Published: May 13, 2022 

Tooth pain can feel sharp. It can throb. It can spread to your jaw, ear, head, or neck. It can also make it hard to eat, sleep, or think.

Natural tooth pain relief may help you feel better for a short time. But it does not fix the actual cause.

A cavity, a cracked tooth, gum disease, or a dental abscess needs a dentist.

This guide explains 15 safe relief steps, what to avoid, when tooth pain is urgent, and when to book dental care.

For more help, visit our Pain Management & Conditions Hub, First Aid & Home Remedies Hub, Medical Tests & Screenings Hub, and Health Hub.

Medical note: This article is for education only. It does not diagnose or treat dental disease. Natural remedies can reduce pain for a short time. They do not replace a dentist. Seek urgent care for tooth pain with face swelling, fever, pus, bad taste, trouble opening your mouth, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, swelling near the eye, severe headache, confusion, chest pain, or symptoms that feel like an emergency.

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Natural Tooth Pain Relief?

The best natural tooth pain relief is gentle care that lowers pain while you arrange dental care.

Helpful short-term steps include:

• Warm salt water rinse
• Cold compress
• Keeping your head raised
• Gentle brushing
• Careful flossing
• Soft foods
• Avoiding very hot or very cold foods
• Avoiding sweets
• Avoiding hard foods
• Hydration
• Jaw rest
• Relaxing the jaw
• Cool peppermint tea bag
• Diluted clove oil with caution
• Seeing a dentist to fix the cause

If tooth pain lasts more than 1 to 2 days, comes back, wakes you at night, or comes with swelling, book a dentist.

Why Tooth Pain Happens

Tooth pain is a warning sign.

Common causes include:

• Tooth decay
• Cavity
• Dental abscess
• Gum disease
• Gum infection
• Cracked tooth
• Loose filling
• Wisdom tooth pain
• Food stuck between teeth
• Teeth grinding
• Jaw clenching
• TMJ pain
• Sinus pressure
• Tooth injury
• Recent dental work

Home care may calm pain. But it cannot fill a cavity. It cannot drain an abscess. It cannot repair a cracked tooth.

When Tooth Pain Is Serious

Get urgent dental or medical help if you have:

• Face swelling
• Gum swelling
• Swelling under the jaw
• Swelling near the eye
• Fever
• Chills
• Pus
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Bad breath with pain
• Trouble opening your mouth
• Trouble swallowing
• Trouble breathing
• Severe headache
• Confusion
• Chest pain
• Jaw pain with sweating or shortness of breath

A dental abscess can spread. Do not wait.

1. Warm Salt Water Rinse

A warm salt water rinse can help clean the mouth. It may soothe sore gums.

How to use it

1. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water.
2. Swish gently for 20 to 30 seconds.
3. Spit it out.
4. Repeat a few times a day if it helps.

Do not swallow the rinse. Do not use very hot water.

This may help with pain. It does not cure infection.

2. Cold Compress

A cold compress may help with swelling, injury pain, or throbbing pain.

How to use it

1. Wrap a cold pack in a cloth.
2. Place it on the outside of your cheek.
3. Use it for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Take a break before using it again.

Do not put ice straight on your skin. Do not place ice on the tooth.

3. Keep Your Head Raised

Tooth pain can feel worse when you lie flat.

Try sleeping with your head raised. Use an extra pillow.

This may reduce throbbing at night. It does not fix the tooth.

4. Brush Gently

Do not stop cleaning your teeth. Food and plaque can make pain worse.

Use a soft toothbrush. Brush slowly.

Do:

• Use gentle pressure.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean near the gumline.
• Avoid hard scrubbing.

If brushing causes severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, see a dentist.

5. Floss Carefully if Food Is Stuck

Food stuck between teeth can cause pressure and pain.

Floss gently. Do not snap floss into the gum.

If pain improves after food comes out, keep the area clean.

If pain stays or returns, see a dentist. Food may be trapped because of a cavity, a broken filling, or a gum pocket.

6. Eat Soft Foods

Soft foods place less pressure on the sore tooth.

