Toothache pain from a cold can catch you off guard, especially when the chill in the air makes an already sore tooth throb even more. For many people, a simple cold or sinus infection can trigger discomfort in the teeth or gums. Others may notice sensitivity or sharp pain when breathing in cold air or eating chilled foods.
This guide explores the connection between cold weather and tooth pain, explains why it happens, and outlines effective home remedy for toothache due to cold weather. You’ll also learn when to try home treatments, when to consider over-the-counter medication, and when it’s important to see a dentist immediately for lasting relief.
Understanding Tooth Pain Caused by Cold
Tooth pain that flares up in cold weather often results from sensitivity in the teeth or gums. When the temperature drops, the nerves inside a tooth can react to the change, causing discomfort. Sometimes, this pain is related to existing dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, or a cracked filling.
However, in many cases, the culprit is inflammation or pressure caused by a sinus infection. The upper teeth sit close to the sinuses, so congestion or sinus inflammation can make it feel like a tooth is aching, even when the tooth itself is fine.
Cold air can also cause blood vessels in your gums to contract, limiting circulation and increasing the feeling of pressure or soreness. Knowing the cause of your pain helps you choose the right home remedy for a toothache caused by a cold and avoid making it worse.
Common Reasons for Cold-Related Toothache
There are several possible triggers behind a painful tooth when the temperature drops:
- Tooth sensitivity: Worn enamel or receding gums expose the nerves and make teeth react to cold air or drinks.
- Tooth decay: Cavities can leave the inner layers of a tooth exposed, causing sharp or excruciating pain when exposed to cold.
- Plaque buildup: Layers of plaque and bacteria can irritate the gums and nerves, leading to discomfort.
- Sinus infection: Pressure from blocked sinuses can mimic dental pain, particularly in the upper jaw.
- Gum disease: Inflammation or bleeding gums caused by gum disease can make teeth feel sore and tender.
- Dental infection or abscessed tooth: A deep infection in or around a tooth may worsen in cold conditions.
Whether your discomfort is a mild sensitivity or severe pain that keeps you awake, several simple remedies for a toothache can provide temporary pain relief and help you stay comfortable until you can seek professional dental care.
Simple Home Remedies for Toothache Due to Cold
The goal of most home remedies for a toothache is to soothe the nerves, reduce inflammation, and clean the mouth to prevent infection. Below are some reliable options you can try safely at home.
1. Warm Salt-Water Rinse
A warm salt-water rinse remains one of the easiest and most trusted home remedies for a toothache. Stir half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, and lightly rinse your mouth for around 30 seconds before spitting it out. Salt works as a natural disinfectant that helps eliminate bacteria and ease gum swelling. The warmth also soothes sore areas, providing temporary relief from toothache pain and promoting better oral health.
2. Cold Compress or Ice Pack
Placing a cold compress or ice pack on the cheek can help reduce inflammation if you have swelling or throbbing pain. The cold constricts blood vessels, which slows the flow of pain signals and helps numb pain in the affected area.
Apply it for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, ensuring you wrap the ice in a clean cloth rather than placing it directly on the skin. This simple method can ease toothache pain, particularly when a dental infection or gum irritation causes discomfort.
3. Clove Oil
Clove oil has been a trusted natural remedy for toothache relief for many years, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to numb pain. It contains eugenol, a compound with natural medicinal benefits that helps ease tooth pain and minimise inflammation.
Place a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and softly press it against the painful tooth or nearby gums. It may create a mild numbing sensation that offers temporary pain relief. You may also dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil to make the effect gentler on the gums.
4. Thyme Essential Oil
Another effective natural remedy is thyme essential oil, known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Combine a few drops with a carrier oil and gently apply it to the affected area. This can help reduce tooth pain and fight bacteria that may be causing irritation or infection.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
If used correctly, a hydrogen peroxide rinse can help clean the mouth, kill bacteria, and reduce inflammation. Mix half a teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts warm water, move the rinse around your mouth for roughly 30 seconds, then spit it out, but do not swallow.
This method can temporarily relieve mild dental pain, especially when plaque buildup or gum disease is involved. Hydrogen peroxide’s natural disinfectant properties make it an excellent support for good oral hygiene.
6. Warm Peppermint Tea Bag
Peppermint has mild numbing and cooling effects that can calm an aching tooth. After steeping a tea bag in hot water, let it cool slightly until warm, then apply it to the sore tooth or gum area.
The menthol in peppermint may help alleviate pain and soothe irritated tissue. Alternatively, chilled peppermint tea bags can also be used for those who prefer a cold compress effect.
7. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can numb pain, and antioxidants that support gum healing. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and gently hold it against the painful tooth for a few minutes.
This can provide temporary relief while adding a pleasant scent and flavour. However, it’s important not to overuse it since alcohol can irritate the gums.
8. Soft Foods and Warm Liquids
When experiencing tooth sensitivity or an aching tooth from cold weather, avoid hard, crunchy, or chilled foods that can worsen pain. Stick to soft foods like soups, mashed vegetables, or yoghurt, and rinse with warm water instead of cold drinks.
