The CDC reports that about 1 in every 4 American adults experiences some type of tooth pain every 6 months. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) concluded that around 1 in every 8 people chronically had sensitive teeth (dentin hypersensitivity). Alarming rates like these led us to do a bit more digging on home remedies for abscess tooth pain, home remedies for tooth pain and home remedies for tooth nerve pain. You can see our conclusions in depth below, with complete instructions and background info about the ingredients used.
Try these home remedies for tooth pain to reduce inflammation.
1. Clove Oil
Clove oil is undoubtedly one of the most effective home remedies for severe tooth pain. The reason why clove oil works so well is that it contains eugenol, a substance that supports its anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties. There are two main ways you can use clove oil as a home remedy for abscess tooth pain: direct application or through swishing.
Instructions
- Add 3 drops of clove oil to a ¼ of a glass of water. Mix well.
- Take a cotton pad and drench it in the substance.
- Apply on the area with tooth pain.
- Alternatively, pour the mixture in your mouth and swish it around.
- Repeat either one of these processes 3 times a day if your toothache persists.
2. Cayenne & Ginger
Some home remedies for tooth pain provide the best results when combining two powerful ingredients. In this case, cayenne peppers and ginger root make the perfect pain relief duo. Cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, a strong substance that soothes extreme pain. Studies show that ginger has amazing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that can even prevent cancer.
Instructions
- Put 1 teaspoon each of powdered cayenne pepper and ginger in a cup.
- Add 2 drops of water.
- Mix with a teaspoon well, until you obtain a paste.
- Soak a small cotton ball in the substance.
- Apply directly to the tooth in pain, avoiding the gums.
3. Salt Water
One of the easiest home remedies for tooth pain and swelling that you can apply at any time is salt water. Salt, formally known as sodium chloride, has antiseptic properties that support dental health and a bacteria-free oral cavity. Warm salt water is used for other health issues too, like treating a sore throat.
Instructions
- Add ½ a spoon of table salt in a glass of warm water.
- Mix thoroughly, until the salt dissolves.
- Use the solution as a mouth wash, swishing well.
- Repeat up to 5 times a day for ongoing pain.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Without a doubt, hydrogen peroxide is one of the most impactful antibacterial solutions out there. If one of your tooth pain causes is infection, hydrogen peroxide is recommended for calming the pain. Even though it is one of the best at home remedies for tooth pain, it won’t completely heal the infection.
Instructions
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide for swishing in your mouth.
- Spit out the solution.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with fresh water.
- Repeat, if necessary, up to 3 times a day.
5. Garlic
Among the home remedies for tooth pain that can be pulled out of your pantry on the spot is garlic. This outstanding anti-inflammatory agent inhibits prostaglandins production, a substance that causes inflammation in the first place. Garlic is also known for its additional benefits, like high magnesium and vitamin B6 content, but also its antioxidant properties.
Instructions
- Crush 1 clove of garlic.
- Combine it with a pinch of salt.
- Put it directly on your tooth until the pain subsides.
- Repeat 3 times daily for the best results.
6. Coconut Oil Pulling
We have spoken of oil pulling for whitening teeth in the past, but did you know that this is also a home remedy for tooth nerve pain? If you use coconut oil for oil pulling, you will enjoy a wide range of nutrients and benefits, from vitamin E to fatty acids. As for tooth aches, it helps through its antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.
Instructions
- Measure 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil and pour them into your mouth.
- Swish around for 20 minutes, like you would with mouth wash.
- Spit the oil, preferably in the trash.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Brush your teeth as you normally would.
- Repeat the process every time you brush your teeth.
7. Salt & Pepper
You now know that salt is one of the home remedies for tooth infection pain, but how about when you mix it with pepper? Both of these everyday spices come packed with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal and antibacterial properties, just to name a few. Combine the two and you get a top remedy for aching teeth.
Instructions
- Combine ½ a tablespoon each of salt and pepper. You can increase or reduce the amount, according to the size of your area in pain. Just make sure that they remain equal.
- Pour 2-3 drops of water over the two, mixing well.
- Use a toothbrush or Q-tip to apply the paste on your tooth in pain.
- Spit and rinse after 5 minutes.
8. Ice Compress
A home remedy for wisdom tooth pain that you can always apply is an ice pack or a cold compress. Even though this remedy – like all the home remedies for tooth pain on our list – will not cure the infection causing you pain, it will reduce the suffering. Ice numbs the endings of nerves, acting as a mild and temporary anesthetic until you get to a dentist.
Instructions
- Take a clean, thin cloth and wrap a handful of ice cubes in it.
- Gently place it on your cheek, over the area where you’re experiencing pain.