Try:

• Yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Scrambled eggs
• Soft rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Soft pasta
• Warm soup, not hot soup
• Banana
• Avocado
• Soft fish

Chew on the other side if you can.

7. Avoid very hot or very cold foods

Hot and cold foods can trigger tooth nerve pain.

Avoid:

• Ice water
• Ice cream
• Very hot tea
• Very hot coffee
• Very hot soup
• Very cold smoothies

If hot or cold pain lasts more than a few seconds, the tooth nerve may be irritated.

8. Avoid Sweet Foods and Drinks

Sugar can trigger pain when decay is present.

Limit:

• Candy
• Soda
• Sweet tea
• Juice
• Cookies
• Cakes
• Sticky sweets

Rinse with water after eating if you cannot brush.

9. Avoid Hard or Crunchy Foods

Hard foods can make tooth pain worse.

Avoid:

• Hard nuts
• Hard candy
• Ice chewing
• Crunchy chips
• Hard toast
• Chewy meat
• Popcorn kernels

Do not test the sore tooth by biting hard. This can make a crack worse.

10. Drink Water

A dry mouth can make tooth and gum pain feel worse.

Drink water often.

Also try:

• Rinse after meals.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Limit alcohol.
• Ask about dry mouth if you take medicines.

Sugar-free gum may help dry mouth, but do not chew gum if chewing hurts.

11. Rest Your Jaw

Jaw clenching can make tooth pain worse.

Give your jaw a break.

• Do not chew gum.
• Do not bite pens.
• Do not chew ice.
• Do not eat hard snacks.
• Keep teeth apart when not eating.
• Rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

This may help if pain is linked with TMJ, clenching, or grinding.

12. Relax the Jaw and Face

Stress can make people clench their teeth.

Try this simple reset:

1. Drop your shoulders.
2. Place your tongue behind your upper front teeth.
3. Keep your teeth slightly apart.
4. Breathe slowly for 60 seconds.
5. Repeat during the day.

If you wake with tooth pain or morning headaches, ask a dentist about teeth grinding.

13. Cool Peppermint Tea Bag

A cooled peppermint tea bag may feel soothing for some people.

How to use it

1. Steep a peppermint tea bag.
2. Let it cool.
3. Place it near the sore area for a short time.
4. Do not use it hot.
5. Throw it away after use.

Stop if it stings or causes irritation.

This may soothe pain. It does not treat infection or decay.

14. Diluted Clove Oil With Caution

Clove oil is a common toothache home remedy. It contains eugenol, which can numb pain for a short time.

But clove oil is strong. It can burn the mouth. It can be harmful if swallowed.

Safety rules

• Do not swallow clove oil.
• Do not use it undiluted.
• Do not use it on children without medical advice.
• Do not use it if you are allergic to clove.
• Ask first if pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Ask first if you take blood thinners.
• Keep it away from children and pets.

If used, it should be very diluted in a carrier oil and applied in a tiny amount with a cotton swab.

Stop if it burns.

15. Book a Dentist

This is the step that fixes the cause.

Natural relief is temporary. A dentist can check for:

• Cavity
• Abscess
• Gum infection
• Cracked tooth
• Loose filling
• Wisdom tooth problem
• Grinding damage
• Bite problem

Call a dentist if pain lasts more than 1 to 2 days, is severe, wakes you at night, keeps coming back, or comes with swelling.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Helpful, But Not Natural

Some people need medicine while waiting for a dentist.

Ask a dentist, doctor, or pharmacist what is safe for you.

Common options may include:

• Acetaminophen, also called paracetamol in some countries
• Ibuprofen, if safe for you
• Naproxen, if safe for you

Do not take more than the label says. Do not mix medicines without advice.

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are not safe for everyone. They may not be safe with some stomach, kidney, heart, bleeding, asthma, pregnancy, or medicine-interaction risks.

Do not give aspirin to children unless a doctor says to.

What About Benzocaine Tooth Gels?

Some gels contain benzocaine. They can numb pain for a short time.

But they are not safe for everyone.

