12 Effective Ways for Toothache Relief

A toothache has a way of consuming your entire day and night.

Whether it's a dull ache, sharp twinge, or throbbing pain that you can't ignore, toothaches are your body's way of letting you know that something isn't quite right.

If you search for home remedies online, you'll find countless suggestions for temporary pain relief.

Just remember that most of these solutions don't fix the underlying cause, and you'll still need to see a dentist if you want to get to the root of the issue.

In this article, we break down what actually works and when it's time to stop managing symptoms and book a dental appointment.

Before trying to relieve pain, it's important to understand what type of discomfort you're experiencing:

Tooth sensitivity tends to cause a sharp sting when you eat sugary foods and drinks or hot and cold beverages.

A true toothache is often deeper, throbbing, persistent, or radiating in nature.

It is usually caused by tooth decay and may travel to the jaw, ear, or head.

Gum issues can range from sensitivity to persistent bleeding gums and painful ulcers.

Sensitivity and toothache also differ in how long discomfort lasts.

Sensitivity usually fades within seconds once the trigger is removed.

Toothache, however, tends to linger and may worsen over time, especially if infection is present.

Let's take a closer look at some of the best home remedies and relief tactics that can help with an aching tooth.

Most dentists agree that over-the-counter anti-inflammatories are the most effective first step for dental pain.

Ibuprofen helps reduce inflammation around the tooth, which often eases pressure and discomfort.

If you can't take ibuprofen, paracetamol is a suitable and effective alternative.

Always follow dosage guidelines and avoid taking medications you've been advised not to use.

Painkillers don't cure a toothache, but they can make acute dental pain more tolerable until you have time to see your dentist.

For moderate to severe tooth pain, alternating ibuprofen and paracetamol (if appropriate for you) can offer better relief than either option alone.

This approach helps manage pain while avoiding excess doses of a single medication.

Dental pain is often driven by inflammation within the tooth or surrounding tissues.

Anti-inflammatories address this underlying response, which is why they are often more effective for toothache than pain relief alone.

If pain persists despite medication, further treatment is required.

A sore tooth still requires proper hygiene. Gently brushing and flossing helps remove food debris and bacteria that can worsen inflammation.

If brushing directly over the affected area is uncomfortable, use a soft-bristled brush.

Stick to your usual oral hygiene routine (brushing and flossing twice a day), just be a little gentler than usual.

Clove is one of the few traditional remedies acknowledged by dentists.

This natural solution is accessible, affordable, and particularly helpful if the tooth nerve is still alive.

Simply apply a very small amount of clove oil onto a cotton ball and press it gently against the affected area.

Too much clove oil can burn your gums and worsen irritation, so use it with caution.

Salt water won't help nerve pain, tooth decay, or cavities, but it can be useful if discomfort is caused by:

• Inflamed gums
• Wisdom tooth irritation
• Ulcers or mild infections

Rinse gently with warm, salty water for a few minutes before spitting it out.

It may sting slightly, but it can help reduce inflammation in your mouth's soft tissues.

If your pain is associated with swollen or bleeding gums, an antiseptic mouthwash (such as a hydrogen peroxide rinse) can help control oral bacteria.

This is not a substitute for dental treatment, but it can support gum healing while you wait for an appointment.

You can get antiseptic mouthwashes from your local pharmacy without a prescription.

Keep in mind that these products are intended as short-term support.

Ongoing gum pain or bleeding usually indicates an underlying issue such as gum disease, which cannot be resolved with mouthwash alone and requires professional care.

Very hot or cold foods and drinks can aggravate toothache pain, especially if your enamel is compromised or your nerve is irritated.

Try stick to lukewarm foods and avoid chewing gum on the affected side if possible.

While this won't help treat your pain, it can offer temporary relief and avoid irritating the area further.

If your discomfort is triggered by cold, hot, or sugary foods, a desensitising toothpaste can help block nerve signals over time.

Dr. Anna Beattie

This won't resolve decay or infection, but it can reduce sensitivity if the cause is exposed dentine rather than more serious damage.

If you're not sure what toothpaste is best for sensitive teeth, consult your dentist or oral hygienist.

Peppermint tea bags, garlic, and other home remedies don't provide effective tooth pain relief.

At best, they offer a distraction from your discomfort.

At worst, they irritate your gums and delay proper care.

Be wary of natural cures and traditional treatments, especially if they leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Do your research, and when in doubt, book an appointment with your dentist to uncover the cause of your dental pain.

Cold compresses rarely help true toothaches.

If a cold compress alleviates your tooth pain, it could be a sign that your tooth is dying, which means you require urgent dental attention.

Dr. Anna Beattie

After dental surgery, external ice packs can help bring down swelling and offer comfort, but they're not a reliable solution for tooth pain itself.

Alcohol (especially spirits like rum and vodka) can offer temporary numbing for tooth pain, but it doesn't treat the issue.

In fact, alcohol can make things worse by drying out tissues, inflaming the area, and feeding bacteria.

So, while you may feel better for a few hours, you'll most likely feel worse in the long run.

If your toothache is severe or it lasts more than 1-2 days, you need to pay your dentist a visit. He or she will effectively examine the area, take an x-ray if necessary, and prescribe appropriate treatment.

You don’t have to suffer on with the excruciating pain of a toothache. Start out with tip number one on our list and work your way down towards effective and long-term toothache relief.   

We offer emergency consultations and our Dublin, Limerick or Galway clinics are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturday for your convenience.

Get in touch with our Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin 2 (Aungier Street), Limerick or Galway clinics today and let us help you get out of pain - fast!

Toothache can develop for several reasons, and the severity of pain doesn’t always reflect the seriousness of the problem.

Tooth decay is a frequent cause, particularly when it progresses deep enough to irritate the nerve.

Cracked or fractured teeth may also cause pain, even when damage isn’t visible.

Gum disease can trigger discomfort when inflammation spreads beyond the gums and begins to affect the supporting structures of the teeth.

Teeth grinding and clenching can also lead to aching pain by placing repeated pressure on the teeth and jaw.

There's no harm in booking a dental appointment even if you feel a slight twinge. However, you should definitely see a dentist if:

• Pain lasts more than a day
• Discomfort is throbbing, travelling, or worsening
• Dental pain disturbs your sleep
• Hot foods trigger lingering pain
• Bleeding gums are persistent
• Swelling, bad taste, or fever develops

If the pain is persistent, don't wait and book that appointment as soon as you can.