Home Remedies for a Toothache in a Decaying Tooth

Toothaches can be one of the most annoying and painful afflictions. If you have a toothache, chances are you won't be able to ignore it, especially when the pain is a result of a decaying tooth. Although you will eventually need to see a dentist about your tooth decay, there are some home remedies to help ease your toothache.

Cold Compress

• Place ice cubes into a plastic freezer bag. Put the bag on a cutting board, on top of a counter. Crush the ice with a meat tenderizer or the back of a large spoon. Put the bag of crushed ice on and around the sore tooth. (You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables instead of ice.) Repeat the process any time the pain becomes severe--the ice will help numb the nerve endings and lessen the pain.

Clove Oil

• Pour a small amount (about 1 tbsp.) of clove oil into a small bowl. Set a cotton ball into the oil and allow it to soak. Put the cotton ball into your mouth and on the tooth and gum area. Leave the cotton ball in your mouth until the pain subsides. Avoid this remedy if you are diabetic or pregnant.

Onion

• Slice a wedge from an onion. Place the onion in your mouth. Bite down slightly to release some of the liquid inside the onion in your mouth. Hold the onion against the bad tooth for as long as you feel pain. The onion also is a germ fighter and will help slow down decay by killing bacteria.