeping tooth pain at bay, but also as a fantastic whitening remedy.
Swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes helps pull out toxins and bacteria, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean. Just make sure to spit the oil out in the trash, not the sink, to avoid clogging your pipes.
When to See a Dentist
Keep in mind that these methods are not meant for severe issues such as an abscess. If you notice that you are having issues with foul-tasting fluid or drainage from the infected area, or if you are feeling light-headed and dizzy with the pain, you need to seek emergency medical attention. These remedies are strictly to help you get by until professional assistance is available.
Tooth pain is something most of us have dealt with at some point, and it’s never fun. But having these natural remedies in your toolkit can make those unexpected aches more manageable until you can get professional help.
I’ve found that sticking with natural remedies not only gives me relief but also helps me feel more in control of my health. I hope these tips help you as much as they’ve helped me and my daughter!
