How to quickly relieve a toothache at home: 7 toothache remedies in 5 minutes

Toothache is one of the most uncomfortable pains many people have experienced. According to the Cleveland Clinic, toothache can stem from various causes such as cavities, gum inflammation, infection, nerve irritation, trauma, plaque buildup, or sensitive teeth. If not properly managed, the pain can affect eating, sleeping, and daily activities.

If you're wondering what to do for a toothache, don't worry too much. This article will guide you through simple, easy-to-follow ways to relieve toothache and treat toothache at home to help temporarily ease the pain before seeing a dentist. Tiptory will also help you recognize when the pain is a warning sign that requires early treatment, thereby effectively protecting your oral health and preventing unwanted complications.

Part 1: Home remedies for toothache using folk tips

Tip 1: Use over-the-counter pain relievers correctly

Pain relievers can help temporarily relieve toothache

• If a toothache appears suddenly, with no clear cause, and lasts for more than 1 hour, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage symptoms before visiting a dentist.

• This is only a temporary toothache relief solution; it does not treat the underlying cause of pain such as cavities, pulpitis, or infection.

Choose the right type of medication based on the cause of the pain

• If the pain is accompanied by swelling, gum inflammation, or minor oral trauma, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin often work better as they reduce both pain and inflammation.

• If the toothache is primarily due to cavities, nerve irritation, or without obvious signs of swelling and inflammation, paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a common choice for pain relief.

• Individuals with stomach, liver, or kidney conditions, pregnant women, or those taking other medications should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

Do not place medication directly on the tooth or gums

• Many people share the tip of placing aspirin or pain relievers on the painful area to treat toothache at home, but this method is not recommended.

• Aspirin and some medications can irritate or burn the gum lining, making the affected area more painful.

• If you have a known allergy to a medication's ingredients, improper use can increase the risk of an allergic reaction.

Children need appropriate medication

• When a child has a toothache, what should parents do? They should only use medication strictly according to doctor's instructions or the medicine label.

• Paracetamol is usually a more suitable option for children when pain relief is needed.

• Do not give aspirin to children without medical advice, as it can cause serious side effects in some cases.

Use medication for a short period only

• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs should only be considered short-term aids for toothache relief.

• High or prolonged doses can increase the risk of stomach, liver, and kidney damage and cause many other unwanted side effects.

• If the pain persists, recurs, becomes more severe, or is accompanied by facial swelling, fever, or pus discharge, see a dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment of the cause, to avoid serious complications.

Tip 2: Use topical anesthetics for temporary pain relief

Apply topical anesthetics correctly for fast toothache relief

• If a toothache makes it difficult to eat or rest, you can use over-the-counter anesthetic gels, creams, or ointments containing benzocaine for temporary pain relief.

• Apply a small amount directly to the painful tooth and surrounding gum area as directed on the packaging.

• The medication usually takes effect quickly and can help soothe the pain for several hours before you see a dentist.

Avoid swallowing the medication after application

• After applying the medication, try to avoid swallowing saliva for a few minutes to allow the medication time to penetrate the gum tissue.

• If the medication spreads to your throat, you may experience throat numbness, discomfort, or nausea.

• Breathing through your mouth for a short time after application can help reduce the urge to swallow.

Be aware of the risk of benzocaine side effects

• Although rare, benzocaine can cause methemoglobinemia, a condition that reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.

• If, after using the medication, you experience signs such as bluish skin or lips, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fatigue, or a fast heartbeat, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention.

• Always read the instructions carefully and use only the recommended dosage.

Do not use on young children without medical advice

• Do not use benzocaine-containing medications for children under 2 years of age without a doctor's prescription or guidance.

• When a child has a toothache, what should parents do? Parents should prioritize taking the child to a dentist to identify the cause rather than attempting to treat toothache at home with anesthetics.

Consider this only a short-term supportive solution

• Topical anesthetics only provide localized numbing, helping to relieve toothache for a short period but not treating the underlying cause of the condition.

