Toothache Emergency

Pain relief and damage control before a dental appointment

Step by Step

Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and remove trapped food gently with dental floss, never a pin. Cold compresses on the cheek, 15 minutes on and off, help with swelling, and over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, following the pack, are the mainstay. Do not put aspirin tablets directly on the gum, which burns tissue. Clove oil on cotton is a traditional analgesic with some evidence. Swelling of the face or jaw, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or pain spreading to the eye or neck means urgent care: dental infections can become serious. Otherwise see a dentist as soon as possible, since pain means something is wrong that will not resolve on its own.