Clove Oil
Cloves are a traditional remedy for numbing nerves. But clove oil needs to be
used carefully. Pouring the oil on the aching area can actually worsen the pain
if you get it on sensitive gum tissue or on your tongue. Instead, put two drops
of clove oil on a cotton ball and place it against the tooth itself until the
pain recedes.
Salt water
A teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of boiling water makes a pain-killing mouthwash which will clean away irritating debris and help reduce swelling. Swish it around for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Tea
Peppermint tea has a nice flavor and some numbing power. Put 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup boiling water and steep for 20 minutes. After the tea cools, swish it around in your mouth then spit it out or swallow.
Ice cube
Place a small ice cube in a plastic bag, wrap a thin cloth around the bag, and apply it to the aching tooth for about 15 minutes to numb the nerves. Alternatively, that ice pack can go on your cheek, over the painful tooth. Also, according to folklore, if you massage your hand with an ice cube, you can help relieve a toothache.
