It starts with a dull ache… then suddenly, it’s all you can think about. There’s no good time for a toothache, but somehow, they always seem to hit when you’re least prepared. And while your first thought might be, “Great, now I have to go to the dentist…”, you’re definitely not alone.
Toothaches are incredibly common, and yes, they’re painful, inconvenient, and sometimes come with a price tag. But here’s the good news, there are a few simple ways to relieve a toothache at home and get some short-term toothache pain relief while you wait for a dental appointment.
At Mitcham Dental, we’re here to help you get to the bottom of it. But in the meantime, here are 5 quick and effective toothache remedies to take the edge off and get you through the day, or night.
Toothache Treatments to Ease The Pain
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water
One of the simplest and most effective ways to relieve toothache discomfort is to rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution. This helps clean the area, reduce inflammation, and may even help loosen any debris caught between your teeth.
How to use it:
Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Swish it around your mouth gently for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat a few times a day if needed.
Why it helps: Salt has natural antibacterial properties that may help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
- Apply a Cold Compress
If your toothache is accompanied by swelling, a cold compress can help numb the area and reduce inflammation. This can be especially helpful after an injury or if the pain is throbbing.
How to use it:
Wrap a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas in a cloth and hold it to your cheek near the sore spot for 15–20 minutes at a time. Wait at least 20 minutes before reapplying.
Why it helps: Cold restricts blood flow to the area, helping reduce swelling and pain.
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
When you’re desperate for fast toothache pain relief, over-the-counter medication can offer temporary help. Paracetamol or ibuprofen are common go-tos, but always follow the dosage instructions on the label or speak to a pharmacist if you’re unsure.
Important:
Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums or tooth, it won’t help and could cause irritation or burns.
Why it helps: Pain relievers don’t fix the root cause, but they can take the edge off until you see your dentist.
- Clove Oil
Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural toothache remedy. It contains eugenol, a compound with anti-inflammatory and numbing properties that may help relieve a toothache temporarily.
How to use it:
Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and gently dab it onto the sore area. You can also dilute it with a little carrier oil (like olive oil) if the clove oil feels too strong.
Why it helps: Eugenol acts as a natural anaesthetic, helping numb the area and reduce discomfort.
- Keep Your Head Elevated
This one may surprise you, but lying flat can actually increase blood pressure to your head, intensifying the pain. If your toothache is keeping you up at night, try sleeping with an extra pillow.
How to use it: Prop your head up on a few pillows or sleep in a slightly upright position.
Why it helps: Less blood flow to the painful area can reduce throbbing and pressure, especially overnight.
When to See a Dentist
While these toothache treatments can provide short-term relief, they’re not a long-term fix. A toothache is usually a sign of an underlying issue, whether it’s tooth decay, an abscess, gum disease, or something else entirely.
If your pain lasts more than a day or two, is severe, or is accompanied by swelling, fever or a bad taste in your mouth, it’s time to book an emergency dental appointment. The earlier we catch the issue, the easier (and less expensive) it usually is to treat.
Mitcham Dental Can Help
At Mitcham Dental, we understand how distressing a toothache can be. Whether it’s a sudden sharp pain or a dull, constant ache, our friendly team is here to help you find the cause and provide lasting relief. We’ll always take the time to make sure you feel calm, cared for, and informed about your treatment options.
Don’t wait in pain. Contact Mitcham Dental today and let us take care of your smile.
We are a dental clinic offering general, preventative and emergency dental services, including dental hygiene, dental implants and more, located 20km east of the Melbourne CBD. We are a short drive away from both Melbourne's Eastern freeway and Eastlink and close-by the suburbs of Donvale, Park Orchards, Nunawading, Vermont, Blackburn & Ringwood.
