The most effective home remedy for a toothache is a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen taken together. This pairing outperforms either drug alone and even rivals some prescription pain medications. Beyond that, several other strategies can reduce your pain until you get to a dentist.
Ibuprofen Plus Acetaminophen Works Best
Taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen together is the gold standard for dental pain relief at home. A systematic review of clinical trials found that this combination provides greater pain relief than either medication on its own after dental extractions, with fewer side effects than opioid-containing painkillers. The two drugs work through different pathways: ibuprofen reduces inflammation at the source of pain, while acetaminophen acts on pain signaling in the brain. Together, they cover more ground than either one alone.
Follow the dosing instructions on each package separately. You can take both at the same time since they don’t interact with each other. One important rule: never place aspirin or any crushed painkiller directly against your gums. This can burn the tissue and make things worse.
Numbing Gels and Topical Anesthetics
Over-the-counter dental gels containing benzocaine can numb the area around a painful tooth. You apply a small amount directly to the gum tissue near the problem spot, and it dulls the nerve endings on contact. These products work fast but wear off quickly, so they’re best for short bursts of intense pain.
There’s an important safety caveat. The FDA has warned that benzocaine can cause a rare but serious condition where the blood’s ability to carry oxygen drops dangerously low. Because of this risk, benzocaine products should never be used on children under 2 years old. For adults and older children, stick to the recommended dose on the label and don’t reapply more frequently than directed.
Clove Oil as a Natural Numbing Agent
Clove oil has been used in dentistry for decades, and for good reason. Its active compound, eugenol, acts as a mild local anesthetic and antiseptic. To use it, put one or two drops on a small cotton ball and hold it against the painful tooth and surrounding gum for a few minutes. You should feel a warming, numbing sensation.
Keep the dose small. In low amounts, clove oil causes few side effects beyond occasional local irritation or, rarely, an allergic reaction. In high doses, however, eugenol is directly toxic to cells. Cases of severe liver and kidney injury have been reported after accidental overdose of clove oil products, particularly in children who swallowed large amounts. A couple of drops on a cotton ball is safe. Drinking clove oil is not.
Salt Water Rinse
A warm salt water rinse won’t eliminate your pain, but it can reduce inflammation and clear debris that may be irritating the area. Mix one teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water. If your mouth is especially tender, start with half a teaspoon for the first day or two. Swish the solution around the painful area for 15 to 20 seconds, then spit it out. You can repeat this several times a day, especially after eating.
Cold Compress for Swelling and Pain
If your toothache involves swelling or was caused by trauma, a cold compress can help on two fronts: it numbs the area and constricts blood vessels to reduce inflammation. Wrap ice or a cold pack in a cloth and hold it against the outside of your cheek on the affected side. Keep it on for 20 minutes, then take a 20-minute break. You can repeat this cycle as needed.
Cold therapy works particularly well alongside oral pain medication. The ibuprofen and acetaminophen handle the internal inflammation while the cold compress addresses swelling and provides surface-level numbing.
Why Toothaches Get Worse at Night
If your tooth hurts more when you lie down, that’s not your imagination. The dental pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth, contains blood vessels and nerves packed into a tiny, rigid space. When that area is inflamed or infected, extra blood flow creates pressure with nowhere to go. Lying flat allows more blood to pool in your head and neck, increasing that pressure and intensifying pain.
The fix is simple: sleep with your head elevated roughly 30 to 45 degrees above horizontal. Stack an extra pillow or two, or use a wedge pillow. Many people notice a meaningful drop in pain just from this change. Combine it with a dose of ibuprofen and acetaminophen before bed, and you have the best shot at getting through the night.
Keeping Children Safe
Most of the strategies above work for kids with a few critical exceptions. Never use benzocaine products on children under 2, and keep all clove oil products out of their reach entirely. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both available in pediatric formulations with weight-based dosing on the label. A warm salt water rinse is safe for any child old enough to swish and spit without swallowing. For younger children, a cold compress on the outside of the cheek is the safest option.
Signs You Need Emergency Care
Home remedies are temporary measures. They manage pain while you arrange a dental appointment, but they don’t treat the underlying cause. Certain symptoms, however, mean you shouldn’t wait for a regular appointment. If you develop a fever along with facial swelling and can’t reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. The same applies if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These signs suggest an infection has spread beyond the tooth into your jaw, throat, or neck, which can become life-threatening without treatment.