Toothache is the body's way of saying something is wrong. Measures taken at home ease the pain but do not remove the cause. The real solution is an examination.
What causes toothache?
- Deep decay: When decay gets close to the nerve of the tooth, pain starts with sweet, cold and hot things.
- Inflamed nerve: Throbbing pain that starts by itself and gets worse at night. It usually needs root canal treatment.
- Abscess: Infection collecting at the tip of the root. It causes severe pain on pressing the tooth, swelling and sometimes fever.
- Gum infection: Especially around partly erupted wisdom teeth.
- Cracked or broken tooth: Sharp pain on biting and on release.
- Exposed root surface: A brief twinge with cold.
- Clenching: Widespread pain in many teeth and the jaw in the morning.
Pain in the upper molars can sometimes come from sinusitis. An examination and an X-ray are needed to identify the cause correctly.
What can you do until you see a dentist?
- Clean the toothBrush gently and clean both sides of the tooth with floss. A piece of food stuck between the teeth may be the only cause of the pain.
- Rinse with warm salt waterHalf a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water is enough. It soothes the gum.
- Take a painkillerUse a painkiller that is suitable for you at the dose on the leaflet. If you have a chronic illness, a stomach problem or are pregnant, ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
- Apply cold if there is swellingPut a cold compress on the outside of your cheek, on and off.
- Keep your head raisedAn extra pillow when lying down reduces the throbbing.
- Avoid triggersStay away from very hot, very cold, sweet and hard foods; do not chew on that side.
What not to do
- Do not put aspirin on the tooth: It does not stop the pain and it burns the gum and cheek.
- Do not apply cologne, alcohol or garlic: They irritate the tissue.
- Do not apply heat to a swollen cheek: It can speed up the spread of infection.
- Do not take antibiotics on your own: Antibiotics are not a toothache medicine; they do not heal an inflamed nerve and unnecessary use is harmful.
- Do not cancel the appointment because the pain has gone: Pain stopping often means the nerve has died; the infection carries on silently.
When should you seek urgent care?
- Swelling of the face or neck that grows quickly
- Toothache together with fever and feeling unwell
- Difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing or breathing
- Swelling spreading around the eye
- A tooth broken or knocked out by a blow
Swelling that makes swallowing or breathing difficult can be a sign of a serious infection; go to an emergency department without delay.
Frequently asked questions
Does toothache go away by itself?
The pain may take a break, but the problem continues unless the cause is removed. Decay and an inflamed nerve do not heal by themselves.
Why is toothache worse at night?
When you lie down, blood flow to the head increases and the pressure inside the inflamed tooth rises. There is also less to distract you at night, so the pain feels more intense.
What should I do about toothache during pregnancy?
See your dentist without taking medication on your own. Necessary treatment can be carried out safely in pregnancy; waiting with pain and infection is riskier.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If you have a complaint, please see your dentist.