Safe Toothache Remedies

Although there are many ways to tend to a toothache, not all of them are safe.  Other important considerations are how does each treatment last, is this a short or a long-term solution and how well (if at all) can you afford to pay for the treatment(s) that you need? 

For the record, if you can afford it or can find some way to pay for it, making an appointment ASAP to see a dentist is the best way to deal with a toothache that won’t go away or doesn’t respond well to home remedies. Unfortunately, home remedies are often, at best, a temporary, makeshift solution; your goal, however, should be to permanently (and safely) resolve the issue.   

Under the assumption that you either can’t afford or presently don’t have access to a dentist (maybe because you’re in the boondocks somewhere and must fend for yourself as best as you can), we herein provide 8 toothache home remedies that are generally safe and, at least for some people (depending on the etiology of the toothache), effective. 

To “cover all the bases,” we also provide 2 suggestions that do involve a dentist and, if all goes well, should more permanently resolve your problem, barring any major complications (e.g., finding out that you need major surgery, a biopsy, etc.).  

The Recommended Remedies

Aspirin & Other OTC Painkillers

Because aspirin contains salicylic acid, it’s best if you don’t apply it directly to your tooth, as some people ignorantly suggest. Having said that, because of its many benefits, aspirin is generally a safe and effective painkiller, preferably orally and not on an empty stomach.  

Some people, however, need to be wary of aspirin.  Such people include anyone on blood thinners, who has had intestinal ulcers, or who has been warned by a physician to not use it. Two other painkillers that you should consider are Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen. Yet another option is Naproxen.

Unfortunately, these options merely get rid of the pain, not the underlying problem.

Garlic

Considering that toothaches are often the result of tooth decay caused by sticky plaques that can eat through your tooth’s enamel (thereby painfully affecting sensitive tissue and nerves, as well as causing cavities), it’s easy to see why garlic can be useful for toothaches.

For one thing, garlic contains allicin, which is both a natural analgesic as well as an anti-inflammatory.  The best way to avail yourself of this option is by mashing together garlic, salt and a dab of olive oil (in order to create smoothness) into a paste which you can then apply directly to the tooth. 

Hold such in place for no less than 30 minutes; re-apply as needed several times per day.

Onion

It turns out that onions offer both antiseptic and antimicrobial characteristics—as such, they help to bring down the source of pain by killing off the microbes in possibly infected teeth, pulp and/or gum tissue. 

Of course, a toothache can exist for reasons other than an infection but, even if there is no infection, this remedy can help prevent the development of one. 

You can either put a piece of raw onion on the affected area or, if you have the discipline for it, you can also chew on pieces of raw onion.

Cloves (oil of cloves or Eugenol)

Oil of cloves (and the herb itself) has been used by native cultures around the world for medicinal purposes for years.  Its many natural healing benefits include:  boosting the immune system, enhancing blood circulation, helping to heal acne, helping to prevent gum disease, and preventing/healing inflammation.  

Oil of cloves not only reduces inflammation and swelling that often accompanies a toothache, but it also helps to manage pain—among other ways, through its broad-spectrum germ-killing capacity.  

As if that were not enough, oil of cloves has also been shown to slow down or deter tooth decalcification (i.e., “dental erosion”).

Bourbon, Vodka or Whiskey

Of all the home remedies listed here, this one is the most questionable one.  In fact, some experts advise that you not use this option, unless other options are not available—in other words, let this be merely a “no other option” type of choice.   

Ignore this idea altogether if you are taking a medication which may negatively interact with alcohol, are pregnant, or have any medical condition (including an alcohol addiction) that would make this an unacceptable idea. 

Having said this, if you do decide to use this option, simply dip a cotton ball in the alcohol of your choice, after which you can place the moistened ball on the tooth or gum area in question.  Hold the ball in place for a few minutes.  

You can also take a sip of the alcohol of your choice, after which you can hold it inside your mouth for as long as you can.  Don’t swallow any of the brew—instead, spit out the liquid completely.  Repeat the process several times, as needed. 

Some people attest that this idea works, while others think it doesn’t help much.   

Warm Salt Water

Of all the ideas on this list, this is one of the safest, most utilized home remedies you should consider.  In general, warm salt water can play a key role in inhibiting bacterial growth, partly by making the pH balance of your mouth less acidic, which is harmful to bacteria.

Because it is an isotonic solution that is compatible with your body’s chemistry, salt water generally doesn’t irritate or inflame the fragile tissue inside your mouth; in fact, it is conducive to the healing of damaged and infected tissue.

For best results, use warm (not “hot”) water in order to avoid getting burned, use sea salt (if you prefer), and hold the water in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out.  Repeat the process as needed. 

Bayberry Bark & Vinegar

Containing relatively large quantities of flavonoids and tannins, bayberry root is said to be an excellent natural antibiotic. Also known for its astringent characteristics, this herb has for long been used for toothaches and other ailments.  

It should also be noted that, because of its high levels of nutrients, including vitamin C, this substance helps fight off infections, enhances the immune system and can help strengthen gum tissue. 

The best way to use this remedy is by making a paste using the bark, some water and a little bit of vinegar.  Apply such directly to the aching tooth, leaving it in place for a few minutes, as needed.  Or you can just use some bayberry root bark tincture. 

OTC Ointments (Anbesol, etc.)

The typical pain-relieving substance in most of these ointments is benzocaine but other possibilities may be used.  Unfortunately, the dosages of painkilling chemicals are usually small compared to quantities found in prescribed medicines—as such, you may be forced to use the ointments repeatedly.  

As with most medicines, use as directed and avoid use if you’ve ever experienced allergic reactions to butacaine, procaine, benzocaine, or other anesthetics in this family of chemicals. 

Please remember that these medicines are not meant to be used continuously but, instead, for only a brief number of days, preferably until you can get the “root” of the problem more properly addressed. 

Prescription Painkillers & Antibiotics

Naturally, you will have to obtain some of these substances from a dentist or a physician (if a dentist isn’t accessible or available).  As for painkillers, the most likely substances you will receive are non-opioid analgesics, which includes salicylates (e.g., aspirin, though good for fever and inflammation, it may not be suitable for toothaches following dental surgery or tooth extraction) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). 

Considered safer than opioids (and, of course, not generally addictive), these medications are excellent painkillers and also work well against inflammation. Although they exist in OTC dosages, the prescribed varieties contain much larger ingredients and, therefore, more likely to kill the pain. 

Ibuprofen combined with paracetamol is a good example of such.  Other potent NSAIDS include diclofenac and aceclofenac. 

Yet another option is the use of acetaminophen and/or paracetamol which, although can help block pain, are not generally useful against inflammation.  Finally, opioids may be considered for patients that don’t respond well to the remedies thus far mentioned.  

If bacteria or other microorganisms have invaded the pulp of the tooth or surrounding tissue, then an infection may need to be treated with prescription antibiotics. If periodontal gum disease has set in, then a combination of antibiotics and surgery may be necessary, as well as other types of treatment options

Dental Intervention 

Generally provided by a licensed dentist, this may involve tooth extraction, abscess drainage, surgery, root canal therapy, etc.  Naturally, these days, because there are so many new ways to save a tooth, dentists prefer to not pull a tooth unless it’s so severely damaged as to make saving it impossible. 

But, in general, one or more dental procedures should permanently take care of any toothache. These may be provided by a dentist, an endodontist and/or an oral surgeon.

Conclusion 

Loose fillings, jaw joint disorder, cracked teeth, gum disease, exposed tooth root, cavities, and infection are among the primary causes of toothaches.

A common way for a toothache to erupt is if the pulp, basically the soft tissue inside a tooth which is generally protected by the tooth’s enamel, becomes irritated or inflamed.  Said inflammation can come about, for instance, if any of the nerve endings in the pulp are affected by, say, bacteria that has somehow infiltrated this generally isolated and germ-free internal tooth environment.   

While short-term solutions can sometimes be useful, long-term solutions are best, especially if a toothache involves an infection, a tooth that is dangerously damaged and irredeemable, or more serious dental problems (like gum disease, gingivitis, oral cancer, etc.). 

Copyright, 2018.  Fred Fletcher.  All rights reserved. 

References & Resources

https://www.livestrong.com/article/377190-how-to-use-garlic-for-toothache/
https://allnewteeth.com/toothache-home-remedy-get-rid-of-tooth-pain-for-good/
https://draxe.com/clove-oil-uses-benefits/
http://www.mytooth.net/tooth-discomfort/effective-toothache-home-remedies-for-instant-relief/
http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Saltwater-for-Toothache.html
http://dentalcarematters.com/best-painkiller-toothache/
https://www.medicinenet.com/root_canal/article.htm#is_there_pain_after_getting_a_root_canal