How to get rid of a toothache

A toothache is one of the most common dental ailments, with more than 40% of adults reporting mouth pain in the last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).¹ But if you’ve ever had a toothache, you know that they can range from a dull throb to excruciating pain and every level in between. 
 
A toothache can disrupt sleep, change your eating patterns, and even cause you to miss social outings with friends. The good news is that your dentist can help diagnose the root cause of your toothache, offer ways to treat the pain and get you back to smiling.

¹Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Oral health tips for adults.

Causes of toothache

There are a number of potential causes behind a toothache, including: 

• Cavities: A cavity is an area of decay on the surface of a tooth that’s caused by bacteria that erodes the enamel. More than 80% of people will have at least one cavity by age 34, so you’re not alone if you experience one.1 Dentists can generally treat a cavity and the pain it’s causing using a dental filling. More serious cases may require a dental crown or root canal therapy. 

• Broken tooth: A broken tooth can range from a minor chip to a fracture that cracks the tooth into one or more pieces. Depending on the severity, cause, and location of the break, you may experience a toothache. It’s important that you consult your dentist to fix a broken tooth since they’ll need to assess the severity of the break. 

• Tooth abscess: An abscess is a pocket of infection that can develop when bacteria gets into the area around a tooth. An abscess can become an emergency that can turn life-threatening if left untreated. 

• Teeth grinding (bruxism): If you wake up with a toothache, it may be due to grinding your teeth at night. Some people may benefit from a night guard; however, if grinding has caused significant damage to your teeth, your dentist may recommend another treatment option. 

• Sinus infection: If you have congestion and sinus pressure, you may also experience what seems to be a toothache. Contact your dentist and explain all of your symptoms, as it may be as easy as treatment of a sinus infection.

Ways to get rid of a toothache at home

If you feel a toothache coming on, there are several proactive steps you can take at home to get relief. Keep in mind that you’ll still want to schedule an appointment with your dentist, even if these at-home remedies make you feel better temporarily. That’s because a minor toothache can turn into a more severe dental problem if left untreated.

Rinse with warm salt water

A saltwater rinse can cleanse the area around your aching tooth and help reduce inflammation. Create a rinse by mixing half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Swish gently for about 30 seconds, then spit.

Use a cold compress 

If your toothache is causing swelling, a cold compress can help bring down the swelling and relieve the pressure on the tooth. To numb the area, wrap an ice pack in a clean cloth and apply it to the cheek nearest the affected tooth for 15 to 20 minutes.

Try over-the-counter pain relief 

An over-the-counter pain reliever like Ibuprofen or Tylenol may help provide temporary relief so you can sleep or get through a day at work or school. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label and tell your dentist about any medications you’re taking at your next appointment.

Brush and floss

Cleaning thoroughly around your problem tooth can bring relief. Be sure to floss at least once and brush gently twice a day, using a soft-bristle brush if you have one. 

Try natural remedies

There are many natural remedies you can find on the internet that have been touted to help relieve tooth pain. Some of the most well-known include:

• Chew a clove of fresh garlic or apply a garlic paste to teeth to kill harmful bacteria. 

• Use clove or thyme oil alongside carrier oil to numb the area and reduce inflammation. 

• Place a warm or chilled peppermint tea bag on the affected area to soothe sensitive teeth and gums. 

Keep in mind that these online natural remedies are not advice from a dentist. Consult your dental professional before trying at-home remedies. 

When to see your dentist

If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

• Pain that keeps getting worse: Minor tooth pain is likely to start more severe and improve over time. However, a toothache that needs to be addressed will get progressively worse as time goes on. If tooth pain gets more severe, especially when you’ve taken an over-the-counter pain reliever, it’s time to call the dentist.

• Pain that lasts for more than 48 hours: Sometimes, a toothache results from biting on food the wrong way or getting a popcorn kernel stuck in the gums. These types of pain should resolve within a few hours. However, persistent pain that lasts longer than two days is a cause for concern and a reason to see your dentist. 


• Pain accompanied by fever: A fever is a sign that your body is fighting an infection. Pain in your tooth with a fever can signal a more serious issue that needs to be addressed. The most severe cases may need to be resolved with a tooth extraction. 


• Pain accompanied by earache, jaw pain, or headache: Tooth pain can cause a headache or earache, but you may not immediately know it’s coming from your mouth. That’s because a toothache can create referred pain that shows up in other areas of the neck, jaw, and head. If you experience pain in these areas that don’t have an obvious source, call your dentist to schedule an appointment. 


• Pain accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing: An infection that’s spread and intensified could cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. There are signs that emergency medical care is required, and a patient should go to the nearest emergency room.

Toothache FAQs

Why is a toothache worse at night?

A toothache may hurt more at night because of the change in blood pressure in your head when you lie down. You may experience relief by elevating your head using a pillow.

How do you stop nerve pain in your tooth?

You may be able to use short-term solutions like taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or using a cold compress to relieve nerve pain. However, for long-term relief, it’s best to visit your dentist so they can assess the root cause of nerve pain and offer treatments to resolve it permanently.

How long does a toothache last?

How long a toothache lasts largely depends on its source. If tooth pain is related to an underlying issue like gum disease or a cavity, the pain likely won’t subside until you receive appropriate treatment. A toothache that results from a minor gum irritation may resolve on its own within a few hours.

Get rid of your toothache

The best way to avoid a toothache is to practice great oral hygiene. Healthy habits may alleviate the chances of developing a tooth-related issue in the first place. The following tips may help. 

• Drink plenty of water: Drinking lots of water helps rinse the mouth and keeps harmful bacteria from building up. 
  Avoid tobacco: Tobacco, whether smoked or chewed, can cause dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay that can lead to toothaches. Avoiding tobacco in its many forms could reduce the risk of some of these dental problems. 

• Develop healthy oral hygiene habits: Brushing twice a day and flossing once can help keep your mouth healthy and decrease the risk of developing gingivitis and other problems that can lead to toothache. 

• Avoid added sugar: Sugary food and drinks can stick to the surface of teeth, which can cause tooth decay over time. Limiting your sugar intake and rinsing with water after consuming something high in sugar may help keep dental problems at bay. 

• See your dentist regularly: Going for a regular dental check-up twice a year can help your care team find issues early before they cause a toothache. 

A toothache can range from a slight ache to much more severe pain. If you experience any symptoms of a toothache, let your dentist know. Even the most minor toothaches can become problematic if left untreated. Let your local Aspen Dental team diagnose the root cause of your toothache and offer solutions to get you out of pain and restore your smile. 

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