Toothache home remedies: what is safe and what is not

Which home steps for toothache are generally safe, which ones can do harm, and why none of them replaces seeing a dentist.

When a tooth hurts, many people reach for a home remedy. Some are harmless and can ease the pain for a while. Some can make things worse. None of them treats the cause.

Generally safe

Warm water with a little salt, rinsed gently. It cleans the area and soothes the gum.
A cold pack, wrapped in cloth, on the outside of the cheek for a few minutes at a time. It can ease swelling and pain.
Keeping your head raised when you lie down.
Gentle cleaning around the tooth, including clearing stuck food with floss.
Avoiding hot, cold, sweet and hard food on that side.

Use with care

Clove oil. Some people use a tiny amount on a cotton bud. The evidence for it is limited, and undiluted clove oil can burn the gum and tongue. If you want to try it, ask a dentist or pharmacist first, and never put it in a child’s mouth.
Pain medicine. It can help, but what is safe depends on your age, health and other medicines. Ask a doctor or pharmacist, and follow the dose on the pack.

Not safe

A tablet placed on the tooth or gum. It burns the gum and does not relieve the pain.
Alcohol on the gum. It irritates the tissue.
Tobacco or tobacco powder rubbed on a tooth. It is harmful and can damage the gum.
A hot pack on a swollen cheek. Heat can make swelling worse.
Squeezing or cutting a bump on the gum. That can spread an infection.

Why home remedies are not enough

They may take the edge off the pain, but they do not remove a cavity or an infection. If the pain eases and you do nothing else, the problem usually comes back, often worse. See toothache: what to do before your appointment.

When you must not wait

Get help the same day if there is swelling on the face, eye or neck, a fever, or trouble swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth. Read dental emergency: when to go today and toothache at night.

When to see a dentist

See a dentist as soon as you can. The sooner a cavity or infection is treated, the smaller the treatment usually is. See signs of a cavity.

Dental care is available at both our clinics, in Sayan and on Chhaprabhatha-Variyav Road. Use the booking button below to ask for an appointment.

This guide is general information and does not replace a visit to your dentist or doctor. Read our medical disclaimer