Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Lydia Martin
For centuries, drinking whiskey, Scotch, and vodka has been used as a folk remedy for toothaches.
Alcohol is believed to fight bacteria causing toothache while numbing the pain. And the sweet taste has said to have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and tooth infection.
But is whiskey really an effective remedy for dental pain? Can we rely on whiskey as a dental treatment?
We took the time to investigate and finally found the best whiskey for a toothache.
Table of Contents
ToggleTop 7 Whiskeys Believed To Cure A Toothache
7. Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
Average Price: roughly $14/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 33% ABV
Why We Like It: This flavored whisky has the lowest ABV on this list, so the numbing reaction won’t be as effective here as in others.
It can provide temporary relief from tooth pain due to its sweet taste, releasing some anti-inflammatory properties essential to oral health and preventing common and debilitating pain from toothache.
6. Old Forester Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $25/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Aged for a minimum of six years, Old Forester has a smooth and light flavor, making it an excellent numbing agent to ease toothache.
“The people that are looking for this kind of remedy are often afraid to go to the dentist.”
— Dr. Matthew J. Messina, Dentist & American Dental Association Spokesperson
Though there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim, at least it helps as an immediate relief or reduces the pain a bit to give you ample time and energy to prepare for a visit to a dentist.
5. Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $22/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Wild Turkey is another smooth bourbon that can ease toothaches–but for short-term relief only.
This isn’t as strong a spirit as any other hard liquor; you can let alcohol disinfect you’re affected tooth to kill germs or disease-causing tooth pain.
If you don’t want to make the pain worse, drinking Wild Turkey helps, but you can also gargle it for a few seconds, like what you did with a saltwater rinse.
4. Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $32/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: The subtle sweetness of Maker’s Mark contains anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve pain from tooth decay or aching tooth.
Honestly, this isn’t a permanent solution, but during the pain, we just want anything to alleviate toothache to feel better and have the mood and tolerance to seek a dentist’s help.
3. Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $32/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This 8-year-old bourbon (estimated) delivers rich flavors covering the entire mouth with bold notes, providing a good numbing effect on gums and any affected area.
Most of the old wives’ tale we heard and read through forums–online and offline– claims Jim Beam to be one of the effective home remedies to kill bacteria and treat pain caused by toothache.
2. Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $39/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: Knob Creek isn’t just a drink for sipping or mixing; it’s one of the best whiskey expressions believed to be an effective remedy to your aching tooth.
It can reduce pain if you gargle and spit this spirit. The toothache pain will lessen for some time, helping your gums relax.
If you can swish whiskey of this flavor, then do so, as it can be more effective.
The longer the alcohol stays on the affected area, the longer the antibacterial properties will fight bacteria causing tooth decay or tooth pain.
1. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $27/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Jack Daniel’s is one of the suggested whiskey bottles that can treat toothaches. You can put ice cubes on the glass of JD, then drink it with a bit of swishing while on the mouth.
Besides drinking and gargling whiskey, some prefer to soak a cotton ball in alcohol to use it as a cold compress for the affected gum and lessen the tooth pain.
Additionally, the antiseptic properties of Jack Daniel’s help treat toothache or act as pain relief.
However, it doesn’t guarantee anything, and the effect may vary from one person to another.
How Do You Use Whiskey To Treat A Toothache?
Drink It
The most common way of using whiskey to treat tooth pain is by drinking it. But to be an effective pain relief remedy, you better swish the strong spirit around your mouth.
Gargle & Spit
Like rinsing with salt water, get your chosen whiskey, gargle it for around 10 seconds, and spit afterward.
Use Cotton Swabs & Dab
For an immediate solution, soak a cotton ball or cotton swab in the whiskey and dab it on the aching area, like a cold compress on the skin.
Professional’s Tip: For a risk-free home remedy for toothache, you better try using essential oils: tea tree oil, clove oil, nutmeg oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, and oregano oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is whiskey good for toothache?
