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If a toothache is disrupting your sleep, it’s a clear sign to visit a dentist.
Stockbyte/Thinkstock"For there was never yet philosopher that could endure the toothache patiently." Shakespeare’s words ring true—toothaches are hard to bear. Fortunately, modern dental care and routine checkups have made severe toothache pain less common than in the past. However, any mouth pain is a crucial signal you shouldn’t overlook, even if it subsides on its own.
Tooth pain comes in many forms. Sensitive teeth often cause mild discomfort, such as a brief twinge when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods. Others may experience toothaches linked to sinus issues, especially if the pain is concentrated in the upper teeth and affects multiple teeth simultaneously.
Bruxism (or teeth grinding) or issues with your temporomandibular joint might lead to toothaches or heightened sensitivity. Additionally, recent dental procedures can make a tooth temporarily sensitive to temperature changes for several weeks.
Certain types of dental pain require urgent attention from your dentist. For example, sharp pain when biting down could indicate a cavity, a loose filling, a cracked tooth, or damaged pulp (the tooth's inner core containing blood vessels and nerves). Lingering pain for over 30 minutes after consuming hot or cold foods may also signal pulp damage, possibly from a deep cavity or trauma. Persistent, severe pain, swelling, and sensitivity are clear signs of a serious issue.
A good rule to follow is that if tooth pain disrupts your sleep or daily activities, it’s time to contact your dentist. This could indicate an abscessed tooth, where the pulp has died, leading to an infection that may spread to the gums or bone.
Pulp-related pain can be deceptive. It often signals damage, but the nerves in the pulp can die quickly—sometimes within 12 hours—causing the pain to subside temporarily. However, the pain often returns as the dead tissue becomes infected or abscessed.
Delaying dental care for a toothache can lead to serious complications. However, if you’re unable to see a dentist immediately—like in the middle of the night or on a weekend—you can use temporary measures to manage the pain until you can get professional help.
Consider taking two aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen—common over-the-counter medications for general pain relief. Ibuprofen is particularly effective as it reduces inflammation, which often accompanies toothaches. Check this list of precautions before using over-the-counter pain relievers.
For those preferring natural solutions, explore pain-relieving remedies on the following page.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and DOES NOT OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE. The Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author, and the publisher are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from treatments, procedures, exercises, dietary changes, actions, or medications based on this information. This publication does not substitute professional medical advice, and readers should consult their physician or healthcare provider before starting any treatment.
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Natural Toothache Remedies
Use oil of cloves. Available at pharmacies, this remedy should be applied strictly according to the instructions (excessive ingestion can be toxic). Apply it only to the affected tooth, avoiding the gums, to prevent gum irritation.
This may divert your attention from the toothache. Keep in mind, oil of cloves doesn’t cure the issue; it only provides temporary nerve numbing.
Reduce swelling. If your toothache causes swelling, place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to alleviate it.
Numb the discomfort. Holding an ice cube or cold water in your mouth can help ease the pain.
However, if this worsens your tooth sensitivity, avoid using this method.
Elevate your head. Keeping your head raised can reduce pressure in the affected area, potentially easing throbbing pain.
Rinse your mouth. While rinsing won’t eliminate the pain, using warm water can help remove food particles that might be causing or worsening the discomfort. Food trapped in the gums can be as painful as damaged tooth pulp. Mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around, and then spit it out.
Floss gently. Though not a cure, flossing can help dislodge trapped food particles. The rubber tip of your toothbrush or a careful use of a toothpick can also help remove stuck debris.
Avoid hot, cold, and sweet foods. These can worsen the sensitivity and pain in an already tender area.
Cover the tooth. If the tooth is sensitive to air, protect it with gauze, dental wax (available at pharmacies), or a piece of chewed sugarless gum (chew on the opposite side of your mouth) until you can see a dentist.
Toothache Myths
Avoid falling for these myths—believing in them could lead to further harm:
- Applying aspirin directly to the tooth. If you want to use aspirin for toothache relief, swallow it with water instead of placing it on the tooth or gums. Aspirin isn’t effective as a topical treatment and can cause severe burns to your gum or cheek, taking days to heal.
- A toothache means losing the tooth. This isn’t always true. Root-canal therapy can save a tooth with damaged pulp or an abscess. The procedure involves creating a small opening, removing the pulp, filling the canal with gutta percha, and often crowning the tooth. Metal posts may also be used for added strength.
- If the pain stops, the problem is gone. Pain is a warning sign that something is wrong, so don’t ignore it. The issue might be more serious than a dental problem; for example, lower jaw pain can indicate heart trouble.
Publications International, Ltd.
Teeth are alive, each containing pulp made up of blood vessels and nerves that provide nourishment.
If the pulp is damaged or exposed, the nerves can die, leading to infection or abscess. Causes include deep cavities, cracked teeth, or trauma (like biting a popcorn kernel). Damaged pulp cannot heal on its own, so seek dental care if you experience mouth pain.
