Aug 20, 2025
How to Stop a Toothache Fast: 7 At-Home Remedies
By Dr. Leslie Patrick, DMD
There are few things more disruptive than a throbbing toothache. It can affect your ability to eat, sleep, and concentrate. While the only permanent solution is to see a dentist to diagnose and treat the underlying cause, you don't have to suffer while you wait for your appointment.
At Smyrna Dental Studio, we strive to make you as comfortable as possible. This guide provides safe and effective at-home remedies to help you manage tooth pain fast. Think of this as dental first-aid, a way to get temporary relief until you can receive professional care.
⚠️ Important Note: This is Temporary Relief, Not a Cure
A toothache is a sign that something is wrong. While these tips can help reduce pain, they do not address the underlying problem (such as a cavity, infection, or cracked tooth). It is essential to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible to prevent the issue from getting worse.
Safe At-Home Remedies for Toothache Relief
1. Warm Salt Water Rinse
This is the first-line defense for a reason. A saltwater rinse acts as a natural antiseptic, helping to clean the area, reduce inflammation, and draw out any fluid that may be causing swelling.
How to use: Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Swish gently in your mouth for 30 seconds, focusing on the painful area, then spit it out.
2. Cold Compress
For toothaches caused by trauma or swelling, a cold compress is highly effective in relieving pain. It helps constrict blood vessels, which numbs the pain and reduces inflammation.
How to use: Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a thin towel. Apply it to the outside of your cheek over the painful area for 20-minute intervals.
3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Anti-inflammatory medications are very effective at reducing the pain associated with a toothache.
Which to use: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is often recommended because it targets both pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also be used for pain relief. Follow the package directions for dosage.
4. Clove Oil (Use with Caution)
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic. It can provide powerful, temporary numbing, but must be used carefully to avoid irritating your gums.
How to use: Place a few drops of clove oil onto a cotton ball. Gently dab it onto the painful tooth, avoiding direct contact with your gums.
5. Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint has mild numbing properties that can soothe a painful tooth and sensitive gums.
How to use: Steep a peppermint tea bag and let it cool slightly. Apply the warm, damp tea bag directly to the affected area for 20 minutes.
When Your Toothache Becomes a Dental Emergency
While any persistent toothache requires a dental visit, you should seek immediate care if your pain is accompanied by:
A fever
Swelling in your face or jaw
A foul taste or pus in your mouth
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
These are signs of a serious infection (abscess) that can be life-threatening.
Myths vs. Truth: Toothache Edition
Myth #1: "Placing aspirin directly on the tooth will stop the pain faster."
Truth: This is a dangerous and common myth. Aspirin is acidic and will not relieve pain this way. Instead, it can cause a painful chemical burn on your gums and cheek tissue. Always swallow pain medication.
Myth #2: "If the toothache goes away, the problem is fixed."
Truth: Pain often comes and goes, but the underlying cause (like a cavity or infection) will only get worse. A sudden stop in pain can sometimes be a sign that the nerve inside the tooth has died, but the infection is still present and can be spreading silently.
Myth #3: "A little whiskey on the gums will numb the pain."
Truth: Alcohol is not an effective numbing agent for a toothache and can irritate your gums. It's an outdated folk remedy that provides no real benefit. Stick to the safe remedies listed above.
Myth #4: "A toothache will eventually go away on its own."
Truth: Unlike a headache or muscle ache, a toothache is almost always a sign of a physical problem that the body cannot heal on its own. It requires professional diagnosis and treatment.
Don't Wait for the Pain to Get Worse
At-home remedies are an excellent bridge to get you through a difficult day or night, but they are not a long-term solution. The key to lasting relief is a professional diagnosis to address the root cause of your pain.
The team at Smyrna Dental Studio is here to help you find the relief you need. We prioritize patients in pain and will get you seen as quickly as possible.
If you have a toothache, don't wait. Call our Smyrna office today to schedule an appointment and get the expert care you deserve.