Important safety points:

• Do not use benzocaine products for infants or young children unless a healthcare professional says it is safe.
• Do not use more than the label says.
• Stop and get help if you feel short of breath, dizzy, very tired, or notice blue or gray lips or skin.
• Ask a pharmacist first if you have health conditions or take medicines.

For children, always ask a doctor, dentist, or pharmacist before using numbing gels.

What Not to Use for Tooth Pain

Some home remedies can harm your mouth.

Do not put these on a painful tooth or gum:

• Aspirin tablets
• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Undiluted hydrogen peroxide
• Alcohol
• Bleach
• Undiluted essential oils
• Very hot salt packs
• Tooth whitening products
• Garlic paste that burns the gums

Chewing gum does not heal.

Can Natural Remedies Cure a Dental Abscess?

No. A dental abscess needs dental treatment.

Salt water, cold compresses, and pain medicine may help symptoms for a short time. But they do not remove the infection.

A dentist may need to:

• Drain the abscess
• Do a root canal
• Remove the tooth if it cannot be saved
• Prescribe antibiotics if the infection has spread, or the risk is high

Do not delay care for swelling, fever, pus, or severe pain.

How to Know If Tooth Pain Is From a Cavity

A cavity may cause:

• Pain with sweet foods
• Pain with hot drinks
• Pain with cold drinks
• Pain when biting
• A visible hole
• A dark spot
• Food getting stuck
• Bad breath
• Pain that comes and goes

A cavity will not heal on its own once it becomes a hole.

How to Know If Tooth Pain Is From Gum Disease

Gum problems may cause:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Red gums
• Tender gums
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Pus near the gum
• Pain when chewing

Gum disease needs dental care and daily home care.

How to Know If Tooth Pain Is From Sinus Pressure

Sinus pressure can feel like upper tooth pain.

It may come with:

• Stuffy nose
• Thick mucus
• Cheek pressure
• Forehead pressure
• Several upper teeth are aching
• Pain worse when bending forward
• Reduced smell
• Recent cold

If one tooth hurts sharply or hurts when biting, a dental cause is more likely.

For more, read Toothache and Headache: Causes, Symptoms, and Quick Relief.

How Dentists Treat the Cause

Treatment depends on the cause.

Cavity

A dentist may use a filling, crown, or root canal if decay is deep.

Abscess

Treatment may include drainage, root canal, tooth removal, and sometimes antibiotics.

Cracked Tooth

Treatment may include bonding, crown, root canal, or removal.

Gum Disease

Treatment may include cleaning, deep cleaning, gum therapy, medicine, and better home care.

Grinding or Clenching

Treatment may include a night guard, bite review, stress support, and jaw care.

Wisdom Tooth Pain

Treatment may include cleaning around the tooth, infection care, or removal if needed.

Prevention: How to Stop Tooth Pain from Coming Back

Prevention is better than emergency pain relief.

• Brush twice a day.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth daily.
• Limit sugary snacks.
• Limit sugary drinks.
• Drink water.
• Do not smoke.
• Get regular dental checkups.
• Treat cavities early.
• Replace broken fillings.
• Use a mouth guard for sports.
• Ask about a night guard if you grind your teeth.
• Do not use your teeth to open packages.
• Do not chew ice.

Simple 7-Day Tooth Pain Safety Plan

This plan helps you stay safe while you arrange care. It is not a cure.

Day 1: Check Red Flags

Look for swelling, fever, pus, bad taste, trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing. Get urgent help if present.

Day 2: Use Gentle Relief

Try a warm salt water rinse and a cold compress.

Day 3: Eat Soft Foods

Use soft foods. Avoid chewing on the sore side.

Day 4: Avoid Triggers

Skip hot, cold, sweet, hard, and acidic foods.

Day 5: Keep the Mouth Clean

Brush gently. Floss carefully if food is stuck.

Day 6: Book Dental Care

If pain lasts, comes back, or wakes you at night, see a dentist.

Day 7: Fix the Cause

Follow the dental plan. Natural relief only helps symptoms.

