Garlic for Toothache: Does It Work and What You Should Know

According to the American Dental Association, untreated decay and infection can lead to permanent tooth loss or systemic infection, making proper diagnosis essential. While home remedies like garlic may offer temporary relief, the real solution lies in identifying and treating the root cause.

Why Garlic Is Often Used for Toothache Relief

• When crushed, chopped, or chewed, garlic releases allicin, a sulfur‑based compound with proven antibacterial anti‑inflammatory properties. Allicin forms only when fresh garlic is crushed, not in garlic powder or cooked garlic.
• In laboratory and small clinical studies, garlic extract has shown activity against cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans—all linked to tooth decay and gum disease.

• In a small study of 24 participants, applying garlic clove paste for five days relieved pain more effectively than ibuprofen alone, likely thanks to flavonoids and allicin’s antimicrobial and analgesic action.
• Another small trial using garlic oil placed on a painful tooth lowered pain from “severe” to “no pain” in patients with irreversible pulpitis, with results comparable to eugenol (clove oil) application.

Does Science Support Garlic for Toothaches?

The idea of using garlic to soothe tooth pain isn’t just an old folk remedy – it has some scientific backing. As mentioned previously, when crushed, garlic releases a compound called allicin, which has been studied for its strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that allicin can fight off several strains of oral bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis – two of the main culprits behind tooth decay and gum disease.

In one study published in the Global Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health, researchers applied a garlic paste to affected teeth in adults suffering from dental pain. Participants reported a significant reduction in discomfort after several days of use, with results suggesting garlic could be more effective than ibuprofen in some cases when it comes to managing inflammation and pain caused by oral infections.

Another small clinical trial looked at garlic oil used topically on patients with irreversible pulpitis – a severe tooth nerve inflammation. The group treated with garlic oil experienced pain relief on par with those treated with eugenol, a compound found in clove oil that’s widely used in dental care. These early results suggest garlic’s effects may be comparable to some more traditional over-the-counter remedies.

That said, many of these studies have limitations. Most have small sample sizes, and very few are double-blind or placebo-controlled. There’s also little consensus on the best concentration or method of application, which makes it hard to recommend a standardized garlic-based treatment. Still, the evidence points to one key conclusion: garlic can offer short-term antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, but more research is needed before it can be considered a reliable treatment on its own.

How Garlic Could Ease Toothache

1. Kills bacteria at the source – Allicin may reduce bacterial load in cavities or inflamed gums.
2. Reduces inflammation – Garlic’s compounds help dampen oral swelling and irritation.
3. Provides a mild numbing effect – Crushed garlic can dull nerve discomfort for a short time.

How to Use Garlic Safely for Toothache

While garlic is not a substitute for dental treatment, it can offer temporary relief until you see a professional, especially late at night.

Recommended methods:

• Crush or chew a fresh garlic clove gently using the affected tooth. Hold it in place for a few minutes.
• Garlic paste with salt and olive oil: crush a peeled clove with a pinch of salt and a drop of olive oil, then apply gently to the sore area to combine antibacterial effects.
• Garlic oil: soak a small cotton pellet in fresh garlic oil and place it carefully on the tooth – a similar technique to the clinical pulpitis study.
  

Important precautions:

• Do not force garlic deep into a cavity where it could get lodged.
• If you experience burning or gum irritation, rinse thoroughly and stop use.
• Avoid raw garlic if you’re allergic, or if you’re taking blood‑thinning medication because garlic can affect clotting.
• Not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing individuals – consult a healthcare provider first.

Risks, Limitations & When to See the Dentist

• Temporary relief only. Garlic does not fix cavities, abscesses, cracked teeth, or gum disease – it may mask pain while underlying issues worsen.
• Studies remain preliminary and limited in size; there is no substitute for professional evaluation and treatment.
• Some sources caution that applying garlic or onion directly may irritate soft tissue and potentially worsen symptoms.
• If pain persists for more than 48 hours, or you notice swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or discharge – seek dental care promptly.

At‑Home Relief Alternatives Worth Knowing

While garlic may help temporarily, dentists often recommend safer home methods until treatment is available:

• Warm salt‑water rinse (½ tsp salt in 1 cup warm water), swished for 1-2 minutes, up to several times daily, can reduce inflammation and bacterial burden.
• Cold compress on the cheek can help if swelling or nerve-related discomfort is present (avoid direct ice on gums).
• Topical clove oil (eugenol): applied sparingly and diluted, clove oil has mild anesthetic and antibacterial effects. Use with caution due to potential irritation or bleeding risk.
• Other soothing options include peppermint tea bags, gentle honey, aloe vera gel, or diluted tea‑tree oil, all with modest evidence of benefit.
• Over‑the‑counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and discomfort, but they don’t treat the cause.

Sample Timeline: Using Garlic Alongside Other Relief Methods

• Immediately: Start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to soothe irritation and reduce bacteria.
• As needed: Gently chew a fresh garlic clove or apply a small amount of garlic paste to the affected tooth for temporary relief.
• Alternate methods: If garlic isn’t available or causes irritation, try applying a diluted clove oil or a cooled peppermint tea bag to the area.
• For pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be used to manage discomfort if safe for you.
• Next day: Even if the pain eases, schedule a dental appointment to address the underlying cause of the toothache.

Final Thoughts: What to Remember

• Garlic may offer short-term relief through its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, thanks largely to allicin—but evidence is limited and mostly preliminary.
• Use garlic with caution: fresh garlic only, applied lightly, and only if it doesn’t irritate.
• Complement garlic with safe home measures like salt water, cold compresses, and OTC pain medication.
• Most importantly: visit a dentist to diagnose and treat the underlying issue—especially if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or worsen.

Why This Matters for Oxboro Family Dental Patients

At Oxboro Family Dental, we understand tooth pain can strike at inconvenient times. While garlic offers an old‑fashioned remedy for immediate, short-lived relief, it is not a replacement for dental care. If you’re experiencing toothache, our team is ready to help you identify the cause—whether it’s decay, infection, or something else—and guide you toward proper treatment for lasting relief.