• If the pain persists, recurs, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or pus discharge, see a dentist soon for diagnosis and definitive treatment. Delaying treatment can worsen the oral health condition.

Tip 3: Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling

Apply a cold compress for toothache due to impact or injury

• If a toothache occurs after an impact, fall, or oral injury, you can apply a cold compress to reduce pain and limit swelling.

• First, identify the most painful or swollen area, then place the cold compress on your face, just outside the cheek area corresponding to the affected tooth.

• This is one of the simple ways to treat toothache at home, especially useful in the first few hours after an injury.

Why does a cold compress work?

• Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels in the injured area, thereby reducing blood flow to the inflamed region.

• This helps control swelling more effectively and also eases the pain due to slight numbness in the injured area.

• This method only provides temporary toothache relief and cannot replace treating the underlying cause.

Apply a cold compress correctly to avoid skin damage

• You can use ice cubes, crushed ice, a gel pack, or a bag of frozen vegetables for the cold compress.

• Always wrap the ice or cold object in a clean, thin cloth before placing it on the skin to avoid frostbite or irritation.

• Do not place ice directly on the skin or on the tooth as it can increase sensitivity and damage tissues.

Appropriate application time

• Apply the cold compress for about 15 minutes at a time and repeat 3–5 times a day if the cheek area is still swollen or painful.

• Allow the skin to rest for a period between applications to limit irritation from the cold.

See a dentist early if the tooth is injured

• If you're wondering what to do for a toothache after a strong impact, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

• Clearly state that you have a tooth injury to be prioritized for examination if there are urgent signs.

• Even if the pain has subsided after applying a cold compress, the tooth may still have cracks, fractures, or pulp damage that is difficult to detect with the naked eye. Early treatment will help increase the chances of tooth preservation and limit long-term complications.

Tip 4: Rinse with warm salt water

Warm salt water helps soothe toothache

• Rinsing with warm salt water is one of the simple, economical ways to treat toothache at home and is recommended by many dentists to help reduce discomfort.

• The salt water solution helps clean the mouth, reduce bacteria, and soothe irritated gums.

• This method is particularly helpful if the toothache is related to mild gum inflammation or food stuck between teeth.

Salt water can help reduce swelling

• Salt has the ability to help draw out fluid from inflamed tissues, thereby helping to reduce mild gum swelling.

• When rinsing, the water also helps remove food debris or plaque that may be putting pressure on the painful tooth area, contributing to temporary toothache relief.

Prepare salt water correctly

• Dissolve about 1 teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of boiled hot water.

• Let the water cool to a warm temperature, avoiding excessive heat as it can burn the mouth lining and worsen the pain.

• If you don't have sea salt, you can still use regular table salt as both have mild antiseptic properties.

Rinse using the correct technique

• Swish a mouthful of warm salt water thoroughly around the painful tooth area for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out.

• Take another mouthful, swish it around and gargle for a few seconds before spitting it out.

• You can do this 3–5 times a day until symptoms subside or before seeing a dentist.

Do not be complacent if the pain recurs

• If you're wondering what to do for a toothache after rinsing with salt water but the pain persists, see a dentist soon for an examination.

• The pain may subside temporarily and then return after a few days, even more severely, if the cause is tooth decay, pulpitis, or infection.

• Rinsing with salt water is only a supportive measure and cannot replace treating the underlying cause of toothache.

Tip 5: Use clove oil to soothe the pain

Clove oil can help temporarily relieve toothache

• Clove oil is a long-standing tip for treating toothache at home due to its eugenol content, an active ingredient with mild anesthetic, pain-relieving, and antibacterial properties.

• When used correctly, the oil can help relieve toothache for a short period before you see a dentist for examination and treatment.

How to use safely

• Apply 1–2 drops of clove oil onto a clean cotton ball or tissue.

• Gently place the cotton ball on the painful tooth or surrounding gum area for a few minutes to allow the active ingredients to take effect.

• You can gently bite down on the cotton ball to keep it in place, but avoid biting too hard or leaving it for too long if you feel a burning sensation.

