Over-the-counter medications, topical pain relivers, and some natural ingredients may help temporarily relieve tooth pain. But seeing a dentist may be essential.
Chewing, talking, and even sleeping can be difficult when you get a sudden toothache.
Some common causes of sudden tooth pain include cracked, infected, or abscessed teeth, tooth sensitivity, and teeth grinding.
Most causes of sudden tooth pain are easily treatable by a dentist, so you should make an appointment right away. In the meantime, there are some remedies you can try to find temporary relief from the pain.
Several over-the-counter (OTC) products are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores to help treat a toothache. Consider the following while you wait for your dentist appointment:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), can help relieve inflammation and give you some respite from the pain.
But keep in mind that taking NSAIDs for a long period can irritate or damage your stomach, kidneys, and liver.
Acetaminophen
If you can’t take NSAIDs, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a good option for temporary pain relief from a toothache.
Be sure to read the label and follow instructions for the correct dosage. Taking too much acetaminophen could also damage your liver.
Toothache drops and gels
Medicated gels or drops can also help reduce toothache pain. These products typically contain ingredients like benzocaine, which may help numb the area and relieve pain for up to 30 minutes when applied topically.
Temporary fillings
Temporary tooth fillings are repair kits that may be used to help soften the edge of a lost filling or loose cap, or to plug a hole in your tooth if a filling has fallen out.
They’re usually made of materials like zinc oxide, calcium sulfate, and glass ionomers, which are softer than those used in permanent fillings.
These repair kits aren’t meant to last long, so you’ll need to contact a dentist to have the temporary filling replaced with a permanent one.
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Several home remedies may also help with a toothache until you can visit a dentist.
For instance, one of the first things to do if you experience a toothache is to gargle with a saltwater rinse. Salt is an antiseptic that can
To make a saltwater rinse, combine 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of lukewarm water in a glass and mix well. Swish the solution in your mouth for up to 30 seconds, then spit it out.
Sleeping with your head elevated on a pillow may help prevent excess pressure caused by blood flow into your head and mouth. Applying cold compresses to the outside of your mouth can also help reduce facial swelling and pain.
A variety of herbs, supplements, and essential oils are also purported to have pain-relieving benefits for sore teeth when applied topically. Some of these may include:
However, it’s important to note that the research on the effectiveness of these ingredients is mixed, and there are no official guidelines on how best to use them safely.
As such, it’s best to speak with a pharmacist, healthcare professional, or dentist before trying herbal remedies for toothache relief.
Try to limit or completely avoid the following activities, as they may exacerbate a toothache:
- smoking
- chewing tobacco
- brushing or flossing too hard
- eating crunchy, sticky, or very hot or cold foods
- drinking hot or cold drinks
Healthcare organizations like the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommend seeing a dentist if:
- your toothache lasts 2 days or more
- you experience fever, swollen gums, or a bad taste in your mouth
Medical emergency
Call a dentist immediately if you have any of these symptoms along with a toothache:
- sudden and severe tooth pain
- fever
- foul-tasting discharge
- sudden facial swelling
- trouble breathing or swallowing
If you don’t have insurance to help pay for dental care, your state or local health department may have a list of programs that offer free or low cost dental care. Contact your local health department to learn about available financial assistance programs.
Here are a few other options to consider for free or reduced-cost dental care:
- Medicaid, a state-run program, sometimes offers dental insurance to individuals and families who meet specific income and other eligibility requirements.
- The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may offer dental coverage if you’re a veteran.
- Dental schools and dental hygiene schools in your area may offer low cost services. All services are supervised by licensed dentists, but you’ll have to call ahead to see if they offer emergency services.
- Community health clinics, which may be managed by the National Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), may provide reduced-cost or free dental services.
If you have a toothache that lasts 2 days or more, consider speaking with a dentist to schedule an appointment.
In the meantime, you can try to manage the pain with salt water rinses, OTC medications, and some home remedies like clove oil and peppermint tea.
While you can’t always prevent a toothache, maintaining oral hygiene by regularly brushing your teeth and flossing can help support your dental health.