Sharp or throbbing tooth pain can ruin a day. You don’t always need a miracle—just a few practical steps that work right away and a clear idea when a dentist must see you. Below are simple, safe actions and real warning signs to watch for.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (about 1/2 teaspoon of salt in an 8 oz glass). That soothes inflammation and loosens trapped debris. Gently floss around the sore tooth to remove stuck food; don’t jab or press hard. Apply a cold pack to the cheek for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling and numb the pain—repeat every 20 minutes as needed.
For short-term pain relief, common OTC choices are ibuprofen (200–400 mg every 4–6 hours, do not exceed 1,200 mg/day without medical advice) or acetaminophen (500–1,000 mg every 4–6 hours, max about 3,000 mg/day). Follow the package directions and avoid mixing NSAIDs and high doses of acetaminophen unless your doctor okays it. Don’t place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum—this can burn tissue.
Topical options: a small dab of clove oil on a cotton ball can numb the area (use sparingly and don’t swallow). Over-the-counter benzocaine gels can help adults but avoid them for young children and use exactly as directed.
Common causes include a cavity, cracked tooth, exposed root, gum infection, an abscess, or referred pain from sinuses. If pain follows a tooth injury or biting into something hard, suspect a crack. A bad taste or pus, visible swelling, or fever usually means an infection that needs prompt care.
Get emergency care if you have: growing facial or neck swelling, fever with tooth pain, trouble breathing or swallowing, severe uncontrolled pain, or trauma that knocked out a tooth. For persistent but less urgent pain—if it lasts beyond 48 hours despite home care—book a dentist visit. Quick treatment usually avoids bigger procedures later.
If cost or access is an issue, check local dental clinics, community health centers, or dental schools that offer lower-cost care. Our site has guides on safe online pharmacies and medication basics if you need OTC options while you wait for an appointment.
Short, practical steps plus knowing the warning signs will stop most toothaches from getting worse. Try the salt rinse, cold pack, gentle flossing, and an appropriate OTC pain reliever, then contact a dental professional if pain or swelling gets worse or doesn’t improve.
© 2025. All rights reserved.
