One of the best home remedies for a pimple before it develops into a full blown one is to apply some toothpaste on it. If you want to know how to get rid of pimples, you should be aware of the process of pimple formation. Once an oil gland becomes clogged by dirt, sebum or dead skin cells, there would be a pebble-like foreign entity in it that would start an inflammatory process. The inflammatory process is a defense mechanism of the body that works by sending off a rush of blood containing white blood cells to an affected area. This causes redness, inflammation and some swelling on that part. Pimples may also be painful, owing to the presence of blood and the pressure it gives to the surrounding tissues. Before the inflammation actually sets in, you can always opt to apply some toothpaste on the pimple. The toothpaste works by giving off a cooling effect on the pimple. It wards off further swelling because of the mint in it.