Fact Check: Can a Paste of Garlic and Salt Cure Toothache?

An Instagram post claims that a paste of garlic and salt can cure toothache. The claim by the user is False. 

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that a paste of garlic and salt can cure toothache. The Instagram post by the user beauty_vibesnature reads "Combine one clove of garlic with a sprinkling of salt and crush into a fine paste. Apply the mixture sparingly directly onto the affected tooth, applying too much can leave a strong burning sensation. Leave for several minutes before rinsing with warm salt water."

The post can be accessed here. 

Fact Check

The claim by the user is False. A paste made from garlic and salt may provide temporary relief from toothache symptoms due to garlic’s antibacterial properties and salt’s ability to reduce inflammation. However, this remedy does not cure the underlying cause of the toothache and should not replace professional dental care.

Toothache and its causes

Toothache refers to pain experienced in or around the teeth and jaws. The pain can vary in intensity and pattern — it may be constant or intermittent, and its severity can range from mild discomfort to sharp, intense pain. Often, the pain worsens when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.

Toothache can begin suddenly and may feel more intense at night, especially when lying down. In some cases, pain may be triggered by a broken tooth or a lost dental filling. It can sometimes be difficult to localize the exact source of the pain. For instance, pain from a lower molar may feel as though it’s coming from the ear, while discomfort in the upper teeth might be mistaken for sinus-related pain, due to the proximity of the sinuses located behind the cheekbones and forehead. The jaw area near the affected tooth can also become sore and tender to the touch. In addition, periodontal disease — a bacterial infection of the gums and supporting structures — can cause a dull, persistent ache.

Several factors can lead to pulp inflammation and toothache, including:

Tooth decay – causes cavities that penetrate the tooth’s protective enamel.

Cracked tooth – tiny fractures that may not be visible can irritate the pulp.

Loose or broken fillings – expose sensitive areas of the tooth.

Receding gums – reveal softer, more vulnerable parts of the tooth root.

Periapical abscess – a bacterial infection leading to pus formation at the tip of the tooth root.

Management of Toothache

The management of toothache depends on its underlying cause, which is typically diagnosed through a dental examination and, if necessary, an X-ray. If the pain is due to tooth decay, the dentist will remove the decayed portion and restore the tooth with a filling. In cases where a filling is loose or broken, it will be replaced after removing any additional decay. When the dental pulp is infected, root canal treatment may be required to remove the infected tissue and seal the tooth to prevent reinfection. If the tooth is severely damaged or impacted, and other treatments are ineffective, extraction may be necessary.

Health benefits of garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a nutrient-rich spice known for its powerful health benefits and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It contains polyphenols and organosulfur compounds that provide a wide range of protective effects against common health problems. Research from various laboratory, animal, and human clinical studies shows that garlic helps in preventing and managing conditions like cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. These benefits are largely due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties.

Health benefits of salt

Salt, or sodium chloride, is made up of about 40% sodium and 60% chloride. It's commonly used to add flavor to food, act as a stabilizer or binder, and preserve food by preventing bacterial growth. The body needs a small amount of sodium—about 500 mg per day—to function properly. Sodium helps with nerve signals, muscle movement, and balancing fluids and minerals in the body. However, consuming too much sodium can be harmful. It’s linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and bone calcium loss. 

Can a paste of garlic and salt cure toothache?

A paste of garlic and salt may temporarily relieve toothache due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but it does not cure the underlying cause of tooth pain. Depending on the cause of toothache, treatment to manage it varies. Therefore, professional dental treatment is necessary for lasting relief.

An article published in PLOS One concludes that short-term saltwater rinsing helps gum cells heal, supporting its common use for oral wound healing. 

An article published in Journal of Research Administration concluded that garlic extracts may offer pain-relieving effects for toothache and while they show potential as natural alternatives, over-the-counter pain relievers were generally more effective. The research also mentioned that further research is needed to explore garlic's role in practical pain management.

Yet another article published in the Greener Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health highlighted that garlic clove provided effective relief from toothache. The article stated that this effect is likely due to garlic’s natural compounds like allicin and flavonoids, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. But the study did not establish that garlic can cure a toothache.

An article published in International Research Journal of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences concluded that gargling with a salt solution was found to effectively reduce toothache pain caused by untreated dental caries. This method only reduces toothache and provides temporary relief, but cannot cure a toothache.

While studies show that garlic and salt may offer temporary relief from toothache due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, they do not cure the underlying cause. Research supports their use as short-term measures, but not as substitutes for dental care. Professional treatment is essential to address the root problem and prevent complications.

Dr Ritika, MDS (OMFS), Senior Lecturer, ITS Dental College, Muradnagar, said, “Garlic and salt have long been used in traditional remedies, and there’s some scientific support for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic’s allicin compound, for instance, can help inhibit bacterial growth, while saltwater can reduce swelling and cleanse the area. However, these effects are only temporary and should not be mistaken for a cure. A toothache often signals underlying problems like decay or infection that require professional treatment. While these home remedies might offer short-term relief, they don’t resolve the root cause. Delaying proper dental care can lead to more serious complications such as abscesses or tooth loss.”

Dr Prakhar Pragya, MDS (Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics), Consultant Orthodontist, South Delhi Region, said, “There’s growing interest in natural alternatives for managing tooth pain, and garlic has shown some promise due to its pain-relieving and antimicrobial components. Saltwater rinses also help reduce inflammation and flush out bacteria. However, these approaches can only provide symptomatic relief. A paste of garlic and salt might ease discomfort for a few hours, but it won’t reverse decay, heal infected pulp, or treat gum disease. It’s essential to understand that while these remedies reduce pain temporarily, they are not a substitute for professional dental intervention. Toothaches often point to deeper issues that require timely and targeted treatment.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take

There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus that the paste of garlic and salt can cure toothache completely. A paste of garlic and salt may offer short-term relief from toothache due to their natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it does not cure the root cause of the pain.

Hence, the claim, a paste of garlic and salt can cure a toothache is False.