A toothache can have a number of culprits, including an infection or receding gums. Whatever the cause, a toothache can be a miserable experience and leave you with a sore mouth and pounding headache. 

It’s best to see your dentist ASAP, but in the meantime, we’ll share our favorite natural home remedies to relieve your sore tooth.  

What Causes Tooth Pain

Tooth pain occurs when the nerve, located in the root of the tooth, is irritated. This can be caused by infection, decay, injury, or gum disease (among other ailments). Pain in the tooth often spreads to create ear and jaw pain, as well as sinus issues.  

You can prevent a toothache by taking care of your oral health by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting a dentist regularly. The Dirt Don’t Hurt Complete Charcoal Oral Care Kit can help keep your mouth clean and healthy, without the toxins found in traditional toothpaste and mouthwash. 

Taking care of your teeth and gums with our activated charcoal products is a great way to prevent tooth pain, but what if you already have a toothache? If you can’t get to the dentist quickly enough, we have a few natural pain solutions that you can find in your cupboard. 

Essential Oils for Tooth Pain

Essential oils can be very effective at treating pain from inflammation and infections. These 5 essential oils can provide some much needed relief. 

Before using an essential oil for tooth pain, it’s important to dilute your chosen essential oil with an appropriate ingestible carrier oil. Don’t use an essential oil to treat a teething baby or child without consulting a pediatrician. 

Clove Essential Oil

You might be familiar with clove because of its strong fragrance. Dirt Don’t Hurt uses clove in our oral care products because of its ability to soothe sore gums, reduce inflammation, and remove bacteria. 

Studies show that eugenol, a primary chemical in clove, provides pain relieving benefits. To use clove essential oil for a toothache, add a few drops to a cotton ball and apply it to the painful tooth. 

Tea Tree Essential Oil

You may already be using tea tree oil in your skin care routine, thanks to its antibacterial properties. This is especially useful for removing bacteria from cavities or infections. Because tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory and has anesthetic qualities, it works as an effective pain reliever. 

Bay Essential Oil 

Bay leaf essential oil has astringent qualities that can reduce pain from the nerve. These astringent abilities help blood vessels contract, which relieves pressure from the nerve. Additionally, antiseptic and antibiotic properties of bay oil kill germs that could be causing the pain in the first place. 

Salt Water or Hydrogen Peroxide

This classic home remedy for a toothache will help prevent swelling and cleanse the infected area. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a cup of boiling water, wait for it to cool, and swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds. If you prefer, hydrogen peroxide could also be used as a rinse to kill bacteria and provide relief. 

Garlic 

Raw garlic might not be the most pleasant way to relieve tooth pain, but it is effective, thanks to its antibacterial properties. Mash a garlic clove with a bit of salt and apply to the painful area for fast pain relief, or simply chew on a clove. 

Peppermint Tea Bags

Peppermint can be useful for numbing a toothache. Try taking a wet tea bag and putting it in the freezer for a few minutes. Then press it to the painful area for about 20 minutes. Think of it as a more effective ice pack! Dirt Don’t Hurt uses peppermint in our Complete Charcoal Oral Care Kit because it freshens breath while working as an antiseptic. 

We hope these suggestions bring you some relief while you’re waiting to see your dentist. If you’re interested in learning more about natural ingredients for oral health care? Visit our ingredients page here.