Do not apply too much essential oil directly

• Clove oil is highly concentrated, so it should not be applied directly to the tooth or gums in large quantities.

• Using too much can irritate the oral mucosa, especially the gums, tongue, and lips.

• If you experience a burning sensation, swelling, or an allergic reaction, stop using it immediately and rinse your mouth with clean water.

Whole cloves can also be used

• If you don't have essential oil, you can use a dried clove bud or a little clove powder.

• Place the clove on the painful tooth and chew gently to release the natural oil, which helps soothe the pain.

• Do not chew too hard if the tooth is cracked, has a large cavity, or is very painful, as this could worsen the condition.

This is only a temporary supportive measure

• If you're wondering what to do for a toothache, clove oil can help alleviate discomfort for a short period but does not treat the underlying cause of the pain.

• If the pain lasts more than 1–2 days, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by facial swelling, fever, or pus discharge, see a dentist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment of the cause. Home remedies for toothache should only be considered supportive solutions before dental care is received.

Tip 6: Avoid excessively hot or cold foods and drinks

Extreme temperatures can worsen toothache

• If a toothache appears or increases when eating or drinking, the cause may be tooth sensitivity, cavities, or pulp damage.

• Excessively hot or cold foods and drinks can stimulate the nerve endings inside the tooth, making the pain more severe.

• While waiting for treatment, prioritize foods and drinks at warm or room temperature to more effectively relieve toothache.

Limit excessively hot or cold items

• Temporarily avoid hot coffee, hot tea, or freshly cooked soups.

• Do not drink iced water, cold beverages, or slushies, as low temperatures can increase sensitivity.

• If you want to consume hot food, let it cool down before eating to limit irritation to the painful tooth area.

Do not chew ice or excessively hard foods

• Many people think chewing ice can help numb the pain, but in reality, this often makes sensitive teeth hurt more.

• Ice cubes and hard foods like nuts, roasted beans, or hard candies can put significant pressure on an injured tooth.

• If the tooth is already cracked or decayed, chewing hard foods can further spread the crack, worsening the condition and making treatment difficult.

Pain when eating hot or cold foods can be a sign of oral disease

• If you're wondering what to do for a toothache because eating hot or cold foods causes sharp pain, this could be a sign of tooth decay, enamel erosion, gum recession, or pulpitis.

• Don't just look for ways to treat toothache at home and neglect seeing a dentist, as the cause of the pain won't disappear on its own.

• If the pain persists for several days or becomes increasingly severe, see a dentist for early diagnosis and treatment to preserve your teeth and prevent long-term complications.

Tip 7: Limit overly sweet foods and drinks

Sweet foods can make toothache worse

• If you have a toothache, you should limit foods and drinks high in sugar.

• Sugar is a nutrient source for bacteria in plaque. When bacteria break down sugar, they produce acids that erode tooth enamel, causing cavities to progress faster and irritating the nerves inside the tooth.

• Therefore, reducing sugar intake not only helps relieve toothache but also helps protect teeth from more severe damage.

Avoid sugary desserts

• Temporarily avoid eating cotton candy, gummies, chocolate, pastries, ice cream, donuts, and other high-sugar desserts.

• Also limit carbonated soft drinks, milk tea, sweetened bottled tea, highly sweetened coffee, and other sugary beverages.

• For snacks, choose low-sugar, easy-to-chew foods to reduce irritation to the aching tooth.

Hard Candy Can Do More Harm

• Hard candies are high in sugar and require significant chewing force, making a cracked or decayed tooth more susceptible to damage.

• This is a disadvantageous combination as it increases the risk of tooth decay and can intensify pain or further crack the tooth.

• If you're looking to relieve a toothache at home, avoid hard candies entirely until your tooth is treated.

Even "Healthy" Snacks Require Caution

• Some foods considered healthy, such as granola bars, dried fruits, or honey-containing items, can still cause discomfort when you have a toothache.

• Raisins, dates, and honey have high natural sugar content and easily stick to tooth surfaces, promoting bacterial growth.

