Home Remedy for Broken Tooth with Exposed Nerve: 2026 Expert Guide to Emergency Relief

A fractured tooth with an exposed nerve can be one of the most excruciating dental emergencies you’ll ever experience. The sharp, throbbing pain can make it impossible to eat, sleep, or focus on anything else. While professional dental care is absolutely essential, understanding effective home remedies can provide crucial relief while you arrange your emergency appointment.

In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we’ll explore proven home remedies that can help manage the pain of a broken tooth with an exposed nerve, explain why these methods work, and clarify when you absolutely must seek professional care. If you’re dealing with extreme tooth pain that’s keeping you awake, these strategies can help you get through the night until you can see your dentist.

Understanding a Broken Tooth with Exposed Nerve

The dental pulp—the innermost layer of your tooth—contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and highly sensitive nerve endings. When the protective outer layers (enamel and dentin) are compromised through fracture, decay, or trauma, these nerves become exposed to air, temperature changes, bacteria, and pressure, causing intense pain.

Common causes of exposed tooth nerves include:

• Severe tooth decay: Bacteria produce acid that gradually erodes through enamel and dentin, eventually reaching the pulp chamber
• Physical trauma: Sports injuries, falls, or accidents can crack or chip teeth, instantly exposing the nerve
• Chronic teeth grinding: Bruxism wears down protective tooth layers over time, potentially exposing nerves
• Advanced gum disease: Severe periodontal disease causes gum recession, exposing tooth roots and their nerve endings
• Failed dental work: Old fillings or crowns that crack or fall out can leave nerves vulnerable

The pain from an exposed nerve is typically sharp, intense, and may worsen with temperature changes, sweet foods, or pressure. If you’re experiencing tooth pain when applying pressure, this could indicate nerve exposure or other serious dental issues.

Immediate Home Remedies for Broken Tooth with Exposed Nerve

These evidence-based home remedies can provide temporary relief while you wait for professional dental treatment. Remember, these are emergency measures only—not substitutes for proper dental care.

1. Saltwater Rinse (The Gold Standard)

A warm saltwater rinse is one of the most effective and safest home remedies for dental emergencies. Salt is a natural disinfectant that reduces inflammation, draws out fluid from swollen tissues, and creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria.

How to use: Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm (not hot) water. Gently swish the solution around your mouth for 30-60 seconds, focusing on the affected area. Repeat every 2-3 hours as needed.

2. Clove Oil (Nature’s Anesthetic)

Clove oil has been used for centuries in dental care due to its active compound, eugenol, which acts as a natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory agent. Studies in 2025 confirmed its effectiveness in reducing dental pain.

How to use: Dilute 2-3 drops of clove oil with a carrier oil (like olive or coconut oil). Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and gently apply it directly to the affected tooth. Hold for 10-15 minutes. Never apply undiluted clove oil, as it can burn gum tissue.

3. Cold Compress

Applying cold to the outside of your cheek constricts blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and numbs the area, providing significant pain relief.

How to use: Wrap ice or a cold pack in a thin towel and apply it to your cheek near the affected tooth for 15 minutes. Remove for 15 minutes, then reapply. Continue this cycle for up to two hours.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse kills bacteria, reduces plaque, and can help prevent infection in the exposed nerve area.

How to use: Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Swish gently for 30 seconds, then spit out completely. Never swallow hydrogen peroxide. Use no more than twice daily.

5. Garlic Paste

Garlic contains allicin, a compound with powerful antibacterial and pain-relieving properties. It’s been used in traditional medicine for dental pain for thousands of years.

How to use: Crush one fresh garlic clove and mix it with a pinch of salt to create a paste. Apply directly to the affected tooth for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use once or twice daily.

Over-the-Counter Pain Management

While home remedies provide topical relief, oral pain medications can help manage systemic pain and inflammation from within.

Recommended OTC Medications

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): This NSAID reduces both pain and inflammation. Take 400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food. Maximum daily dose is 2400mg for adults.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Effective for pain relief without anti-inflammatory properties. Take 500-1000mg every 4-6 hours. Maximum daily dose is 3000mg for adults.

