The fastest safe toothache relief is an over-the-counter painkiller taken as directed on the label, a cold compress on your cheek and a warm salt-water rinse. These steps ease pain and swelling for a few hours. They do not fix the cause, so book a dental appointment as soon as you can.
7 ways to ease a toothache at home
- Take an over-the-counter painkiller. Follow the dosage on the packet and check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have health conditions.
- Use a cold compress. Hold an ice pack wrapped in a cloth against your cheek for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Rinse with warm salt water. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish and spit. It cleans the area and soothes gums.
- Floss gently around the tooth. Trapped food can cause surprising pain and pressure.
- Keep your head raised at night. An extra pillow reduces blood pooling and throbbing.
- Avoid trigger foods. Skip very hot, cold, sweet or hard foods and chew on the other side.
- Try clove oil carefully. A small amount on a cotton ball can numb the area briefly. Do not place it directly on gums in large amounts.
What not to do
- Do not put aspirin directly on the gum. It can burn the tissue.
- Do not apply heat to a swollen face. Heat can encourage infection to spread.
- Do not ignore pain that eases suddenly. A nerve can die while infection continues.
When a toothache needs urgent care
Call a dentist the same day if you have swelling in your face or jaw, a fever, a bad taste or pus, or pain that painkillers do not touch. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room.
How a dentist fixes a toothache
At Melrose Advanced Dentistry, we identify the cause and treat it directly. That may mean a filling for a cavity, root canal treatment for an inflamed or infected nerve, or treatment for a cracked tooth. Many patients leave their emergency appointment with the pain resolved.
Frequently asked questions
How can I stop a toothache at night? Take a painkiller before bed as directed, keep your head raised and use a cold compress. Avoid eating just before sleep.
How long does a toothache last? Pain from sensitivity may pass in a day. Pain from decay or infection usually keeps returning until it is treated.
Do I need antibiotics for a toothache? Only some infections need antibiotics, and they do not fix the tooth itself. A dentist will decide whether you need them.