Nothing can replace a visit to a good dentist for professional cleaning, and dental care, especially when the a problem tooth has deteriorated into decay. To combat occasional ear and tooth pain or to get you through a middle of the night attack, hot and/or cold herbal compresses can help save the day. For a simple compress fill a small muslin pouch with chamomile or lavender flowers, heat in the microwave, or in hot water and apply to the swelling. I always keep clove oil on hand and a few drops of clove on a painful tooth can work wonders. See the herbal preparation and home remedies section for more details on how to make your own home pain relief remedies.

Toddler with a toothache

Hot and cold relief: Ear pain in adults is less likely to be from an ear infection. What you perceive as ear pain may actually be coming from another location, such as your temperomandibular joint, your teeth, throat, or other location. This is called "referred" pain. A warm herb filled pillow can help you get needed pain relief and rest. The opposite strategy, ice is excellent in numbing nerve endings and can be an effective temporary relief from a toothache. Try to compress the affected area with ice. But if it aggravates the pain, discontinue it.