Combination therapy: For severe pain, many dentists recommend alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen for maximum relief. Learn more about using Tylenol and ibuprofen together for tooth pain.

Topical benzocaine gels: Products like Orajel provide temporary numbing relief when applied directly to the affected area.

Important: Always follow package directions and consult with a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications.

What NOT to Do with an Exposed Nerve

Certain actions can worsen your condition or increase infection risk:

• Don’t apply aspirin directly to the tooth: This can cause chemical burns to your gum tissue
• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods: Temperature extremes will trigger intense pain in exposed nerves
• Don’t chew on the affected side: Pressure on the broken tooth can cause further damage
• Skip alcohol-based mouthwashes: These can irritate exposed nerves and delay healing
• Don’t ignore the problem: An exposed nerve will not heal on its own and requires professional treatment
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods: These can further damage the compromised tooth structure

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

While home remedies can provide temporary relief, certain symptoms require immediate professional attention:

• Severe, uncontrollable pain that doesn’t respond to OTC medications
• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C), which may indicate spreading infection
• Significant swelling of the face, jaw, or neck
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Foul taste or discharge from the affected tooth
• Visible pus or abscess formation
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of gentle pressure

These symptoms may indicate a serious infection that could spread to other parts of your body. If you’re wondering about the dangers of untreated tooth infections, understand that dental infections can become life-threatening if left untreated.

Professional Treatment Options for Broken Teeth with Exposed Nerves

Once you reach your dentist, several treatment options may be recommended based on the severity of the damage:

Root Canal Therapy

For teeth with exposed but salvageable nerves, root canal therapy removes the damaged pulp tissue, disinfects the interior of the tooth, and seals it with a filling material. Contrary to popular belief, modern root canal procedures are relatively comfortable and highly successful.

Dental Crown

After a root canal or for teeth with significant structural damage, a crown (cap) is placed over the tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance. Crowns protect the remaining tooth structure and can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care.

Tooth Extraction

When a tooth is too damaged to save, extraction may be necessary. Your dentist will discuss replacement options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures to restore function and aesthetics.

Temporary Filling or Bonding

For minor chips or cracks, dental bonding or a temporary filling may provide adequate protection and pain relief until a permanent restoration can be placed.

Preventing Future Tooth Damage

Once your immediate crisis is resolved, take steps to protect your teeth from future damage:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily
• Visit your dentist regularly: Professional cleanings and exams every six months catch problems early
• Wear a mouthguard: If you grind your teeth or play contact sports, custom mouthguards provide essential protection
• Address tooth decay promptly: Don’t delay treatment for cavities—they only get worse
• Avoid using teeth as tools: Never use your teeth to open packages, crack nuts, or hold objects
• Limit acidic and sugary foods: These erode enamel and promote decay
• Stay hydrated: Adequate saliva production helps neutralize acids and protect teeth

Cost Considerations and Dental Insurance

Emergency dental care can be expensive, but delaying treatment typically results in higher costs and more complex procedures. Many dental offices offer:

• Payment plans for patients without insurance
• Dental discount programs that reduce treatment costs
• Emergency appointment slots for urgent cases
• Financing options through third-party providers

If cost is a concern, dental schools often provide high-quality care at reduced rates, performed by supervised students. Community health centers may also offer sliding-scale fees based on income.

The Bottom Line: Home Remedies Are Temporary Solutions

A broken tooth with an exposed nerve is a serious dental emergency that requires professional treatment. While the home remedies outlined in this guide—saltwater rinses, clove oil, cold compresses, and OTC pain relievers—can provide valuable temporary relief, they cannot repair the underlying damage or prevent infection.

Think of these remedies as a bridge to professional care, not a destination. The longer you delay treatment, the higher your risk of complications, including severe infection, tooth loss, and the need for more extensive (and expensive) procedures.

If you’re experiencing dental pain right now, use these home remedies to manage your discomfort, but make that dental appointment as soon as possible. Your future self—and your smile—will thank you.

Remember: Dental emergencies don’t improve with time. If you’re dealing with a broken tooth with an exposed nerve, the best home remedy is picking up the phone and calling your dentist today.