Essential Oils for Toothache

Toothaches can take a toll on the quality of your life. Whether they are as a result of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, or another dental condition, toothaches require immediate attention to prevent severe pain. When left unattended, they can lead to a dental emergency, especially at night. Luckily, some at-home treatments can help you manage the pain as you prepare to see a dentist and treat the problem. One of such treatments is the use of essential oils.

For decades, people have used essential oils for a variety of medical conditions. They are useful in managing toothaches that result from dental caries and other dental issues. While essential oils may not help fix a cavity, they can take away the pain and help you go about your schedule without suffering the seething pain of a problematic tooth.


Below are the top essential oils that you can use to manage a toothache:

Clove Oil

Clove essential oil contains a compound known as eugenol. Eugenol is widely used together with other ingredients to treat abscesses and provide relief from periodontal disease. The compound has strong antibacterial properties, which help kill bacteria that cause tooth pain. Additionally, eugenol in clove oil has anesthetic and antiseptic properties which can provide relief from toothaches and dental inflammation.

To use this oil, dip clean cotton wool into the oil and dab it around the gum at the point of pain. You should experience relief within a few minutes.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is widely used in toothpaste and chewing gum. The oil contains menthol, a compound that has a soothing effect to the gums when used orally. The soothing effect of menthol can help provide immediate relief from tooth pain. Peppermint oil also has antibacterial and antiviral properties which make it ideal for killing bacteria that cause tooth decay and pain. The oil is a mild anesthetic as well and very useful in reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

Mix peppermint with baking soda and other oils such as coconut and frankincense. Use a few drops of the mixture to brush your teeth, focusing on the painful area. Spit out the oil and rinse the mouth when done.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic that kills harmful bacteria which is responsible for toothaches. The oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve any swelling caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease, or dental injury. Tea tree oil is also a mild anesthetic, and it can be used together with other products such as toothpaste to provide relief from tooth pain.

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and use it as a mouthwash to relieve toothaches.

Lavender Oil

One of the most effective ways of managing toothaches is inhibiting the bacteria that are causing the infection. That’s what lavender oil does. With powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, the oil helps kill bacteria that cause tooth decay, inflammation, and other dental conditions that lead to tooth pain.

Dip a fresh cotton ball into your lavender oil and apply the oil directly to the problematic area for relief. You can also mix it with other oils and use it as DIY toothpaste for toothaches.

Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon has powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help fight against tooth decay, oral thrush, and gum disease, all conditions that are responsible for causing tooth and gum pain. It is an excellent alternative if you don’t want to use menthol-based oils such as peppermint.

You can swab cinnamon oil on the affected area or use a few drops of the oil in water to make a natural mouthwash. Besides curbing toothaches, cinnamon oil also helps improve your oral hygiene.

A toothache can cause you sleepless nights if left unmanaged for a prolonged period. Keep these essential oils in your cabinet as they will come in handy during that late night toothache episode. Also, don’t forget to see a dentist for medical treatment. Most cases of tooth pain are due to dental caries, inflammation or other conditions which require dental treatment.