How To Treat a Toothache at Home Before Seeing a Dentist

Toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies and it rarely goes away on its own. Home care can reduce pain temporarily, but it is never a cure. The goal is simple - control the symptoms safely until a dentist can diagnose and treat the underlying problem.

Below is the approach patients should follow.

1. Identify the Type of Toothache

Not all pain is the same. A quick self-check can help narrow down the cause:

• Sharp pain with sensitivity to hot/cold or sweet foods - often sensitivity, cracked enamel, or decay.

• Dull, throbbing pain - usually deeper decay or inflammation of the nerve.

• Pain on biting - cracked tooth, abscess, traumatic event to tooth or high filling.

• Facial swelling or fever - likely infection requiring urgent treatment.

• Pain after recent dental work - inflammation or bite imbalance.

This matters because some home measures help with certain types more than others.

2. The Most Effective Home Treatments

These are the only safe and evidence-based options worth trying. None will fix the tooth, but they can reduce symptoms.

Saltwater Rinse

Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. Rinse for 30 seconds.
This reduces inflammation and cleans the area.

Cold Compress

Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the cheek.
Useful for swelling, trauma, or deep inflammation.
Never apply heat to a swollen area, as it can worsen infection.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Ibuprofen works well for dental pain and inflammation.
If you cannot take ibuprofen, use paracetamol.
You can alternate the two safely if needed.
Avoid aspirin directly on the gum - it can cause burns.

Clove Oil (Short-Term Relief Only)

Eugenol in clove oil can numb the area for a short period.
Use sparingly with a cotton bud.

Keep the Area Clean

Food stuck in a cavity or between teeth often triggers pain.
Gently floss around the tooth.
Brush carefully, even if the tooth feels tender.

Temporary Dental Filling Kits

Available from pharmacies.
Useful only for broken fillings or lost crowns.
Not a replacement for a dentist, but they can reduce exposure and sensitivity.

3. What You Should NOT Do

Patients often make symptoms worse by trying the wrong things. Be clear about this:

• Do not apply heat to a swollen area.

• Do not take antibiotics without a dentist’s assessment.

• Do not poke into a cavity with tools.

• Do not ignore swelling, fever, or difficulty opening the mouth.

4. When You Need To See a Dentist Urgently

Home care is only appropriate when symptoms are mild. Seek urgent dental help if any of the following occur:

• Swelling of the face or jaw

• Fever or feeling unwell

• Severe, constant, throbbing pain

• Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth

• Trauma with a broken or knocked-out tooth

• Pain lasting longer than 24 to 48 hours despite medication

These are red flags for infection or irreversible nerve inflammation.

5. Why Toothache Cannot Be Fixed at Home

Toothache almost always relates to a structural problem - decay reaching the nerve, cracked teeth, abscesses, leaking fillings, gum infections, or erupting wisdom teeth. Home remedies only dull the symptoms. They cannot remove decay, treat infection, or repair damaged teeth.

The sooner a dentist examines the tooth, the smaller and cheaper the treatment is likely to be.

6. Final Advice

Use home measures to keep discomfort down but book a dental appointment as soon as toothache starts. Waiting rarely helps and usually leads to more complex treatment. If you need an emergency appointment please get in touch.