It I’ve lost track of how many times someone has called me in a fear, saying “my toothache came out of nowhere.” This could happen at any time, in the middle of the night, Sunday afternoon, or right before a flight. Toothaches have a habit of appearing when you’re least expecting them and making you wonder when you’ll be able to schedule a dentist appointment to alleviate your discomfort.
Home remedies for toothache operate in that grey area. They aren’t a cure-all for a toothache, nor should they be considered a substitute for quality dental care. Home remedies represent a temporary truce. They can offer some immediate relief while you figure out your next step.
Before we continue any further, I need to state this clearly. Pain in the teeth is generally indicative of a larger issue such as infection, decay, inflammation of the gums, a cracked filling you forgot you had, etc. Although the pain itself seems dramatic, the source of the pain is rarely random. Home remedies can provide you with temporary relief; they cannot cure the root cause of the pain. Understanding the difference is important.
Although the pain in your jaw is throbbing and you simply want some relief for a few hours, there are things you can do. Some are traditional remedies. Others are remedies that are either misunderstood or highly misrepresented. Some are promoted much more confidently than they have any right to be.
With that said, let’s explore the various home remedies for toothache in more detail.
Rinsing Your Mouth First
Many people begin with rinsing their mouths. Most people begin with a warm rinse, swish, spit, repeat. There is a valid reason for this. Food particles that are stuck near the inflamed nerve can amplify the pain. Gently cleaning the area around the inflamed nerve can sometimes reduce the pressure almost immediately.
Warm salt water is the traditional upgrade. Add half a teaspoon of salt to warm (not hot) water. Swish it around slowly. Do not aggressively gargle. Salt has antibacterial properties and can help soothe irritated gum tissue. Salt does not eliminate deep infections, but it can make the area less hospitable to bacteria and germs for a while.
Next, consider using mouthwash.
You often hear this question: does mouthwash help toothache?
Yes, occasionally. And no, occasionally.
A mild, alcohol-free mouthwash for toothache can help if the pain is being caused by gum inflammation or irritation to the surface of the tooth. Antibacterial mouthwashes reduce the overall amount of bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing inflammation. Therefore, some people swear by a mouthwash for tooth pain when the pain seems more sore than sharp.
However, alcohol-based mouthwashes can exacerbate toothache pain. They can burn and irritate the tissues in the mouth. If using mouthwash causes you to wince, discontinue use. A mouthwash is a supporting role. It is not the lead actor.
Cold Compresses and the Myth of “Heat”
One of the most common myths surrounding toothache is that applying heat can relieve the pain. On the contrary, cold can provide significant relief for toothache pain.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek adjacent to the tooth causing pain can numb the area and help reduce inflammation. Apply the cold compress for 10-15 minutes at a time. Make sure to wrap the cold compress in a towel. Give your skin a break in between applications. On the other hand, heat can increase blood flow to the affected area. While this may seem beneficial, if there is an infection or swelling present, it can increase the pain experienced.
Therefore, using a hot water bottle on your jaw should remain in the “no thank you” category regarding dental pain.
Clove Oil: Can Be Effective, but Easy to Misuse
Clove oil is mentioned in nearly every discussion involving home remedies for toothache, and for good reason. contains eugenol, which is a natural analgesic and antibacterial agent. If used appropriately, clove oil can provide temporary numbing of the area.
There is a caveat to using clove oil. The key phrase here is “used appropriately.”
Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton bud, and gently apply it to the area adjacent to the tooth causing pain. Do NOT pour clove oil into your mouth. Do NOT soak a cotton ball with clove oil and place it on your gum. Clove oil can burn soft tissue if misused, creating a new problem.
If it works for you, it provides fast relief. However, if it stings and burns, rinse thoroughly and do not attempt to use it again.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers (and What Not to Do)
Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) and ibuprofen are two commonly used medications for toothache. Both work well, provided they are used as directed. Ibuprofen has an added benefit of helping to reduce inflammation, which is a major contributor to dental pain.
While both paracetamol and ibuprofen are commonly used to treat toothache pain, neither medication should be placed directly on the tooth or gum. Aspirin can burn soft tissue and create a severe burning sensation. This is not what you want. Do not place any medication directly onto your gums.
Pain relievers work systemically, not topically, unless prescribed otherwise.
Garlic, Onion, and the Limits of Folklore
Both garlic and onion have antibacterial properties. You can find numerous recommendations online suggesting that chewing on garlic cloves or holding an onion slice against the tooth will help alleviate toothache pain.
The honest answer? These remedies may provide some minor antibacterial benefits, but they are unpredictable and can be extremely uncomfortable. Chewing raw garlic can irritate the gums. Holding an onion slice against the tooth is not exactly soothing. While you may experience some relief, it is not guaranteed.
These remedies are not toxic in the same manner that placing aspirin directly on your gums would be toxic. However, they are also not magical.
The remedy did not fail. The underlying issue progressed.
When Location Matters
If you are specifically searching for toothache treatment Bedfont, you likely already know that the pain has become so severe that it has disrupted your life. At that point, the question is no longer “what can I do at home?” but rather “who can evaluate this properly?”
That is where a clinic like Art Dentistry enters the picture. Not with criticism or intimidation. Simply with honesty. Diagnosis first. Then options.
Home remedies give you time to breathe. They do not replace the moment when someone evaluates the x-rays and tells you precisely what is occurring.
Another Word About Mouthwash
We mention mouthwash so frequently, it bears mentioning again.
When you use a mouthwash for toothache, it can be beneficial as long as it is part of a broader hygiene routine while you are experiencing pain. Gentle brushing. Cautious flossing if you can tolerate it. An alcohol-free rinse. Using these practices collectively can help prevent worsening of the toothache until you can seek proper treatment.
When you ask does mouthwash help toothache, you are essentially asking if maintaining cleanliness and reducing bacterial load can alleviate your symptoms. Sometimes it can. However, rinsing alone will not stop nerve pain due to decay or infection.
