Dental Health

8 Fast Home Remedies for Toothache Relief

Dr. B. Kanagasabapathy

[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]

August 26,2025

Key Facts

Clove oil and cloves are traditional Indian remedies known for providing quick relief from toothaches.
Guava leaves and garlic have natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
Salt water rinses and cold compresses ease pain and swelling at home.
OTC medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen provide fast pain relief.
Persistent toothache needs professional dental treatment to prevent complications.

Toothaches are among the most distressing kinds of pain, often striking without warning. They may feel like a persistent dull ache, a sharp stabbing sensation, or a deep throbbing discomfort, making everyday activities like eating, speaking, or sleeping extremely difficult. When the pain radiates to your head, it becomes even more unbearable.

Visiting your dentist is always the best long-term solution. But if you are looking for quick toothache remedies to manage the pain until treatment, here you go!

Instant Toothache Reliefs at Home

If your toothache is unbearable:

Use clove oil or an over-the-counter dental gel directly on the area to help numb the pain.
Take ibuprofen or paracetamol for quick pain control.
Use a cold compress externally.
Rinse with salt water to reduce swelling.

These methods provide only temporary relief, not a permanent solution. To prevent recurring pain, make sure to visit your dentist soon.

Why do toothaches happen?

Before jumping into remedies, it’s important to understand why toothaches occur:

Cavities (Dental Caries) – Most common cause of tooth pain.
Gum Infections (Gingivitis/Periodontitis) – Lead to soreness and swelling.
Wisdom Tooth Eruption – Pain caused by tooth crowding or partial eruption.
Cracked or Damaged Tooth – Exposes the nerves.
Dental Abscess – Severe infection causing throbbing pain.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Can cause sensitivity and jaw discomfort.

While remedies help temporarily, only a dentist can treat the root cause.

Home Remedies for Toothache

If you’re looking for instant toothache relief at home, these time-tested remedies can help:

1. Cloves & Clove Oil for Toothache

How it works: Both whole cloves and clove oil contain eugenol, a natural pain reliever and antiseptic.

How to use: Apply a drop of clove oil diluted with coconut or olive oil to the affected tooth, or place a whole clove near the sore tooth and gently bite down to release its natural oils.

Why it works: Clove numbs nerve endings and fights bacteria, making it one of the best-known remedies for dental pain.

2. Guava Leaves

How it works: Fresh guava leaves have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

How to use: Wash and chew 2–3 fresh guava leaves slowly to release their juice. Alternatively, boil guava leaves in water, allow it to cool, and use it as a soothing mouth rinse.

Why it works: Guava leaves soothe gum inflammation and help fight infection, a trusted remedy in Indian households.

3. Salt Water Rinse

A natural disinfectant that reduces inflammation.
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse 2–3 times a day.

4. Cold Compress

Wrap some ice in a clean cloth and hold it against your cheek near the sore area.

Helps with swelling and numbs sharp pain.

5. Garlic

Known for antibacterial properties.
Crush a garlic clove, mix it with a pinch of salt, and apply it to the area near the sore tooth.

6. Peppermint Tea Bags

Mild numbing effect.
Slightly cool a used tea bag and press it gently against the affected tooth.

7. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse (3% solution)

Kills bacteria and helps with gum infection.
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, swish it gently in your mouth, and then spit it out. (Not recommended for children.)

8. Over-the-Counter Dental Gels For Tooth pain

Dologel CT, Dentogel or other pain relieving gels that are available in pharmacies.
These gels contain numbing agents for quick tooth and gum pain relief.

Medicines for Toothache

When pain is severe, pain relievers for toothache available over-the-counter can help:

Paracetamol (Crocin, Dolo-650) – Mild to moderate pain.
Ibuprofen (Brufen, Combiflam) – Reduces inflammation and pain.
Diclofenac (Voveran, Zerodol) – Stronger pain relief, often prescribed.
Topical Anesthetic Gels – Benzocaine-based gels available at pharmacies.

Best Pain Reliever for Toothache: Dentists often recommend ibuprofen + paracetamol combination for effective relief in case of dental cavities.

(Always follow dosage instructions. Avoid NSAIDs if you are pregnant or have ulcers or kidney disease. Consult your dentist first.)

Wisdom Toothache Remedies

Wisdom tooth pain is common in young adults.

Use clove oil or salt water rinses to reduce discomfort.
OTC painkillers help manage swelling and pain.
Long-term solution: extraction if the tooth is impacted or infected.

When to See a Dentist?

While remedies can help, you should visit a dentist immediately if:

Pain lasts more than 48 hours
You notice swelling in your face/jaw
Pain is severe at night and disturbs sleep
You have fever with tooth pain
There’s bleeding or pus discharge

Toothaches left untreated can lead to abscesses, spreading infection, or even tooth loss.

Dental Treatment for Toothache

If pain persists beyond 24–48 hours, home remedies and OTC medicines are only temporary. A dentist may recommend:

Filling or Root Canal: Recommended when decay extends into the tooth’s pulp.
Antibiotics: For bacterial infections or dental abscesses.
Extraction: For severely damaged or wisdom teeth causing recurring pain.
Scaling & Cleaning: If gum disease or tartar buildup is the cause.

Conclusion

Toothache remedies from cloves and salt rinses to pain relievers like ibuprofen can give quick comfort. But remember, these are only temporary solutions. The real answer lies in treating the cause, whether it’s a cavity, gum infection, or wisdom tooth problem.

If you don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Book your consultation with your dentist soon.