Eating gently and maintaining your oral health helps prevent further irritation of the affected tooth.
9. Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth without worsening sensitive spots. Brushing gently helps remove plaque buildup and food particles without irritating the gums or exposed tooth roots.
If the pain persists for more than a day, you may need professional dental care to identify the cause of your discomfort.
Additional Home Remedies for Toothache
If traditional methods don’t provide enough relief, a few other natural remedies can be helpful:
- Hydration: Dry mouth can worsen sensitivity. Drink warm (not hot) water frequently to keep your mouth moist.
- Elevation: Sleeping with your head raised can reduce pressure and swelling overnight.
- Garlic paste: Crushed garlic contains allicin, which has antibacterial properties. Use sparingly on the affected area to fight bacteria, but rinse thoroughly afterwards to prevent irritation.
- Honey: Known for its soothing and antibacterial benefits, honey can help calm a sore tooth when applied gently to the gums.
These natural toothache remedies can provide temporary pain relief until you can see a dentist for proper treatment.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Options
Sometimes home remedies alone may not be enough, especially if you’re experiencing severe or excruciating pain. In such cases, over-the-counter medication can help manage discomfort.
Pain relief tablets or liquids designed for dental pain can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort when used as directed. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label and avoid exceeding the recommended amount. If you have allergies or existing conditions, review your medical history or check with your dentist before use.
Topical gels can also be applied directly to the affected area to numb pain and provide temporary relief, but they should only be used as directed. Avoid applying any products to bleeding gums or open wounds.
How to Ease Toothache Pain from a Sinus Infection
Cold weather can often lead to a sinus infection, and pressure in the sinuses may feel like a toothache. Here’s how to ease the discomfort:
- Use a warm compress over your sinuses to help them drain and reduce pressure.
- Stay hydrated to thin mucus and improve airflow.
- Inhale steam or take a warm shower to relieve congestion.
- Use saline nasal sprays (if suitable) to reduce inflammation in the sinuses.
If the pain persists or worsens, it’s best to seek professional dental care, as sinus-related pain can sometimes mask other underlying dental issues.
When to See a Dentist
Home remedies are helpful for temporary pain relief, but they do not replace professional care. You should seek professional dental care if:
- The tooth pain lasts more than a day.
- The pain becomes intense or spreads to the jaw or ear.
- You notice swelling, fever, or bleeding gums.
- There’s pus or a bad taste in your mouth.
- You suspect an abscessed tooth or dental infection.
If you develop severe pain or swelling that makes it difficult to open your mouth or eat food, contact a dentist immediately. Prompt dental treatment can prevent further complications and protect your long-term dental health.
Managing Tooth Sensitivity in Cold Weather
If you regularly experience discomfort from cold air or drinks, you may be dealing with tooth sensitivity. Try these steps to manage it effectively:
- Switch to a toothpaste formulated for sensitivity.
- Avoid brushing too hard or using a stiff toothbrush.
- Limit acidic foods and beverages that wear down enamel.
- Keep your mouth warm when outdoors in winter.
If your sensitivity or pain intensifies, visit your dentist to check for underlying causes like gum disease or cavities.
Preventing Tooth Pain in the Future
Good daily habits can reduce the risk of recurring toothache pain due to cold:
- Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove any food particles that may become lodged between your teeth.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
- Avoid grinding your teeth, which can cause cracks and sensitivity.
- Maintain a well-balanced diet that contributes to strong teeth and overall dental health.
These steps help strengthen enamel, reduce inflammation, and keep your smile healthy even during cold weather.
When Home Remedies Aren’t Enough
Although natural toothache remedies can provide temporary pain relief, they cannot cure the root cause of dental pain. Persistent discomfort, swelling, or repeated infections are signs that you need professional dental care.
Your dentist can examine the affected tooth, check for tooth decay, or detect a hidden abscessed tooth. Depending on the diagnosis, they may recommend fillings, root canal treatment, or deep cleaning to eliminate infection and restore comfort.
Ignoring dental problems may allow bacteria to spread, making the condition worse and potentially affecting nearby teeth.
Final Thoughts
A cold-related toothache can make daily life uncomfortable, but many home remedies for toothache can provide comfort and help you manage pain until you can visit a dentist. Using a combination of salt-water rinses, clove oil, and cold compresses can alleviate pain and support healing.
Remember, these options provide temporary relief, not a cure. If your pain persists, worsens, or lasts more than a day, you should seek professional dental care.
If you’re concerned about ongoing tooth pain or want practical advice on managing symptoms safely, book a consultation or call (08) 7078 8263.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Resources
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https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/gingivitis-periodontal-disease
Colgate Editorial Team. (2024). ‘10 Homemade Toothache Remedies’. Colgate, 30 August. New York, NY: Colgate-Palmolive Company.
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cavities/four-homemade-toothache-remedies
Cleveland Clinic Staff. (2025). ‘Sensitive Teeth’. Cleveland Clinic, 3 July. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10954-teeth-sensitivity