Toothaches often occur at the worst possible time – over a weekend when your dentist is closed, or in the middle of the night. While we don’t usually recommend frequent visits to Dr. Google, we’re glad you reached our site, as these tips for relieving tooth pain can actually help to provide temporary relief until you’re able to see a dentist.
Top Home Remedy Hacks for Toothache
What I like most about these remedies collated from hundreds of results pages, is that there is some scientific value to them. They may actually work. So here goes:
Top Toothache Hack #1: Warm Salt Water
One of the most recommended tips is to switch 8 ounces of very warm water with up to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in your mouth. The salt should draw the built-up fluid from the affected area to reduce pressure on the nerve endings. Better yet, use Himalayan salt, which is rich in essential bone-health minerals.
Top Toothache Hack #2: Aspirin
Some people think that placing an aspirin on the affected tooth will help relieve toothache. That is about as logical as placing aspirin on your forehead when you have a headache. Aspirin is highly acidic and will burn your gums and damage your teeth. Just swallow the aspirin, already!
Top Toothache Hack #3: Cloves
Clove oil (Eugenol) is commonly used in dental products, due to the fact that it offers pain relief and antimicrobial properties. Simply mix about 2-3 drops of clove oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut, olive, or cooking oil, and saturate a piece of cotton in the emulsion. Place the cotton ball in the cavity, with another dry piece on top. Bite down on it. No clove oil in the house? Simply crush or grind a few whole cloves together with some oil and it will do the trick.
Top Toothache Hack #4: Onion or Garlic
Onion and garlic both have great antimicrobial properties. Simply place a small piece of either on the affected tooth for a welcome bit of relief. (Probably not a good idea when you’re going out for a night on the town!)
Top Toothache Hack #5: Whiskey or Bourbon
While alcohol is indeed an astringent and antiseptic that does bring some relief, it is probably more due to the distraction created by the irritating effect of the alcohol on the gums. Instead of swishing and spitting, just drink the booze. However, you should avoid any mixers (especially those that contain sugar) and ice, which will aggravate the sensitive tooth.
Ever experienced terrible pain on the side of your face? Sometimes sinus infections and allergies can cause that, which may feel like a toothache. Try steam with a herbal decongestant, which will break up the sinuses and bring some relief.
Gentle brushing and flossing might bring some relief too. If all else fails, and the pain is unbearable and there’s no dentist available, you may need to go to the emergency room. They may well have a dentist on call who will be able to treat you.