• Hard nuts in granola bars can also put pressure on an already damaged tooth, increasing the pain.

Prioritize Soft, Low-Sugar Foods

• If you're wondering what to do for a toothache, prioritize soft, low-sugar, and easy-to-chew foods like porridge, plain yogurt, or cooked vegetables.

• After eating, rinse your mouth with clean water or brush gently if possible to remove any residual sugar on your teeth.

• If the pain persists or worsens despite dietary changes, visit a dentist to identify the cause and treat it early, rather than just applying temporary pain relief measures.

Part 2: When to See a Dentist for a Toothache

Note 1: See a Dentist for Definitive Treatment

Don't Delay if Toothache Persists

• Not all toothaches require urgent treatment, but if the pain does not subside or worsens, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

• Applying only home remedies for toothache can help relieve symptoms temporarily but won't eliminate the underlying cause.

• Early examination helps detect problems in their initial stages, making treatment simpler and increasing the chances of preserving the natural tooth.

Signs You Need to See a Dentist Immediately

• If you're wondering what to do for a toothache, schedule a dental appointment immediately if you experience any of the following signs:

  • Toothache lasting more than 2–3 days or not responding to pain relief measures.

  • Significant swelling in the gums, cheek, or jaw.

  • Pain noticeably increases when biting or chewing food.

  • Red, swollen gums with pus or bloody discharge.

  • Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or opening the mouth.

  • Fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck accompanying the toothache.

• These could be signs of an oral infection that needs early treatment to avoid complications.

What Will the Dentist Examine?

• During the examination, the dentist will inspect your entire mouth and may order a dental X-ray to accurately identify the cause of the pain.

• Common causes include:

  • Tooth decay.

  • Dental abscess.

  • Gingivitis or periodontal disease.

  • Cracked or fractured tooth.

  • Tooth wear or malocclusion.

• After determining the cause, the dentist will recommend an appropriate treatment method such as filling, root canal treatment, scaling, medication, or other necessary procedures.

Don't Forget to Report a History of Injury

• If you or a child has recently suffered a blow, fall, or oral injury, inform your dentist.

• Some injuries to teeth or jawbones may not be visible to the naked eye but can be detected through clinical examination and X-rays.

• Providing complete information will help the dentist make a more accurate diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment method.

Early Treatment is the Most Effective Way to Protect Your Teeth

• While many toothache pain relief measures can provide immediate relief, they only help control symptoms for a short period.

• When the cause of pain is tooth decay, pulpitis, or infection, delaying treatment can worsen the condition, increasing the risk of tooth loss or spreading to surrounding tissues.

• A dental examination as soon as unusual signs appear is still the safest and most effective solution to protect long-term oral health.

Note 2: Fillings for Tooth Decay

Fillings are a common treatment for tooth decay

• Tooth decay occurs when tooth enamel is destroyed by bacteria and acid over time, forming cavities on the tooth surface.

• When the cavity extends to the dentin or pulp, you may experience a toothache, sensitivity, or sharp pain, especially when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods.

• If tooth decay is detected, the dentist will usually recommend a filling to restore the tooth's structure and function, helping to reduce toothache and prevent further damage.

How is the filling procedure performed?

• Before filling, the dentist will remove all decayed tooth tissue and clean the treatment area to reduce the risk of infection.

• In most cases, you will receive local anesthesia to minimize pain during the procedure.

• After cleaning, filling material will be placed into the cavity, restoring the tooth's natural shape and allowing you to chew normally.

Current dental filling materials

• Depending on the tooth's location, the extent of damage, and individual needs, the dentist may use materials such as:

  • Tooth-colored composite, highly aesthetic and commonly used.

  • Porcelain, with good durability and color similar to natural teeth.

  • Gold, strong but more expensive.

  • Amalgam (an alloy containing silver and other metals), often used for load-bearing molars in some cases.

• Each type of material has its own advantages and limitations. The dentist will advise on the appropriate choice based on your tooth condition and needs.

