Dental home remedies for toothache: Do they actually work?

Dental home remedies for toothache: Do they actually work? 

A toothache isn’t just a pain in the mouth. A persistent toothache could be a symptom of tooth decay or a cavity. If you are experiencing tooth pain, the best thing you can do is book in for an emergency same-day dental appointment. While home remedies won’t fix the underlying problem, they can help you feel more comfortable while you wait for treatment. 

Saltwater rinse 

When food particles get stuck between your teeth it can lead to toothache. This often happens in places that are hard to brush or floss - like between impacted wisdom teeth and the back of your mouth. As the food breaks down it can produce bacteria and cause inflammation of the gums. This swelling can make brushing and flossing even more difficult. 

Rinsing with saltwater is an easy and effective home remedy for dealing with trapped food. It can loosen up the particles and help protect your mouth from bacteria. Saltwater also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and is nice and soothing on sore gums.   

How to use a saltwater rinse 

Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Swirl and gargle this mixture in your mouth just like mouthwash. If this doesn’t help dislodge the food, you should see a dentist.  

A cold compress 

When you have a toothache you may also have inflammation in your mouth, especially if you’ve experienced trauma or a knock to the mouth. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth works by causing the blood vessels to constrict. This helps reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.  

If toothache is keeping you awake at night, try a cold compress. It’s a great way to help you get to sleep.  

How to use a cold compress 

Wrap a bag of ice, some ice cubes or a frozen bag of peas in a towel and hold it to the outside of your mouth for 20 minutes at a time. Repeat this process every few hours to help the swelling go down. 

Peppermint tea 

Peppermint has natural antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can help numb tooth pain. Drinking peppermint tea may help you feel more relaxed, but you can also use the teabag to soothe sensitive gums.  

How to use peppermint tea 

Make a peppermint tea and allow the teabag to cool slightly before placing it on your gums. You can also use the teabag to cool sore gums. Place the teabag in the freezer for a few minutes before placing it on your teeth. 

Guava leaves  

Guava leaves have lots of nutrients that provide a range of health benefits. They’re rich in Vitamin C, A, and potassium and are often used as a natural remedy for digestion, blood sugar and immunity.  

They also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain. The dried leaves are available from health food stores in New Zealand. 

How to use guava leaves 

You can chew on the leaves or add them to hot water. Once the tea has cooled you can gargle it around your mouth to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.  

How well do natural remedies work? 

Natural remedies aren’t a cure for toothache, but they can help dull the pain, reduce swelling and inflammation while you wait to see a dentist. Apart from a saltwater rinse, which might dislodge stuck food particles, these remedies usually don’t address the underlying problem.  

When should I see a dentist for toothache? 

If you’ve had a toothache for more than a day, it’s a good idea to see a dentist at one of our Wellington, Lower Hutt or Upper Hutt locations. Persistent tooth pain can be a sign of something more serious, like cavities or tooth decay. If you’re in pain, you can call us on 0508 GENTLE (436 853) for a same day appointment.