Home remedies for a bad tooth

Home care can ease a bad tooth briefly, but a cavity, crack, or infection needs treatment that addresses the damaged tooth.

A bad tooth may involve decay, a crack, inflamed pulp, a loose filling, or infection around the root. Home measures cannot remove decay, seal a fracture, or drain an abscess.

Rinse gently with warm water, brush carefully, avoid chewing on that side, and use a cold compress outside the cheek. Never place aspirin or concentrated chemicals on the gum.

Arrange care promptly for toothache, lingering sensitivity, a broken tooth, or pain when biting. Facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing requires urgent care.

Ask whether the tooth needs a filling, root canal treatment, extraction, or another procedure after the cause is identified.