Old fillings can also be a cause of pain

• If you've had a filling before but are experiencing a toothache, what to do? The cause may not be a new cavity.

• Old fillings can crack, dislodge, or become loose after years of use, allowing bacteria to penetrate and cause recurrent tooth decay underneath.

• In this case, the dentist will examine and decide whether a new filling is needed or if another treatment method should be performed.

Discuss filling materials with your dentist

• If you are considering treating a toothache at home but the cause is tooth decay, a dental filling is still an effective and long-lasting treatment solution.

• Discuss with your dentist the durability, aesthetics, cost, and suitability of each material before treatment.

• Choosing the right material and early treatment not only helps preserve your natural teeth but also reduces the risk of root canal treatment or extraction in the future.

Note 3: Root Canal Treatment for Inflamed or Infected Tooth Pulp

When is root canal treatment needed?

• If the toothache stems from inflammation or infection of the tooth pulp, the dentist may recommend root canal treatment.

• The tooth pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth, containing blood vessels and nerves. When bacteria penetrate deep into the pulp due to decay, trauma, or a leaky filling, the infection can cause severe pain.

• Root canal treatment helps remove the damaged pulp, preserving the natural tooth and preventing the infection from spreading.

Common causes leading to root canal treatment

• Root canal treatment is often indicated when the tooth pulp is damaged by causes such as:

  • Deep tooth decay extending into the pulp chamber.

  • A cracked, fractured, or traumatized tooth.

  • Persistent bacterial infection.

  • Teeth that have undergone multiple dental treatments, causing the pulp to become irritated or damaged.

• If not treated promptly, pulpitis can progress to a dental abscess, causing swelling, pain, and affecting surrounding tissues.

Signs that you may need root canal treatment

• If you're wondering what to do for a toothache, see a dentist soon if you experience one or more of the following signs:

  • Dull or severe, persistent toothache.

  • Increased pain when biting or chewing food.

  • Tooth discoloration, appearing darker than normal.

  • Fever or swollen gums around the aching tooth.

  • Difficulty opening the mouth.

  • Swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw.

• These symptoms can be signs that the tooth pulp is severely damaged and requires treatment.

How is the root canal procedure performed?

• The dentist will administer local anesthesia to reduce pain during the procedure.

• Then, the inflamed or infected pulp will be removed, and the root canal system will be thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.

• Finally, the root canal will be filled with a specialized material to prevent bacteria from re-entering. In many cases, the tooth needs to be restored with a dental crown to increase its durability and biting strength.

Discuss treatment options with your dentist

• There are currently many different root canal techniques and materials. Treatment effectiveness depends on the extent of tooth damage, the technique used, and post-treatment care.

• Discuss with your dentist the procedure, benefits, risks, and post-treatment tooth restoration options to make an informed decision.

• If the cause of the toothache is pulpitis, home remedies for toothache only provide temporary symptom relief. Timely root canal treatment is the most effective way to eliminate infection, preserve the natural tooth, and reduce the risk of future tooth extraction.

Note 4: Tooth Extraction When Conservation is No Longer Possible

Tooth extraction is the last resort

• If a tooth is severely decayed, extensively fractured, or infected beyond repair by fillings or root canal treatment, your dentist may recommend extraction.

• The goal of extraction is to eliminate the source of pain, prevent the infection from spreading, and protect surrounding healthy teeth.

• If you're seeking to alleviate toothache but all conservative treatment methods are ineffective, tooth extraction may be a necessary solution.

Not all toothaches require extraction

• Before deciding on extraction, the dentist will assess the extent of damage through clinical examination and X-rays.

• In most cases, efforts will be made to preserve the tooth using methods like fillings, root canal treatment, or crowning if restoration is possible.

• Extraction is only considered when preserving the tooth is no longer feasible or if retaining it poses a risk of complications.

Chewing function can be restored after extraction

• In children, primary tooth extraction is usually not a major concern as permanent teeth will erupt to replace them as part of natural development.

