TOOTH PAIN HAS a way of showing up at the worst possible time: late at night, over a holiday weekend, or right before an important meeting. While nothing replaces a professional evaluation, there are safe steps you can take at home to manage discomfort until your appointment.
Start With Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
For most dental pain, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is more effective than acetaminophen because it reduces inflammation as well as pain. Adults can typically take 400 to 600 mg every six hours with food, unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from taking NSAIDs. If ibuprofen alone isn’t enough, some patients find relief alternating it with acetaminophen, spacing doses appropriately. Always follow the label instructions and check with your physician or pharmacist if you take other medications or have kidney, liver, or stomach concerns.
Rinse With Warm Salt Water
A simple saltwater rinse, about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, can reduce swelling and clean the area around a painful tooth. Swish gently for 30 seconds and repeat several times a day. This is especially helpful if there’s any irritation of the gum tissue near the affected tooth.
Apply a Cold Compress
Holding a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth against your cheek, near the painful tooth, for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can help numb the area and reduce swelling. This is particularly useful if the pain came on after an injury or if you notice facial swelling.
Avoid Triggers
Until you’re seen, steer clear of foods and drinks that are very hot, cold, sweet, or hard. Chewing on the opposite side of your mouth can also help prevent further irritation. If you can, avoid lying flat, since increased blood flow to the head can sometimes intensify tooth pain; keeping your head slightly elevated while sleeping may help.
Try a Temporary Dental Wax or Filling Material
If you have a broken tooth or lost filling with a sharp edge, over-the-counter dental wax or temporary filling material from a pharmacy can protect your tongue and cheek and reduce sensitivity until we can address it properly.
What Not to Do
Avoid putting aspirin directly on the tooth or gum, as this is a common myth that can actually burn the tissue and cause more harm. Don’t apply heat to the area, as it can worsen swelling and pain in many cases. And please don’t attempt to treat the problem yourself with sharp objects or by trying to extract anything on your own.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Some symptoms mean you shouldn’t wait for a scheduled appointment. Call our office right away, or seek emergency care, if you experience significant facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or pain that is rapidly worsening. These can be signs of a spreading infection that requires urgent attention.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you something needs attention. These steps can help you stay comfortable in the meantime, but they are not a substitute for professional care. Contact our office as soon as pain begins so we can diagnose the underlying cause and get you the relief you deserve.
