Tooth pain has a way of showing up at the worst times—right in the middle of lunch, just before a flight, or when you’re finally sitting down to relax. And when it hits, all you want is something that works fast.
Toothaches are one of the most common reasons people call the dentist. And while they’re usually a sign that something’s wrong, there are ways to get some quick relief. From salt water rinses to over-the-counter pain relievers, there are plenty of home remedies to ease the discomfort until you can get to the dentist.
Ten Trusted Remedies to Relieve Tooth Pain Fast
1. Rinse with Warm Salt Water
A simple salt solution can reduce inflammation, loosen food particles, and soothe irritated tissue. Just mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, swish for 30 seconds, and spit it out.
2. Try a Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Swollen or bleeding gums could be early signs of gum disease. A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse can help reduce bacteria and ease your pain. Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, swish gently, and spit it out.
Important note: Never swallow hydrogen peroxide, and don’t use this method more than once a day.
3. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
When it comes to fast-acting tooth pain relief, ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often your best options. They will help reduce inflammation and dull the pain while you wait for a dental appointment.
4. Use a Cold Compress
If your pain is related to swelling or injury, try placing a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Try 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. It won’t fix the problem, but it can buy you some temporary relief.
5. Apply Dental Gel
Dental gels with numbing agents like benzocaine offer quick, localized pain relief. These gels can be applied directly to the sore spot, but they are not meant for long-term treatment. If you have constant tooth pain, please make a dentist appointment.
6. Try Clove Oil
Clove oil has been used for generations as a natural remedy for tooth pain. It contains eugenol, a compound with numbing and anti-inflammatory properties. Dab a little onto a cotton swab and gently apply it to the affected tooth or gums.
7. Dab on Some Vanilla Extract
A lesser-known trick, vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can temporarily numb the pain. It also has antioxidant properties. Use a cotton swab to apply a small amount to the painful area.
8. Chew on Garlic
Garlic has natural antibacterial properties and may help relieve pain or kill some of the bacteria that are causing an infection. If you can handle the flavor, you can chew some raw garlic gently on the sore side of your mouth. For a milder taste, crush a clove of garlic into a paste and then apply it to the affected area.
9. Avoid Foods and Drinks That Make the Pain Worse
Until you can get treatment, skip anything that might aggravate the problem, including:
- Hot or cold drinks
- Sugary snacks
- Citrus fruits
- Hard or crunchy foods
Stick to soft, lukewarm meals and rinse your mouth after eating.
10. Schedule a Dental Appointment
Most home remedies offer temporary relief, but they don’t fix the root of the problem. Whether it’s a cavity, cracked or missing tooth, an infection, or something else entirely, the only way to get lasting relief is to have it treated by your dentist.
Remember: Regular checkups can help prevent pain from starting in the first place.
Don’t Let Tooth Pain Take Over Your Day
Tooth pain doesn’t just wear on your nerves—it can affect how you eat, sleep, focus, and enjoy daily life. But you don’t have to live with it.
At Baker Dental of West Branch, we take tooth pain seriously. Whether your discomfort is brand new or has been bothering you for weeks, we’re here to help you get answers and find relief that lasts.
Need help now? Give us a call to schedule an urgent appointment—we’ll help you feel better, right away.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (08/05/25). Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels