How to get toothache to stop hurting
Toothache relief is temporary until the cause is treated; use gentle care and arrange an examination promptly.
The short answer
Toothache relief is temporary until the cause is treated; use gentle care and arrange an examination promptly. Decay, a cracked tooth, inflamed pulp, an abscess, gum disease, or a trapped food particle can produce similar pain but need different treatment.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Pain signals can arise from the pulp inside a tooth, the ligament around its root, or inflamed gum and bone. Temperature pain, biting pain, spontaneous throbbing, and swelling give the dentist clues about which tissue is involved.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with warm water, remove food trapped between teeth without forcing an object into the gum, and use a cold compress on the cheek if swelling is present. Take only pain medicine that is suitable for you and follow its label or a clinician’s instructions; do not place aspirin or chemicals on the gum.
When should you seek dental care?
Book prompt dental care for pain lasting beyond a brief episode, pain waking you, swelling, fever, pus, or pain on biting. Facial swelling that affects swallowing or breathing is an emergency and needs immediate medical attention.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask which tooth and tissue are causing the pain, whether an X-ray is needed, and whether treatment means a filling, root canal, extraction, or gum care. Ask what you can eat, how to protect the tooth, and which warning signs require urgent review.
Frequently asked questions
Can a toothache go away by itself?
Pain can fluctuate, but the underlying decay, crack, infection, or gum problem may remain and should be assessed.
Should I put aspirin on the tooth?
No. Aspirin and other chemicals can injure the gum; use an appropriate medicine as directed instead.