Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: three minutes
Tooth nerve pain can come on suddenly and feel unbearable. Whether it’s caused by tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or an exposed root of the tooth, you want relief—fast. While long-term dental treatments may be needed, there are effective ways to manage the pain at home.
Here are 7 proven strategies to stop tooth nerve pain quickly and protect your oral health until you can see a dentist.
Table of Contents
- 1. Rinse with Salt Water
- 2. Apply a Cold Compress or Ice Pack
- 3. Try Clove Oil or Oral Gels
- 4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
- 5. Apply a Peppermint Tea Bag Compress
- 6. Keep Your Head Elevated
- 7. Know When to Call Your Dentist
- Book a Dental Checkup Today
1. Rinse with Salt Water
A simple saltwater rinse can reduce inflammation and remove bacteria near the affected tooth. It helps clean the area and relieve discomfort naturally.
How to use it:
- Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water
- Swish for 30 seconds and spit
- Repeat 2–3 times a day
This home remedy is especially helpful for mild swelling and early signs of gum disease.
2. Apply a Cold Compress or Ice Pack
If your face is swollen or throbbing, an ice pack can numb the area and reduce pain by shrinking nearby blood vessels.
How to apply:
- Wrap ice in a towel and hold it to the outside of your cheek for 15–20 minutes
- Repeat every few hours as needed
This is especially helpful for pain from tooth infection, trauma, or inflammation around the nerve.
Important:
If swelling is severe, spreading to your eye or neck, or causing difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately. These can be signs of a serious infection that requires urgent treatment.
3. Try Clove Oil or Oral Gels
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antibacterial. It has been used for centuries as a tooth pain relief method.
Instructions:
- Dip a cotton ball in diluted clove oil (mix with carrier oil like olive oil)
- Gently press against the painful tooth
- Leave in place for a few minutes, then remove
You can also try oral gels with benzocaine for temporary numbness.
4. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help dull the pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow dosage instructions carefully. Some people think placing aspirin directly on the tooth will relieve pain, but this can actually burn or irritate your gum tissue, so only take pain relievers by mouth as directed.
For intense nerve pain, alternating between ibuprofen and acetaminophen every 3 hours (as directed) can provide better control.
5. Apply a Peppermint Tea Bag Compress
Peppermint tea bags can help reduce pain and swelling naturally. The cooling effect of menthol soothes nerve endings and irritated tissue.
How to use it:
- Steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water
- Let it cool or chill in the fridge
- Place the tea bag directly on the sore area for 15–20 minutes
6. Keep Your Head Elevated
Lying flat can increase blood flow to the affected tooth and worsen throbbing nerve pain. Propping your head up helps reduce pressure and makes it easier to rest.
How to do it:
- Use an extra pillow to keep your head elevated when lying down
- Avoid bending over or lying completely flat
- Try to sleep slightly propped up to minimize discomfort
7. Know When to Call Your Dentist
If pain persists or worsens, you may be dealing with a deeper issue like a tooth infection, exposed nerve, or decay near the root of the tooth. In these cases, dental fillings, root canal therapy, or even a tooth extraction may be needed.
Don’t wait if you have:
- Severe or throbbing pain
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Fever or bad taste in the mouth
- Pain that lasts more than 2 days
Prompt care can prevent complications and save your tooth.
Book a Dental Checkup Today
Home remedies can help you manage tooth nerve pain for a short time, but they are not a substitute for professional dental care. If you have persistent, severe, or worsening pain, it often means there is an infection or damage that needs immediate treatment.
The sooner you see a dentist, the better your chances of saving the tooth and preventing complications.To book an appointment at our dental office in San Francisco, CA, call (415) 986-4534 or visit us at 490 Post St Suite 520, San Francisco, CA 94102.