KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A warm salt water rinse acts as a natural antiseptic, clearing bacteria from the sore area and easing pain. Floss gently to remove any trapped food
- OTC pain relievers help: acetaminophen for kids, ibuprofen or aspirin for adults. Follow the dosing and never mix with alcohol or other pain meds
- A cold compress on the cheek or jaw brings down swelling and dulls the ache
- Benzocaine gels and liquids numb the spot directly for fast, temporary relief
- These are stopgaps, not cures. A toothache usually signals decay, infection, or worse, and only a dentist can fix the cause
- Swelling, fever, or red gums point to a possible abscess. That’s an emergency, don’t wait it out
How to Stop a Toothache Until You Can See a Dentist
Toothache is a dreadful pain. Having that throbbing feeling of non-stop pain in your mouth that you can’t really soothe can be debilitating. Maybe you’re dealing with a sore and tender mouth, throbbing gums, and even headaches. Whatever the case may be, a toothache can be a sign of a serious problem and you should schedule an appointment with your Dentist to get it checked out. But until then, here are some things you can do at home to ease the toothache.
Try a Salt Water Rinse
Swish around warm, salty water in your mouth. It helps! A good rule of thumb is to use a ½ teaspoon of salt for every 8 ounces of water. It doesn’t have to be boiling water, but we recommend making your salt water rinse a bit hotter than lukewarm water. The salt and warm water combination works as an antiseptic. It gently removes bacteria from the infected area which may alleviate the pain. Be sure to give it a few swishes, then spit it out, but don’t swallow it. It may be a good idea to gently floss around the tooth to remove any food particles that may be affecting the pain.
Try OTC Pain Relievers
Acetaminophen is a good pain reliever which we suggest for children. In addition, adults can choose from many of the over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Remember to follow the instructions carefully when taking OTC medicines and be careful not to mix them with other substances that might cause harmful effects such as alcohol and prescription pain medicines.
Try Clove Oil
One of the oldest toothache remedies still works. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. Dab a little on a cotton ball and hold it against the sore tooth, or mix a drop with a carrier oil if it’s too strong. Numbs the pain and fights bacteria at the same time.
Apply a Cold Compress
Swelling typically occurs due to a buildup of fluid or as a result of inflammation. If you’re experiencing swelling of any kind, it’s a good idea to put a pack of ice on your jaw or cheek. This may help ease the pain as the swelling starts to go down. Swelling could also point to a more serious issue such as an abscess. Watch for fever and red gums as this will point to a very serious infection that would require an emergency dental visit.
Use OTC Anesthetics
Did you know you can numb your mouth to the pain? Yes, anesthesia is not just for hospitals. Now you can get them over-the-counter. These pain relieving gels can soothe a toothache in no time. They come in both gel and liquid form. They contain benzocaine, which acts as a temporary numbing agent. You can apply it directly over the area that is sore such as your tooth and gums. For immediate relief.
A toothache is a warning, not just a nuisance!
These remedies ease the pain, but they don’t fix the cause, and waiting usually makes it worse. Throbbing or lingering pain typically means decay, infection, or a cracked tooth. Severe pain, swelling, or fever? Don’t wait. Get same-day care from an emergency dentist serving North Andover and Andover, MA fast.
For everything else, the general and cosmetic dental team in North Andover led by Dr. Gary C. Demetriou, DMD will find the problem and end the pain for good. The best fix is catching trouble early, so if you’re overdue for a checkup, that’s the smartest place to start. Contact us to book your visit.