05/12/2025
A toothache can strike at the worst possible moment — during the weekend, late at night, or when you can’t immediately see a dentist. It’s usually your body’s way of saying that there’s a tooth or gum problem. The pain, ranging from mild discomfort to severe throbbing, can make even simple tasks feel unbearable.
If you have a toothache, it’s important to narrow down the true cause instead of waiting to see if the pain goes away. The best way to investigate is scheduling an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Until then, these home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can give you some short-term pain relief and help you get rid of your toothache at home.
1. Cold compress
If a tooth infection is the cause of your pain, you may also notice facial swelling. Apply a cold compress to the area off and on for the entire day. This will help slightly reduce the swelling and ease your pain. Keep an eye on your temperature during this time as well. A low-grade fever could also indicate a tooth infection.
2. Ice
A tooth or gum infection can also increase inflammation. Applying ice directly onto your gums can help reduce the pain. Try taking an ice cube and rubbing it back and forth on the affected area for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep in mind that this is temporary but could offer brief relief.
3. OTC pain medications
The most effective OTC pain relief is a combination of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). For most people, it’s safe to take these medications together as instructed, alternating every 4 to 6 hours. Make sure to talk with a healthcare professional familiar with your medical history first, to ensure OTC pain relievers are safe for you to take.
4. Saltwater rinse
If it seems like your gums are the main source of discomfort, rinsing with warm salt water can help. Warm salt water has the ability to reduce harmful bacteria and may promote faster healing. Rinsing with warm salt water every couple of hours can help with gum sensitivity.
5. OTC numbing gels
Topical gels can also help alleviate gum sensitivity. You can try applying a small amount of a topical anesthetic like Orajel to temporarily numb the area of a toothache.
6. Sensitivity toothpaste
Sometimes, your toothache can be coming from generalized tooth sensitivity. Brushing with specific toothpaste that targets tooth sensitivity can help this sensation. When trying to find a tooth-sensitive toothpaste, make sure to look for toothpastes containing ingredients like potassium nitrate and stannous fluoride.
What are the most common causes of a toothache?
There are many reasons why you may experience a toothache. Here are a few possibilities:
Tooth decay
Nerve damage from tooth decay causing a tooth infection
Gum disease
Receding gum line exposing part of the root of your tooth
Tooth wear from clenching and grinding
A cracked tooth
Generalized tooth sensitivity
Acidic erosion
A broken or missing filling
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