Toothaches Bite: 5 DIY Remedies for Fast Pain Relief

Toothache got you down, but can't get into the dentist until next week? Try these DIY tips to manage the pain. A healthy mouth and smile is the foundation of a confident, more beautiful you, but with a nagging toothache, it’s hard to keep grinning. You’ll want to seek professional advice on the root cause of the tooth pain, but after you’ve called the dentist, here are some quick-fix options for natural pain relief in the comfort of your own home.

1. Saltwater

One of the easiest and best things to do until you can get to the dentist is to rinse with saltwater. Salt can help pull fluid out from your gums that may be causing irritation, relieve the pain, and clean infected areas. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of salt in a glass of warm water, swish, and spit.

2. Bourbon

If you’re looking for instant tooth pain relief, look no further than your liquor cabinet! Soak a cotton ball in your favorite bourbon or whiskey and gently press it against the tooth. Unfortunately, the relief is relatively short-lived, so you may need to reapply. Think of it as happy hour, every hour!

3. Ginger

The antibacterial properties found in ginger have been known to soothe a variety of ailments, from upset stomach to minor infections, just like those associated with toothaches. Pop a half-inch slice of fresh ginger into your mouth, and (if you can) bite down using the tooth in question. Swirl the juice around the area with your tongue, and continue to chew as the root becomes softer. Repeat a few times per day.

4. Clove Oil

Cloves (those little brown things stuck at the back of your spice rack from last Thanksgiving’s pumpkin pie) are a source of eugenol, a natural anesthetic and―who knew?―a toothache remedy hiding in your pantry. Clove oil is readily available from health food stores, or, you can simply crush a few cloves and mix with olive oil. Using a cotton swab, dab the oil directly onto the affected area.

5. Toothache Plant

Spilanthes acmella, commonly known as the ‘toothache plant,’ is native to the tropic regions of Africa and South America but can be grown at home under the right circumstances. If you didn’t have the foresight to sow the seeds of pain relief in advance, you can look for a spilanthes tincture at your local health food store. Spilanthes stimulate the saliva glands, which can help clean the mouth and tone the gums. It also produces a numbing effect, which is how the plant came to be known as a toothache remedy.

Conclusion

But, of course, the best way to deal with a toothache is to prevent it. Brushing with the right tools and technique is essential to maintaining a healthy smile. With its Sonic Pulse Technology and hygienic silicone design, the ISSATM product line is sure to keep you smiling for years to come! For more information on dental care, visit the American Dental Association and read more about the FOREO ISSA.   Disclaimer: The information on this and any related links are for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact a professional healthcare provider.  

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March 20 - March 29, 2026

We can imagine that even in caveman times, a guy with a flashy smile could compete against the burliest, the hairiest, and the best hunter. We care for (genuine) smiles and always have (dishonest ones seem like a predatory grin, eww). It is a way of communication and one of the things we notice about a person, forming first impressions in as fast as one-tenth of a second to seven seconds, largely through non-verbal communication. So from March 20 - March 29, 2026, we're here to celebrate smiles all around the globe with FOREO Oral Health Week, where you can grab up to 50% off (starting as low as $9.80) exclusive silicone sonic toothbrushes and replacement brusheads from the issa™ collection with MYSA code MYSMILE.

FOREO's issa™ hit the shelves in 2014, fusing sonic-pulse technology with plush silicone and offering the most significant oral care advance in 70 years. issa™ collections offer complete, 4-in-1 oral care for teeth, gums, tongue & cheeks in an elegant medical-grade silicone body, a full year of brushing on a single charge, and a long-lasting, flexible Hybrid (ultra-hygienic silicone and PBT polymer) or 100% silicone brush heads for kids and sensitive gums and teeth. You've never had something so gentle be so tough on plaque and buildup. Go browse these deals, find your favorite, use your MYSMILE code at checkout, and enjoy life. Smile like you mean it. 

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