While some people may use whiskey as a home remedy to alleviate toothache temporarily due to its numbing effect, it is not a recommended or effective long-term solution.
Whiskey’s high alcohol content may provide temporary relief by numbing the affected area when swished around the mouth, but it does not address the underlying cause of the toothache.
Additionally, alcohol can exacerbate inflammation and may interfere with certain pain medications or antibiotics prescribed by a dentist.
It’s essential to consult a dental professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of toothache rather than relying on home remedies like whiskey.
What is the best liquor for a toothache?
There is no specific type of liquor that is considered the best for alleviating toothache. While some individuals may find temporary relief from swishing high-proof alcohol like whiskey or vodka around the affected tooth, this is not a recommended or effective long-term solution.
Alcohol should not be used as a substitute for proper dental care and treatment. Instead of relying on alcohol, it’s essential to address the underlying cause of the toothache by seeking professional dental care from a qualified dentist or oral health specialist.
Is it OK to drink alcohol with a toothache?
Drinking alcohol with a toothache is not advisable, as it may exacerbate the pain and discomfort associated with the toothache. Alcohol can irritate oral tissues and may worsen inflammation or infection in the affected tooth.
Additionally, alcohol can interfere with certain pain medications or antibiotics prescribed by a dentist to manage toothache symptoms or treat the underlying cause of the toothache.
It’s essential to prioritize oral health and seek professional dental care for proper diagnosis and treatment of toothache rather than attempting to self-medicate with alcohol or other home remedies.
What drinks stop toothache?
While there are no specific drinks that can stop toothache completely, some beverages may provide temporary relief by numbing the affected area or reducing inflammation.
One common home remedy is rinsing the mouth with warm salt water, as this can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Additionally, herbal teas such as peppermint tea or chamomile tea may have soothing properties that can help ease toothache discomfort.
However, it’s important to note that these remedies are not substitutes for professional dental care, and individuals experiencing severe or persistent toothache should seek evaluation and treatment from a dentist.
How do you relieve tooth pain at night?
Relieving tooth pain at night can be challenging, but there are several strategies that may help alleviate discomfort until you can see a dentist.
Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the cheek outside the affected area may also provide temporary relief.
Additionally, avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages, as well as maintaining proper oral hygiene, can help prevent exacerbation of tooth pain. If the pain persists or worsens, it’s important to consult a dentist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Does whiskey help wisdom tooth pain?
Some people may use whiskey as a home remedy to temporarily numb the pain associated with wisdom toothache due to its high alcohol content.
Swishing whiskey around the mouth or applying it directly to the affected area may provide temporary relief by numbing the nerves and reducing discomfort.
However, it’s important to note that whiskey is not a recommended or effective long-term solution for wisdom tooth pain. Alcohol can irritate oral tissues and may worsen inflammation or infection in the affected area.
Additionally, relying on whiskey to manage wisdom tooth pain does not address the underlying cause of the discomfort.
It’s essential to seek professional dental care from a qualified dentist or oral surgeon for proper evaluation and treatment of wisdom tooth pain.
What alcohol is safe for teeth?
When considering the impact of alcohol on dental health, it’s important to note that all alcoholic beverages, regardless of type, can have negative effects on oral health if consumed excessively. However, some alcoholic beverages may be less harmful to teeth than others.
Clear spirits like vodka and gin, when consumed in moderation and without sugary mixers, may be considered safer options for dental health compared to beverages with higher sugar content, such as cocktails or sweetened wines.
Nevertheless, alcohol can contribute to dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, is essential for minimizing the potential adverse effects of alcohol on teeth.
How do you calm tooth nerve pain?
Calm tooth nerve pain can be challenging, but several strategies may help alleviate discomfort temporarily. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with tooth nerve sensitivity.
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the cheek outside the affected area may also provide temporary relief by numbing the nerves.
Additionally, avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages, as well as sticky or hard foods, can help prevent exacerbation of tooth nerve pain. If the pain persists or worsens, it’s important to consult a dentist for proper evaluation and treatment.
