10 Ways to Temporarily Relieve a Toothache

• Warm Saltwater Rinse: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. This acts as a natural disinfectant, reduces inflammation, and helps dislodge food particles.
• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of your cheek for 15–20 minutes at a time. The cold constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can effectively manage pain and inflammation. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging carefully.
• Clove Oil: Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. Dilute a few drops with a carrier oil (like olive oil) and apply the mixture to the affected tooth with a cotton ball.
• Peppermint Tea Bags: Place a cooled peppermint tea bag against the painful area for about 20 minutes. Peppermint contains menthol, which has mild numbing properties.
• Garlic: Crush a garlic clove to create a paste and apply it to the affected area, or chew a fresh clove. Garlic has natural antibacterial properties that can help fight infection.
• Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse: Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out completely. This can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, but never swallow it.
• Elevate Your Head: When resting or sleeping, prop your head up with an extra pillow to reduce blood flow and pressure to the head, which can worsen tooth pain when lying flat.
• Guava Leaves: Chew on fresh guava leaves or boil them to make a mouthwash. They have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Vanilla Extract: The alcohol in vanilla extract can act as a numbing agent. Apply a few drops to a cotton ball and hold it against the painful tooth for a few minutes.