The use of peppermint tea is a long-standing home practice for alleviating the irritation and discomfort associated with a minor toothache. This herbal remedy provides a soothing sensation directly to the affected area inside the mouth. The tea is prepared as a specialized liquid for topical application to the gum or tooth surface, not for consumption alone.
Brewing the Topical Solution
To create an effective topical solution, prepare the peppermint tea using either a commercial tea bag or dried peppermint leaves. Place the peppermint source in a cup and pour hot water over it, allowing the mixture to steep for approximately three to five minutes to fully extract the beneficial compounds.
Let the liquid cool down completely before using it inside the mouth, as applying warm liquid to an inflamed area can exacerbate the pain. For an enhanced numbing effect, the steeped tea bag can be removed, gently squeezed, and placed in the freezer for a few minutes until it is chilled.
Methods for Applying Peppermint Relief
Once the peppermint solution is completely cooled, it can be utilized in two ways to target the source of the discomfort. One method involves using the liquid as a mouth rinse or swish, allowing the solution to wash over the entire painful region. Hold a mouthful of the cold peppermint tea over the affected tooth or gum line for up to 15 minutes, then spit it out.
Alternatively, the cooled, steeped tea bag itself can serve as a direct compress applied to the painful site. Gently place the cold tea bag directly against the sore tooth or swollen gum. If you used dried leaves, a small, clean cotton ball can be saturated with the cold peppermint solution and held against the source of the toothache for 10 to 15 minutes.
How Peppermint Works and When to See a Dentist
The palliative effect of peppermint tea on tooth pain is attributed to menthol, a compound naturally found in the herb. Menthol acts as a topical analgesic by triggering a specific protein receptor on nerve cells called TRPM8. When menthol binds to the TRPM8 receptor, it signals the brain to perceive a strong sensation of coldness, even if the tissue temperature has not dropped significantly. This action creates a counter-irritant effect, replacing the perception of pain with the sensation of cooling and temporary numbness.
While this provides relief from discomfort, peppermint tea is a measure for symptom management only; it does not treat the underlying cause of the toothache, such as a cavity, fracture, or deep infection.
If the toothache persists for longer than two days, or if the pain intensifies despite using home remedies, professional dental attention is required. Signs that indicate a serious issue include swelling of the face, jaw, or neck, a fever, or the presence of pus or foul drainage in the mouth. These symptoms suggest a spreading infection that requires prompt treatment from a dentist.