What kills tooth infection?
Tooth infections, also known as dental abscesses, are typically caused by bacteria and require professional dental treatment to eliminate. Antibiotics prescribed by a dentist or healthcare provider are often necessary to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
Additionally, dental procedures such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction may be required to remove the infected tissue and alleviate symptoms.
While home remedies such as rinsing with warm salt water may help alleviate discomfort temporarily, they do not address the underlying infection and should not be relied upon as a sole treatment.
Seeking prompt dental care is essential for effectively treating tooth infections and preventing complications.
What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection?
While natural remedies may offer some relief for tooth infections, they are not a substitute for professional dental care and antibiotics prescribed by a dentist or healthcare provider. However, some natural substances have antimicrobial properties that may help inhibit bacterial growth and reduce inflammation associated with tooth infections. Examples include:
Garlic: Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antibacterial properties that may help combat infection-causing bacteria. Chewing raw garlic or applying garlic paste to the affected area may offer some relief.
Clove oil: Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural compound with analgesic and antimicrobial properties. Applying clove oil to the affected tooth or gums may help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Gargling with a turmeric solution or applying a paste of turmeric and water to the affected area may help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that may help fight bacterial infections. Diluting tea tree oil with water and using it as a mouthwash or applying it topically to the affected area may help alleviate symptoms of tooth infection.
It’s important to note that while these natural remedies may provide temporary relief, they are not a substitute for professional dental treatment. Tooth infections can lead to serious complications if left untreated, so it’s essential to consult a dentist for proper evaluation and treatment.
Is whisky good for mouth ulcers?
While some people may use whisky or other alcoholic beverages as a home remedy for mouth ulcers due to their numbing effect, there is limited scientific evidence to support their efficacy.
Alcohol may temporarily numb the area around the mouth ulcer, providing short-term relief from pain and discomfort.
However, alcohol can also irritate oral tissues and may delay healing. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on overall health and may exacerbate existing oral health issues.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment of mouth ulcers, which may include topical medications, oral rinses, or other interventions.
What antibiotic helps a toothache?
Antibiotics may be prescribed by a dentist to help treat a toothache caused by bacterial infection. The choice of antibiotic depends on the type and severity of the infection, as well as any allergies or medical conditions the patient may have. Common antibiotics used to treat toothaches include:
Penicillin: Penicillin and related antibiotics are often prescribed for dental infections due to their effectiveness against many types of bacteria commonly found in the mouth.
Amoxicillin: Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is commonly used to treat dental infections, particularly those caused by Streptococcus bacteria.
Clindamycin: Clindamycin is another antibiotic that may be prescribed for dental infections, particularly those caused by bacteria resistant to other antibiotics or in individuals allergic to penicillin.
It’s important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional and to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.
Failure to do so may lead to antibiotic resistance and recurrence of the infection. Additionally, antibiotics alone may not be sufficient to resolve a toothache, so it’s essential to address any underlying dental issues with appropriate dental treatment.
Does alcohol make a tooth infection worse?
Consuming alcohol, particularly in excessive amounts, can have negative effects on oral health and may exacerbate a tooth infection. Alcohol can irritate oral tissues and dry out the mouth, reducing saliva production.
Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting the teeth and gums by washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and inhibiting bacterial growth.
A dry mouth environment can create ideal conditions for bacterial proliferation and may worsen the symptoms of a tooth infection.
Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the body’s immune response, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.
It’s important to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, particularly if you have a tooth infection, and to prioritize proper oral hygiene and dental care.
Final Verdict: Best Whiskey For A Toothache
While there are so many whiskey expressions you can use to help relieve toothache, it doesn’t change the fact that you need to seek help from dental professionals.
Whiskey [2] can only be a temporary reliever and may not be a reliable treatment for pain.
Although it really helps get rid of pain in some cases, there are more appropriate remedies to use that are risk-free, like apple cider vinegar and clove oil, among others.
References: