Can pear and alcohol mixtures cure toothaches?

Claim: A Facebook page, Ogo talk show, posted a video with a claim that the combination of pear and dry gin will cure a toothache.

Verdict: Misleading. DUBAWA’s findings reveal that while the alcohol in dry gin may offer a brief numbing sensation, it does not address the underlying causes of toothache, such as decay, infection, or gum disease. 

Full Text

A Facebook page identified as Ogo Talk Show posted a video showing a lady claiming that a mixture of pear seed and dry gin serves as a remedy for a toothache.

The video, which had gained over 2,000 views, 18,000 shares, and 51,000 likes as of Oct. 20, 2025, instructs viewers to mix ground pear seed with gin to relieve a toothache.

“Peel a pear and remove the seed. Wash the seed thoroughly, pound it in a mortar, and mix with a small amount of dry gin. Extract the liquid and use a cotton bud to apply it to the affected tooth. Repeat the application daily for 14 days,” she explained. 

In the comment section, users expressed mixed reactions. Asaaju Olayimika Esther cautioned against the practice, saying, “Applying hot (gin) water or battery water on a decayed tooth is not a remedy. It can lead to serious infections like facial space infection, which can spread to the neck and block breathing.”

Grace John wrote, “Tooth extraction is the best. This method won’t stop the decayed odour or the pain.”

Martha Ugwuozor advised, “Please, if you have toothache, go see a dentist. A humble advice.”

However, Brian Mathias Agada commented, “I have not tested it, but I know it will work perfectly. I know why. Toothache me and toothache are close.”

DUBAWA decided to verify the claim, given its potential health implications and the divided opinions expressed in the comment section.

Verification

A toothache refers to pain or discomfort felt in or around a tooth, often indicating an underlying dental issue. The pain can vary in intensity, from mild and occasional to severe and persistent, and may interfere with daily activities such as eating, speaking, and sleeping.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the most common causes of toothache include tooth decay or cavities that weaken the tooth’s hard surface, infections like dental abscesses or inflammation of the tooth pulp (pulpitis), damaged or fractured fillings, gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and impacted teeth or new tooth eruptions. In some cases, habits like teeth grinding or clenching can also contribute to the pain.

According to Healthline, for minor irritation, a simple saltwater rinse or applying a cold compress can help relieve discomfort. However, more serious or recurring pain often requires professional dental care.

According to oral health brand Colgate, one common but ineffective home remedy for a toothache involves soaking a cotton swab in alcohol, usually whiskey or vodka, and applying it to the affected area. While the alcohol may offer brief numbing, it does not treat the underlying infection causing the pain. The relief, experts say, is only temporary and unsuitable for children experiencing a toothache.

Colgate warns that although alcohol can dull pain, using it as a pain reliever can be dangerous, as significant quantities are often required to achieve any real numbing effect. 

The Perkins Dental Care says that although alcohol has been traditionally used as a pain reliever, it is not a recommended treatment for a toothache. For adults, alcohol such as whiskey or vodka can temporarily numb pain and act as a disinfectant when swished briefly in the mouth or applied with a cotton ball to the affected area.

Additionally, WebMD explains that the only effective treatment for a toothache is to address the root cause through proper dental care, such as fillings, root canal therapy, or extraction when necessary.

Experts’ view

Farouk Kolawole, a dentist, Oral Health Influencer, and Founder of Smile Royale Dental Home, said the combination of dry gin and pear does not cure a toothache but rather worsens the condition over time.

“When someone has a toothache, the pain is often caused by tooth decay or gum disease. The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause. The most common reason for a toothache is tooth decay, and its treatment varies depending on the severity when the patient visits the clinic,” he explained.

Kolawole said that proper diagnosis remains the first step toward effective treatment. “The first step is for the dentist to perform a clinical evaluation and possibly take a radiographic examination (X-ray) to assess how deep the decay has gone. Based on the findings, we then provide a treatment plan, which could include dental filling, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction. Each of these procedures is designed to address the problem and relieve pain effectively,” he stated.

He warned that medications, herbal mixtures, and home remedies can only provide short-term relief, not a cure. 

“They may provide temporary comfort, but only a proper dental procedure can treat the root cause,” he said. “This combination is quite an interesting one, to be honest. However, I can say for a fact that it will not and will never cure a toothache. At best, someone might feel a bit of temporary relief after using it, but the underlying tooth infection will still be very much active. Eventually, the person will feel the pain again, and it may even return worse than before.”

Kolawole added that using dry gin and pear can do more harm than good. 

“The dry gin can make your mouth more acidic, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and attack your teeth and gums,” he explained. “This can lead to further tooth decay and even new toothaches. Additionally, the alcohol in dry gin can wear down your enamel, making your teeth more sensitive and prone to damage. So please, don’t use this mixture; it’s not only harmful to your gums but also to your teeth and overall oral health.”

Another dentist, Deborah Babatope, described the dry gin and pear combination as “a dangerous shortcut” that could trigger severe dental complications.

“This is what people want to hear, actually,” she said. “I know some natural remedies work, but this is a no for me because the pear fruit used is not even fresh.”

According to her, people who use the mixture might experience temporary relief, but the pain usually returns with more severe symptoms. “The pain might actually subside for a while, but when the main pain returns, it often comes with swelling and inflammation in that area,” she noted.

Babatope revealed that many patients who try such unverified remedies end up returning to the clinic with worsened infections. 

“We have a lot of people who use this ‘touch and go’ method and still come back with huge swelling of the gum and cheek,” she explained. “If not treated early, the inflammation can keep spreading and may even affect the jawbone.”

Conclusion

The claim that mixing pear seed and dry gin can cure a toothache is misleading. While the mixture may provide a temporary numbing effect, it does not cure the infection or decay causing the pain. Medical experts recommend consulting a qualified dentist for a diagnosis and proper treatment of a toothache, rather than relying on unverified social media remedies.