• For adults, the space after tooth extraction can be restored with various methods such as dental bridges, removable dentures, or dental implants, which improve chewing ability and aesthetics.

• Restoring missing teeth also helps prevent remaining teeth from shifting over time.

Wisdom teeth are often more likely to be extracted

• Some teeth, especially wisdom teeth, do not play a significant role in chewing function and often cause complications such as impaction, erupting at an angle, or pericoronitis.

• In these cases, the dentist may recommend extraction to prevent pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.

• Conversely, for front teeth or teeth important for aesthetics and chewing, the dentist will try to preserve them if treatment is still possible.

Discuss treatment plan and costs with your dentist

• If you're wondering what to do for a toothache and are advised to have a tooth extracted, discuss thoroughly with your dentist the reason for extraction, alternative options, and the post-extraction recovery plan.

• Also, inquire about treatment costs and insurance benefits (if any), as many insurance plans do not cover all dental services.

• Despite trying many home remedies for toothache, definitive treatment of the underlying cause of pain remains the most important solution for long-term oral health.

Tips for Temporary Toothache Relief at Home

You can try using fresh garlic for pain relief

• Fresh garlic is a folk remedy many people use to treat toothache at home due to its allicin content – a compound with antibacterial properties.

• You can gently chew a fresh garlic clove near the aching tooth or crush it and apply it for a short time.

• However, scientific evidence for garlic's pain-relieving efficacy is limited. Avoid prolonged contact of garlic with gums, as it can cause irritation or burns to the oral mucosa.

Observe teeth and gums for unusual signs

• If you suspect a toothache is due to decay or exposed dentin, check in a mirror for cavities, cracked teeth, discolored teeth, or receding gums around the tooth.

• These signs can help you pinpoint the area of damage to describe more accurately to your dentist during an examination.

• However, not all causes of pain are visible to the naked eye, so a dental examination is still crucial.

Use dental floss to remove trapped food

• If you're unsure what to do for a toothache, try gently flossing around the aching tooth.

• Food particles or plaque stuck between teeth can sometimes cause pain or gum inflammation.

• Avoid using toothpicks or sharp objects to remove food, as this can damage the gums and worsen inflammation.

Limit chewing on the side with the aching tooth

• While waiting for treatment, prioritize chewing on the unaffected side of your mouth to reduce pressure on the damaged tooth.

• At the same time, choose soft, easy-to-chew foods to limit irritation to the painful area and help effectively relieve toothache.

Brush and clean your teeth gently

• Even if you're in pain, you still need to maintain the habit of brushing your teeth and cleaning between them daily.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush gently, and avoid strong pressure on the painful area.

• Keeping your mouth clean helps limit bacterial growth and reduces the risk of the condition worsening.

Don't delay seeing a dentist

• If your toothache lasts for more than a few days, becomes increasingly severe, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or pus, see a dentist immediately.

• These symptoms could be signs of a dental abscess or infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues and cause dangerous complications.

• Home remedies for toothache only provide short-term symptom relief. Treating the root cause at a dental clinic remains the most effective and safest way to protect long-term oral health.

References

1. American Association of Endodontists. (2024). Root Canal Treatment: Guide to Saving Natural Teeth. American Association of Endodontists.
2. American Dental Association. (2024). MouthHealthy: Toothaches. American Dental Association.
3. American Dental Association. (2024). Dental Fillings. American Dental Association.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Oral Health: Adult Oral Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
5. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Toothache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention. Cleveland Clinic.
6. Cochrane Oral Health. (2022). Interventions for Managing Toothache and Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
7. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024). Toothache: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic.
8. National Health Service. (2023). Toothache. NHS England.
9. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2023). Tooth Decay. National Institutes of Health.
10. Robertson, D., & Smith, A. J. (2018). The Microbiology of the Acute Dental Abscess. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 58(2), 155–162.
11. World Health Organization. (2022). Global Oral Health Status Report: Towards Universal Health Coverage for Oral Health by 2030. World Health Organization.

Content edited by: Leigh Kennedy Ly.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Olivia Thompson.