Relieving Nerve Toothache at Home: Best Treatments for 2026

When you have a problem with your teeth or gums, seeing a dentist is essential. However, to ease the kind of pain that can ruin your whole day or keep you up at night, you can try a few home remedies to manage tooth nerve pain temporarily.

12 Home Remedies to Relieve Nerve Toothache

Tooth pain can have several causes, such as dental cavities (tooth decay), gum irritation from food, a cracked or broken tooth, or repetitive actions like chewing or tooth grinding, as well as after a tooth extraction. While these are all possible reasons, the most common cause of toothache is irritation or inflammation of the nerve (pulp) inside the root of the tooth.

Many of the remedies below work by calming inflammation in the mouth or killing harmful bacteria. Most of these toothaches can be reduced or prevented with regular flossing, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, and professional dental cleanings every 6 months.

These tips are not a complete cure for tooth pain. Tooth decay can progress deep into the nerve, creating sensitivity to hot and cold, and if left untreated, it can turn into constant or throbbing pain.

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, you will likely need professional treatment right away. Please contact the Dental Center at Al-Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah and book an appointment for proper care. Here are some home remedies that may help in the meantime:

Ice Packs for Tooth Pain Relief

Applying ice to the area of the painful tooth can help numb the pain. Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel and place it on the affected area from the outside of the cheek. Keep gentle pressure on the area for about 15 minutes at a time. Avoid chewing or biting on ice, as this can crack or break teeth.

Keeping Your Head Elevated

Trying to sleep with a toothache can be difficult, and lying flat often makes the pain worse because blood pressure in the head increases in that position. When going to bed, prop your head up with extra pillows or, if possible, rest in a more upright position in a recliner or chair.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medications

Medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen help reduce inflammation and can ease tooth pain. Alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen, following package directions and your doctor’s advice, can sometimes provide better pain control. Certain over-the-counter oral gels or ointments containing numbing agents (like benzocaine) can also be applied directly to the tooth and gums to temporarily relieve pain.

Saltwater Rinse

Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help dislodge food particles stuck between teeth. Because salt acts as a natural antiseptic, it can also help reduce bacteria and inflammation. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can be repeated several times a day.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse for Tooth Pain

Hydrogen peroxide can help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation in the mouth. To use it safely as a mouth rinse, mix one part of 3% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water. Swish it gently around your mouth, then spit it out—do not swallow the solution. Rinse afterwards with plain water.

Tea Bags for Toothache Relief

You can place a warm or cold tea bag on the painful tooth. For a cold compress effect, place a used, damp tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes, then apply it to the tooth. Peppermint tea is often recommended because peppermint has antibacterial and mild numbing properties that may help reduce tooth pain. Be aware that frequent use of tea bags can stain your teeth, so this method should not be overused.

Garlic

Garlic not only has strong antibacterial properties, but it can also act as a natural pain reliever. You can crush a clove of garlic to make a paste and apply it directly to the painful tooth. Another option is to gently chew a fresh garlic clove on the affected side, or soak a small piece of cotton in garlic oil and place it on the tooth for a short period.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract can help mildly numb the area and soothe toothache pain for a short time. Put a small amount of vanilla extract on your fingertip or a cotton swab, then gently apply it to the painful area several times a day as needed.

Clove for Toothache

Clove has natural antiseptic and analgesic properties, making it useful for reducing inflammation and pain. Place a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it to the painful area, or put a drop directly on the tooth. You can also add a drop of clove oil to a small glass of water and use it as a mouthwash to help relieve discomfort.

Guava Leaves

Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe a painful tooth. You can chew fresh, clean guava leaves slowly to release their juices, or boil them in water, let the liquid cool, and use it as a mouth rinse.

Wheatgrass for Tooth Pain Relief

Wheatgrass juice offers several benefits that make it a helpful natural option for toothache. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help fight infections in the mouth. Rinse your mouth with wheatgrass juice and swish it for a few minutes, then spit it out. This can be done several times a day.

Thyme

Thyme essential oil has strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties. You can prepare a mouth rinse by adding a drop of thyme oil to a glass of water and swishing it gently around your mouth. Alternatively, place a drop of diluted thyme oil on a cotton ball and apply it carefully to the painful tooth and surrounding gums.

Conclusion

These remedies can provide temporary relief, but they are not substitutes for professional dental care. Whenever you experience tooth pain, you should contact a dentist and schedule an appointment. The Dental Center at Al-Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah is one of the leading clinics, offering comprehensive medical services to assess, treat, and restore your teeth, helping you maintain a healthy, high-quality smile.