- Keep it on for 5-10 minutes, or as long as you can stand the cold.
- Repeat 4-5 times during the day, or until you reach your dentist.
9. Alcohol
It goes without saying that home remedies for tooth pain that contain alcohol should not be applied during pregnancy or on children. However, adults will notice that alcohol can numb the pain better than almost all other remedies. While we don’t recommend you do this often, it will help you survive the pain until you come into contact with a medical professional.
Instructions
- Pour some hard alcohol (such as vodka or whiskey) in a glass and drench a cotton ball in the liquid.
- Dab your affected tooth with the alcohol-soaked cotton ball. You can even keep it in place for 5 minutes, until the area becomes numb.
- Do not do this for more than a day, while you are waiting for an answer from your dentist.
10. Turmeric
Owing to its inflammation-fighting curcumin content, turmeric is considered by many to be the best home remedy for tooth pain. This active substance makes turmeric a potent antiseptic and antimicrobial agent, all while reducing the excruciating pain that comes with tooth aches.
Instructions
- Take 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and add 2-3 drops of fresh water.
- Mix well, until you get a paste-like substance.
- Apply directly on the tooth and wait for 3-4 minutes.
- Spit, rinse and repeat 3 times during your day in pain.
11. Myrrh Tincture
A healing tincture of myrrh has proven to be one of the most reliable home remedies for tooth infection and pain. Myrrh has bacteria-fighting components and noteworthy astringent properties. You will need about half an hour for this remedy, but you’ll have enough for the whole day.
Instructions
- Heat 2 cups of water and add 1 teaspoon of myrrh (in powdered form).
- Allow to simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain and leave it to chill.
- Use 1 teaspoon of the mixture in ½ cup of water for rinsing your mouth.
- Repeat 5-6 times a day for optimum results.
12. Onion
Onion is among the home remedies for tooth pain with exceptional antimicrobial, antiseptic and antifungal benefits. Not only do they aid in reducing pain, but they also attack the bacteria causing your suffering.
Instructions
- Chop a piece of raw onion and place it on your tooth in pain.
- As an alternative, chew the piece of onion.
- In both cases, carry out the remedy for 5 minutes 3 times daily.
13. Wheatgrass
Not only is wheatgrass one of the healthiest foods in the world, but it’s also one of the top home remedies for extreme tooth pain. We would need a separate article just to talk about the benefits of wheatgrass, but here are a few highlights to consider:
- Notably high in protein
- Comes with 17 amino acids
- Powerful antibacterial and antiseptic agent
Instructions
- Use 1 shot of wheatgrass juice.
- Repeat this before every time you brush your teeth for 1-2 days.
14. Vanilla Extract
Some home remedies for infected tooth pain will be more than pleasant to apply. Aside from its delightful aroma, vanilla extract is also loaded with health benefits. From anti-inflammatory properties to its antioxidant content, it works by lowering tooth pain naturally.
Instructions
- Soak a cotton pad in vanilla extract.
- Dab it on the tooth in pain for 3-4 minutes.
- Repeat 4-5 times during the day.
15. Peppermint Tea
Speaking of delicious home remedies for tooth pain, we’re sure that peppermint tea will be a nice piece of news for you. Not only does peppermint tea have a calming effect, but it also effectively reduces inflammation and temporarily numbs the area.
Instructions
- Boil a cup of peppermint tea. Use 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint for every cup of tea you want to consume.
- Steep for 14 minutes and wait until it cools.
- Swish in your mouth for 5-10 minutes.
- Spit the solution. Swallowing won’t cause any harm, but it’s better to completely eliminate the bacteria from your system. No need to rinse with water afterwards.
Extra Tooth Pain Tips
Proper Toothbrush
In some cases, continuous tooth pain can be caused by a harsh toothbrush. If you know that your teeth are sensitive, consider getting a toothbrush with soft bristles. Furthermore, focus on circular motions instead of applying pressure when scrubbing.
Special Toothpaste
Just like a harsh toothbrush, some types of toothpaste can also be hard on your teeth. Ask your dentist about what toothpaste you could use for sensitive teeth. Combine these two tips for noticeable relief for long-term toothache.
Food & Drink Care
Acidic drinks and foods can become your worst nightmare if your teeth are in pain. When undergoing toothache, do your best to avoid the following acidic ingredients:
- Oranges
- Red wine
- Pickles
- Soda
Conclusion
All in all, there are more than enough home remedies for tooth pain that you can try out for visible relief. Nevertheless, don’t forget that tooth pain is almost always caused by an infection, which requires a dental professional for treatment. If the pain does not subside in 1-2 days, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
What’s your go-to remedy for fighting extreme tooth pain? Share with us below!
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