How to stop a infected tooth from hurting
An infected tooth needs a dental examination and treatment, while gentle cleaning, soft foods, and label-directed pain relief may ease discomfort temporarily.
The short answer
Rinse gently with warm salt water, choose soft foods, and use an over-the-counter pain reliever only as directed on its label, then arrange prompt dental care because these steps cannot remove an infection.
How can decay, cracks, or injury lead to tooth infection pain?
Pain from an infected tooth can arise when decay, a crack, or injury lets bacteria reach deeper tooth tissue. The pain may be constant or triggered by chewing, heat, or cold, and the cause cannot be confirmed from pain alone.
What should you record before your dental appointment?
Arrange a dental appointment and record when the pain began, what triggers it, whether it wakes you, and whether swelling, drainage, or a bad taste is present. Brush carefully around the area, avoid very hot or cold foods, and never put aspirin or household chemicals on the gum.
Which signs of an infected tooth need urgent advice?
Seek urgent dental advice for facial or gum swelling, fever, worsening pain, pus, or difficulty opening your mouth. Get emergency medical help if swelling affects breathing or swallowing, or spreads quickly.
Can the tooth be preserved and what treatment is suitable?
Ask what caused the pain, whether the tooth can be preserved, which treatment is suitable, and what is safe until treatment begins. Tell the dentist about allergies, pregnancy, and every medicine or supplement you use.
Frequently asked questions
Temporary comfort does not establish that the infection has gone, so use symptom relief as a bridge to an examination and a treatment decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can an infected tooth stop hurting without treatment?
Pain can change or briefly settle, but that does not show that the underlying problem has been repaired. Arrange an examination even if the tooth feels better.
Should I put aspirin on the painful tooth?
Do not place aspirin or household substances on the gum. Use medicines only as directed on the product label and ask a pharmacist or dentist if you are unsure.
When is tooth pain an emergency?
Get urgent help for facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing. Breathing trouble requires emergency medical care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.