How do you relieve a toothache

A toothache may ease briefly with a cold compress and suitable pain relief, but its cause needs dental treatment.

Pain may come from inflamed pulp, decay, a crack, gum infection, or exposed dentine.

Rinse gently, remove trapped food, use a cold pack outside the cheek, and take only suitable medicine as directed.

Persistent pain needs prompt care. Facial swelling or trouble swallowing or breathing is urgent.

Ask which tooth is responsible and whether it needs a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or removal.