How to Relieve a Toothache

There are two main causes of tooth pain. The first occurs when a tooth begins to decay, exposing the nerve before the tooth is fully damaged. The second happens when the tissues that anchor the tooth to the jawbone become infected, a condition called an abscess. You can relieve the pain temporarily, but only a dentist can permanently treat a toothache.

Rinse with warm water. One of the first things you should do is clean your mouth thoroughly and avoid letting food stay on the affected tooth. Extremely cold or hot water can cause additional harm, so it’s best to use warm water.

• Gently floss to remove any food particles between your teeth, and then curve the floss around the tooth. Move the floss up and down to clean the tooth. Use dental floss to eliminate food and bacteria that may remain on the tooth. Avoid flossing too aggressively around the painful area as it may worsen the damage and cause bleeding.

Use Pain Relievers. Sometimes the best solution is to take pain medication until you can see a dentist. Most over-the-counter painkillers can effectively ease toothaches, but if the pain becomes so intense that the medication no longer helps, you should visit a doctor immediately.

• Aspirin is particularly effective for issues related to the jaw joints in adults.
• For children and teenagers, acetaminophen is recommended (avoid aspirin).

Apply a Cold Compress to the Outside of Your Mouth or Cheek. This can help numb the pain by numbing the affected area. Using the cold pack alongside medication may offer relief while waiting for the painkiller to take effect.

Rinse with Saltwater. Saltwater has antibacterial properties and can help soothe the pain. If you don't have saline solution, mix one teaspoon (5g) of salt into a glass of warm water (240ml).

• After rinsing, spit out the saltwater instead of swallowing it.

Use Clove and Garlic Essential Oils with Olive Oil. Soak a cotton ball in a mixture of a few drops of essential oils and then dab it onto the painful area.

Apply a Warm Tea Bag to the Painful Area. The tannins naturally present in tea help numb the affected area. This is especially effective for swollen or inflamed gums. However, a tea bag that is too hot could reduce its effectiveness and increase the pain.

• Limit the use of this method, as frequent tea use can stain your teeth.

Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide. Similar to saltwater, using hydrogen peroxide can help remove debris and prevent bacterial growth. It’s especially effective for teeth that are tightly pressed against the jawbone or in cases of oral infections. You can use this regularly until you can see a dentist.

• This method should not replace regular brushing and flossing.

Use a Fruit or Vegetable. Certain fruits and vegetables can be cut and applied directly to the affected area. These help reduce pain and lower the risk of infection, but if the pain persists, a dentist visit is recommended.

• Place a cool cucumber slice on the painful area.
• Cut a fresh potato slice and apply it to the affected area in your mouth. Be sure to peel the potato before use.
• Place a slice of fresh onion on the sore area in your mouth. Ensure the onion is fresh so it can release juice.

Chew Mint Leaves. You can chew fresh mint leaves or place some dried mint leaves directly on the painful area. If the pain is too intense to chew, crush the mint leaves or use dried mint as a compress.

Brush Your Teeth Regularly. This is the most important step in keeping your teeth healthy and preventing toothaches. If you don't brush and floss daily, plaque and bacteria will build up, leading to issues like cavities and infections.

• There’s a saying, "Floss only the teeth you want to keep." Flossing helps maintain strong teeth and prevents bacterial buildup. You should floss at least once a day.
• Brush at least twice a day, 30 minutes before or after meals. Brushing too soon before or after meals can damage the enamel.

Prevent Cavities with Fluoride. Some water sources and vegetables naturally contain fluoride. Check if your tap water contains fluoride. If not, consult your dentist for a fluoride prescription or other supplements, especially beneficial for children under ten years old.

• Most toothpastes contain fluoride as a main ingredient, but it’s important to verify that you're using the right toothpaste.

Maintain a Healthy Diet. Your diet plays a significant role in keeping your teeth healthy. Certain foods can easily get stuck between your teeth, and they are difficult to remove. Pay attention to your diet for healthier teeth.

• Minimize the consumption of sugars and starches as these are food for bacteria, especially sugar.
• If food gets stuck in between your teeth, use a toothpick or dental floss to remove it.
• Finish your meal with a salad or an apple as they act like natural toothbrushes.

Visit the Dentist Twice a Year. This is crucial, though many people tend to neglect it. Dentists can detect cavities or other dental issues early, allowing you to treat them in time and prevent them from worsening.

If You're in Severe Pain, See a Doctor. When painkillers no longer relieve your pain, it’s time to consult a dentist or doctor as this may be an emergency.

• If you experience intense pain and swelling, seek medical attention immediately.
• Fever is a key indicator of an oral infection. Normal cavities do not cause fever.

If You're Still in Pain After Tooth Extraction, See a Dentist. If you continue to experience pain 2-3 days after a tooth extraction, it’s essential to consult your dentist within 24 hours. This condition, known as "dry socket syndrome," can occur when the extraction site is exposed to air.

If Your Tooth Breaks and Hurts, Seek Immediate Help. This may be a result of a previous injury, and in such cases, prompt medical attention is needed. Issues such as teeth growing from other bone areas or permanent tooth loss are considered dental emergencies.