How to reduce tooth pain

To reduce tooth pain temporarily, protect the tooth, use suitable pain relief and arrange dental treatment for the underlying cause.

Tooth pain may arise from exposed dentine, decay, a cracked tooth, an inflamed pulp, an abscess or inflamed gum tissue. The pain pattern, triggers and examination help distinguish these causes.

Use a cold compress on the cheek, keep the head slightly raised, rinse gently, and remove food with floss. Take only pain medicine suitable for your health history, and never put aspirin or concentrated chemicals on the tooth or gum.

Arrange an examination when pain lasts, worsens, wakes you, or returns after medicine. Facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulty or reduced mouth opening requires urgent assessment.

Ask what structure is causing the pain and whether the tooth needs a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, extraction or gum care. Ask what to do if pain changes before the planned treatment.