Remedy for bad toothache

A severe toothache usually needs dental treatment; temporary relief can include a cold compress and an appropriate nonprescription pain reliever.

A toothache is pain arising from the tooth pulp, ligament, gum, or nearby jaw tissues. A deep cavity, crack, exposed dentine, inflamed pulp, or dental abscess can produce it. Pain that is severe, spontaneous, or worsened by heat can indicate inflammation inside the tooth rather than a simple surface stain.

Rinse gently with lukewarm water, floss around the painful tooth, and place a cold compress against the cheek. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever only as directed on its label and do not put aspirin on the gum. A dentist may remove decay and place a filling, clean infected canals with root canal treatment, drain an abscess, or remove a tooth when it cannot be restored.

Arrange prompt dental assessment if pain is severe, persists, returns after pain medicine, or interferes with sleep or eating. Facial swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, or difficulty opening the mouth needs urgent care. Do not delay because pain has eased: a dying pulp can become less painful while infection continues around the root.

Could a toothache heal on its own? Pain may settle temporarily, but a cavity, cracked tooth, or infected pulp does not repair itself. The cause still needs examination.