Toothache Relief: What to Do Until You See a Dentist

Why a toothache needs a dentist, not just a painkiller

Tooth pain is a signal. The nerve inside the tooth may be irritated by decay, a crack, a lost filling, an infection or gum problems. Pain relievers can ease the ache for a while, but they don't fix the cause. A tooth that stops hurting can still be infected.

So treat the steps below as a bridge to your appointment. Call your dentist as soon as you can, even if the pain fades.

Over the counter dental pain relief

Most adults can use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for a toothache. Follow the dose on the package, and don't take more than it says. Ask a pharmacist which one suits you if you take other medicines, have stomach, kidney, liver or heart problems, or are pregnant.

A few cautions matter here:

• Do not give aspirin to children or teens.
• Never put a pill or crushed tablet against the gum next to the sore tooth. The Canadian Dental Association warns it can burn the gum tissue.
• A numbing gel from the pharmacy can help briefly. Use it as the label directs.
• Antibiotics are not a painkiller and won't help most toothaches. A dentist or doctor decides if you need them.

Tooth pain relief with simple home steps

• Hold a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth against your cheek, about 15 minutes at a time.
• Don't use heat on your jaw. The CDA advises against heating pads or hot water bottles, which can make swelling worse.
• Adults can rinse gently with half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, then spit it out. Young children shouldn't do this in case they swallow it.
• Gently floss around the tooth in case food is trapped there. Never poke with a toothpick, pin or other sharp object.
• Eat soft foods like yogurt, eggs or soup that has cooled, and chew on the other side.
• Avoid very hot, very cold and sugary food and drinks, and avoid smoking.

If the pain comes from a chip, crack or lost filling

A broken tooth or a filling that falls out can leave sharp edges and exposed, sensitive tooth. Rinse with warm water and save any pieces. Dental wax from a pharmacy can cover a sharp edge for a short time. Don't try to glue anything back in place.

The CDA notes that broken teeth can almost always be saved, so call your dentist promptly. If a whole tooth has been knocked out, the steps are different and time-sensitive; see our article on handling a knocked-out tooth before getting to a dentist.

Signs you need care quickly

Call a dentist the same day if you can, or as soon as possible, if you notice any of these:

• Pain that lasts more than a day or two, or isn't eased by pain relievers
• Swelling in your gum, face or jaw
• A fever, or feeling unwell
• A bad taste or pus near the tooth
• Pain when you bite down or tap the tooth

When to call 911 or go to the emergency department

Some tooth infections spread. Go to the emergency department or call 911 if swelling makes it hard to breathe, swallow or speak, if swelling spreads toward your eye or down your neck, or if you have a high fever and feel very ill. Don't drive yourself if you feel unwell. These situations need hospital care first, then follow-up with a dentist.

What your dentist will do

Your dentist will ask where it hurts, what triggers it and how long it has been going on. Then they'll look at the tooth, test it gently and usually take an X-ray. Pain that lingers after cold, or throbs on its own, often means the nerve is involved. Treatment might be a filling, a root canal, treating the gums or, if the tooth can't be saved, removing it.

Small cavities often don't hurt at all, which is one reason regular checkups matter. Our article on signs of a dental cavity you cannot see explains more.

Toothache help in Aurora

If you're in Aurora or nearby and have a toothache, call Aurora Gateway Dental Care at 289-475-5497. If we're closed, follow the instructions on our line. We're open until 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 9 to 3 on Saturdays, which can help if your pain starts midweek or late in the week. Direct billing to insurance, CDCP and IFHP all apply to emergency visits too.

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