Toothache Remedies Straight from Your Kitchen Cabinets

When you have a severe toothache, chances are you probably won’t feel up to going to the store for pain relief. Fortunately, there are plenty of items in your pantry and cabinets that can also alleviate your aches. For short-term solutions to immediate toothaches, scroll through this list!

Remedies From the Spice Cabinet

Plenty of spices and herbs have natural anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing qualities. You can grind them down into a paste, apply the mixture to a cotton ball or soft cloth, and press it to your afflicted tooth. Here’s what you should be looking for:

• Clove or clove oil
• Garlic
• Cayenne and ginger (careful, this one packs heat!)
• Pure vanilla extract
• Thyme

Rinses and Tinctures

You might be more excited about some of these liquid solutions than others, but they’re all effective for managing bacteria and soothing pain. You can swish these mixtures around your mouth and rinse, then lean back and enjoy what’s left of the tastier ones:

• Hydrogen peroxide rinse
• Peppermint tea
• Myrrh and water (works best if heated to a simmer first)
• Saltwater rinse

Traditional First Aid

Even if you don’t have over-the-counter pain killers available, you can still apply some more traditional first aid techniques with common household items. For example:

• You can make a cold compress for swelling by wrapping ice, an ice pack, or a chilled drink in a towel.
• Elevation can relieve tooth pain by reducing pressure; don’t lie down. Instead, prop your head up with extra pillows or blankets.

Long-Term Solutions

These quick ready-from-home remedies can offer temporary relief, but it’s important to remember that to permanently solve your toothache troubles, you’ll have to visit your dentist for an emergency appointment. Toothaches can be a symptom of tooth decay, gum disease, infection, or other serious oral issues, in which case it’s better to receive treatment sooner than later!

When you call your dentist and describe your situation, they might have other first aid instructions for you. Follow these as closely as possible. Your dentist will try to see you as soon as possible, which could mean you’ll have a same-day appointment. Try not to stress too much in the rush; once your emergency dental team treats the underlying problem, you’ll be able to get back to life as usual.

About the Practice

At Bristol Family Dental, we have three excellent dentists on staff who care deeply for their patients. If you’re dealing with a troublesome toothache, we’ll work quickly to get you in for an emergency appointment, diagnose the issue, and provide quality treatment. To contact our office for a same-day emergency appointment or other dental matters, call 860-589-2794.