Quick remedies for toothache
For short-term toothache relief, rinse gently, remove trapped food, use a cold compress, and take a suitable pain medicine only as directed on its label.
The short answer
For short-term toothache relief, rinse gently, remove trapped food, use a cold compress, and take a suitable pain medicine only as directed on its label. Toothache can arise from decay, a cracked tooth, inflamed pulp, gum disease, an abscess, or referred jaw pain. Home measures reduce symptoms but do not remove the dental cause.
What problems can cause this type of toothache?
Toothache can arise from decay, a cracked tooth, inflamed pulp, gum disease, an abscess, or referred jaw pain. Home measures reduce symptoms but do not remove the dental cause.
What can you do at home while arranging dental care?
Rinse with lukewarm water and clean between the teeth gently. Keep the head raised, avoid very hot or cold foods, and do not place aspirin or concentrated chemicals against the gum.
When should ongoing toothache be checked by a dentist?
Arrange prompt dental care for pain lasting beyond a brief episode, pain on biting, fever, swelling, pus, or a bad taste. Emergency help is needed for swelling that affects the eye, breathing, or swallowing.
Why might toothache become worse at night?
Why does toothache worsen at night? Can pain relief cure a cavity?
Frequently asked questions
Why does toothache worsen at night?
Toothache can arise from decay, a cracked tooth, inflamed pulp, gum disease, an abscess, or referred jaw pain. Home measures reduce symptoms but do not remove the dental cause.
Can pain relief cure a cavity?
Rinse with lukewarm water and clean between the teeth gently. Keep the head raised, avoid very hot or cold foods, and do not place aspirin or concentrated chemicals against the gum.
Keep reading
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.