Toothache Remedies

1. Clove Oil

Why Cloves?
Cloves contain a natural anesthetic called eugenol, which numbs whatever it comes in contact with.
How to Use It for Toothache Relief
Drip a drop or two of the oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the throbbing tooth.
Does It Work?
Clove oil may numb the affected area temporarily, but it is short-term relief lasting only a few minutes.
Is It Safe?
Not entirely. Clove oil can make pain worse if it comes in contact with other sensitive areas of your mouth, and it will hurt your tongue as well.

2. Peppermint Tea Bags

Why Peppermint Tea Bags?
Wet, used tea bags are often used to calm sensitive skin. Peppermint has numbing properties similar to cloves, useful for treating pain.
How to Use It for Toothache Relief
You can use peppermint tea bags in two ways. First, apply a cooled tea bag right on the throbbing area. Second, put the tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes, then apply it to the tooth. Keep the tea bag on for at least 20 minutes.
Does It Work?
There is anecdotal evidence that tea bags can lessen the pain. However, there is no long-term benefit, as pain comes back minutes after the bag is removed.
Is It Safe?
Yes. An herbal toothache pain relief method will not hurt you in any way.

3. Salt Water Treatment

Why Salt Water?
Salt water cleanses are often used to clean out an infected area, loosening debris and providing temporary relief.
How to Use It for Toothache Relief
Swish a small amount of salt water or saline solution in your mouth for 30 seconds. You can repeat once or twice.
Does It Work?
The cleansing effect of the salt can get rid of some nasty bacteria or festering pus, but salt water rinses provide no long-term benefits.
Is It Safe?
Yes. Salt water is all natural and, as toothache remedies go, one of the safest things you can do for your mouth.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Why Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide, much like salt water, is a cleansing aid, but it is even more effective than saline because it can attack bacteria rather than just rinsing it away.
How to Use It for Toothache Relief
Mix equal parts 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water, and swish the mixture in your mouth for 30 seconds. You can repeat once or twice.
Does It Work?
The rinse may provide a few minutes of temporary toothache pain relief, and it can help ward off gingivitis, which is a potential cause of toothache pain.
Is It Safe?
No. The dangers of using hydrogen peroxide outweigh the benefits. If this solution is ingested, it can cause stomach or intestinal problems, and if you do not mix in enough water, the hydrogen peroxide can burn your mouth.

5. Bourbon-Soaked Cotton Ball

Why bourbon?
Bourbon has numbing properties, as do most alcohols.
How to Use It for Toothache Relief
Put a bit on a cotton ball, and cover the throbbing tooth with the cotton ball.
Does It Work?
Bourbon may provide a few minutes of relief, but the reduction of toothache symptoms is temporary. They will come roaring back as soon as the alcohol evaporates.
Is It Safe?
No, especially if you are using it to treat a child. Though many think the small amount of alcohol used in this popular toothache home remedy is minimal enough to be safe for kids, the truth is that any amount of alcohol ingested by a child can have serious consequences, such as seizures or throwing up.

6. Garlic

Why Garlic?
Garlic acts similarly to an antibiotic, and it can inhibit the growth of bacteria that is attacking your tooth.
How to Use It for Toothache Relief
You can use garlic in two ways. First, mash a garlic clove and a dash of salt, and apply the paste to the throbbing tooth. Second, pop a clove or two of garlic into your mouth and chew. Repeat two or three times per day.
Does It Work?
The garlic may temporarily relieve pain, but it depends on what the cause of your toothache is. For example, if it is caused by temporomandibular joint disorder, garlic may not offer any relief at all.
Is It Safe?
Yes. However, you may find people backing away from you at parties – noshing on garlic is a classic cause of bad breath.

7. Vanilla Extract

Why Vanilla Extract?
Alcohol is one of the active ingredients in vanilla extract, and as we have already established, alcohol acts as a numbing agent. Also, the scent of vanilla is believed by many to be soothing and relaxing, which can help ease pain.
How to Use It for Toothache Relief
You can use vanilla extract in two ways. First, dab a small amount of it on your finger and rub the throbbing tooth and gum area. Second, apply a small amount of vanilla extract to a cotton ball and place it on the affected area. Repeat two or three times per day.
Does It Work?
Vanilla extract can offer temporary relief of tooth pain, but it lasts for minutes and requires frequent reapplication.
Is It Safe?
No. While the amount of alcohol in vanilla is fairly minimal, it is still alcohol, and this method is especially unsafe for children.