Questions to Ask Your Dentist

• What is causing my tooth pain?
• Do I have a cavity?
• Do I have an abscess?
• Do I need an X-ray?
• Do I need a filling?
• Do I need a root canal?
• Do I need antibiotics?
• Is the tooth cracked?
• Could I be grinding my teeth?
• What pain medicine is safe for me?
• What should I avoid until treatment?
• How can I stop this from coming back?

FAQ about Best Natural Tooth Pain Relief

What is the best natural tooth pain relief?

The best natural short-term relief includes warm salt water rinses, cold compresses, soft foods, gentle brushing, careful flossing, hydration, head elevation, and avoiding hot, cold, sweet, or hard foods.

Can natural remedies cure a toothache?

No. Natural remedies may reduce pain for a short time, but they do not cure cavities, abscesses, gum disease, cracked teeth, or infected teeth.

How can I stop tooth pain fast at home?

You can try a cold compress, warm salt water rinse, soft foods, avoiding chewing on the painful side, and safe pain medicine if suitable. See a dentist if pain lasts or is severe.

Is clove oil safe for tooth pain?

Clove oil may numb pain for a short time, but it can burn the mouth and can be harmful if swallowed. It should be diluted, used with caution, and avoided in children unless a healthcare professional says it is safe.

Can salt water stop tooth pain?

Salt water may soothe the area and help clean the mouth. It can reduce discomfort, but it does not cure infection, decay, or a cracked tooth.

Should I use heat or cold for tooth pain?

A cold compress is often safer for swelling and throbbing pain. Avoid very hot compresses, especially if there is swelling.

When should I see a dentist for tooth pain?

See a dentist if pain lasts more than 1 to 2 days, is severe, keeps coming back, wakes you at night, hurts when biting, or comes with swelling, fever, pus, or bad taste.

Is a tooth abscess an emergency?

A dental abscess needs urgent dental treatment. Seek emergency care if you have fever, facial swelling, swelling near the eye, trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing.

Can I take antibiotics for tooth pain?

Only take antibiotics if a dentist or doctor prescribes them. Many toothaches need dental treatment, not just antibiotics.

What should I avoid with tooth pain?

Avoid chewing on the sore side, very hot or cold foods, sweets, hard foods, alcohol, smoking, aspirin on the gum, undiluted essential oils, vinegar, lemon juice, and delaying dental care.

Related Reading

• Toothache and Headache: Causes, Symptoms, and Quick Relief
• Mouth Ulcers: Causes, Fast Relief, Prevention, and When to Worry
• Causes of Mouth Ulcers in Children: Triggers, Relief, and When to Worry
• Pain Management & Conditions Hub
• First Aid & Home Remedies Hub
• Medical Tests & Screenings Hub
• Infections & Immune Health Hub
• Health Hub
• Chest Pain vs. Heart Attack: Know the Life-Saving Difference
• Signs of a Heart Attack: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You
• Healthy Lifestyle Roadmap: 14 Practical Tips for Better Health

Key Takeaway

Best Natural Tooth Pain Relief can help you feel better for a short time.

Good options include salt water rinse, cold compress, soft foods, gentle brushing, careful flossing, head elevation, jaw rest, hydration, and avoiding pain triggers.

Clove oil may numb pain, but it must be used with caution. It is not safe for everyone.

Do not use harsh remedies like aspirin on the gum, lemon juice, vinegar, alcohol, bleach, or undiluted essential oils.

Most important: fix the cause. A cavity, abscess, cracked tooth, or gum infection needs dental care.

Get urgent help for swelling, fever, pus, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, swelling near the eye, severe headache, chest pain, or symptoms that feel like an emergency.

 

Sources

• NIDCR — Tooth Decay
• NHS — Dental Abscess
• Mayo Clinic — Tooth Abscess Symptoms and Causes
• Mayo Clinic — Tooth Abscess Diagnosis and Treatment
• Mayo Clinic — Toothache First Aid
• MedlinePlus — Toothaches
• MedlinePlus — Tooth Abscess
• Cleveland Clinic — Toothache
• American Dental Association — Acute Dental Pain Management Guideline
• FDA — Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children