Acupressure for toothache

Acupressure can take the edge off toothache and dental pain while you wait to see a dentist. A few well-chosen points on the hand and face calm the pain pathways that serve the teeth and jaw, providing temporary, drug-free relief. This is symptom relief only — toothache almost always signals decay, infection or a cracked tooth that needs dental treatment. Acupressure does not treat the underlying cause; see a dentist promptly, and seek urgent care for facial swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing.

The core points

LI 4 (Hegu) — “Joining Valley”

Location. On the back of the hand, in the muscular web between the thumb and index finger, at the highest point of the muscle when the thumb is brought against the index finger.

Technique. Firm, deep thumb pressure for 1–2 minutes — press on the hand on the opposite side to the painful tooth. The point produces a strong, dull, achy sensation when located correctly.

Why. LI 4 is the master command point for the face and mouth in classical acupuncture and the single most-used point for dental and facial pain. The Large Intestine channel passes through the lower teeth and gums. Avoid strong LI 4 pressure in pregnancy.

ST 6 (Jiache) — “Jaw Chariot”

Location. On the cheek, one finger-width forward and up from the angle of the jaw — at the bulge of muscle you feel when you clench your teeth.

Technique. Press firmly with the fingertip for 1–2 minutes on the painful side.

Why. A local point that relaxes the jaw muscles and relieves pain in the lower teeth and jaw. The Stomach channel serves the upper and lower gums.

ST 7 (Xiaguan) — “Below the Joint”

Location. In the depression just below the cheekbone, in front of the ear, that opens up when the mouth is closed.

Technique. Press firmly for 1–2 minutes on the painful side.

Why. The principal point for the upper teeth and the jaw joint (TMJ). Particularly useful for upper-tooth pain and pain that radiates towards the ear.

SI 18 (Quanliao) — “Cheek Bone Crevice”

Location. Directly below the outer corner of the eye, in the depression at the lower edge of the cheekbone.

Technique. Press firmly for 1–2 minutes on the painful side.

Why. A strong local point for pain in the upper jaw and cheek, often combined with ST 7 for upper-tooth pain.

Supplementary point

LI 2 (Erjian) — “Second Interval”

On the index finger, in the depression on the thumb side just in front of the knuckle. A Water point on the Large Intestine channel that clears Heat — useful when the toothache is hot, throbbing and worse with heat. Press for 1 minute on the opposite hand.

A practical routine

1. Press LI 4 on the hand opposite the painful tooth for 1–2 minutes
2. For a lower tooth, add ST 6 on the painful side
3. For an upper tooth, add ST 7 and SI 18 on the painful side
4. For hot, throbbing pain, add LI 2
5. Repeat every 1–2 hours as needed until you can see a dentist

Self-care

• Rinse with warm salt water to reduce bacterial load and swelling
• A cold compress on the cheek eases pain and swelling
• Avoid very hot, very cold and sugary foods on the affected side
• Clove oil dabbed on the tooth is a traditional analgesic (eugenol)

When to see a dentist or doctor

1. Any toothache lasting more than 1–2 days — see a dentist
2. Facial or gum swelling, or a gum boil
3. Fever alongside the toothache
4. Difficulty swallowing or breathing — this is a dental emergency, seek urgent care
5. Pain after a knock to the tooth

Browse the full acupressure hub, the related acupressure for jaw pain guide, or the acupuncture points directory.