Whether it's a dull ache or sharp jolt, it can be hard to think of anything else when you have tooth pain. But while tooth pain relief is crucial, it's important not to brush off your symptoms if you find that they come and go.
After all, a toothache can be a sign that something more serious is happening with your teeth and gums. "Cavities, gum disease and tooth abscess are the most common causes of pain in the mouth developed by bacteria," says Arlene A. Asante, a dentist at First Class Smiles of Bethesda. Cavities can also dig deeper into your teeth beyond the enamel (or outer layer), creating a world of hurt in the process, she points out.
Basically, it's important to schedule an appointment with your dentist if you're dealing with tooth pain to get everything checked out. But there's no reason to sit with the pain while you're waiting to be seen. These tooth pain relief strategies can help you feel better in the meantime.
If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know what it feels like. But you may not be aware of what’s behind all that pain. A toothache usually happens when the nerve in the root of the tooth is irritated, or from irritation in the gum or bone around the tooth, says Daniel Weinstein, DDS, chief dental officer at ProHealth Dental, an affiliate of Northwell Health in New York.
Toothaches are caused by inflammation in the tooth's "pulp," Weinstein says. (The pulp is a mass of connective tissue that is in the center of the tooth.) Your tooth's enamel, cementum, and dentin usually protect the pulp, but if any of those layers are damaged or irritated, the pulp can get inflamed.
Cue the pain.
The nerve endings in the pulp are "very sensitive to pain," Weinstein points out, which is why a toothache can really, really hurt.
There’s a wide range of things that can cause a toothache. However, these are the biggies, according to the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA):
Cavities
Tooth infection
Tooth decay
Injury to the tooth or gum
Gum infection
By the way, the type of pain you're feeling may indicate what's going on inside your tooth (or gums). Sharp, shooting pain when you eat or drink something cold, hot, sweet or sour, or when you put pressure on the tooth could be a sign of a cavity, cracked tooth or even an exposed tooth root, per JADA.
But a dull, throbbing pain in or around the mouth and jaw could suggest that you're grappling with an infection.
Cavities are usually the biggest culprit, according to Chelsea Perry, DMD, owner of Elite Dental Studio in Westborough, Mass. But Perry says you can also get toothaches from gum disease, a tooth abscess, a sinus infection, an impacted wisdom tooth or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Of course, it's entirely possible you're dealing with tooth pain because of a temporary issue, like you got food stuck in your teeth or have a sensitivity from doing something relatively minor, like leaving whitening strips on too long.
While Asante stresses the importance of seeing your dentist for regular checkups every six months or so, she also says you need to book an appointment fast if you're in pain. That goes double if you’re dealing with symptoms like swelling, pain when you chew, inflammation or bleeding in your gums, pus or discharge, a bad taste or odor or loose teeth.
"Seeing a dentist promptly can prevent more serious complications and ensure proper treatment for the underlying cause of your tooth pain," Asante says.
Again, don't be a hero if you're struggling with tooth pain — get it checked out by a dentist. They can take a good look at your teeth to help determine what's going on and recommend a treatment plan to get you on the path to wellness. A dentist can also help tamp down on the risk your tooth pain will progress. "If left untreated, toothache pain can worsen, and an infection can spread," Weinstein warns.
But while you're waiting to be seen, try these tooth pain remedies to feel better in the moment.
Cold therapy can help reduce how much pain you experience after you have tooth surgery, according to a 2019 study.
Using an ice pack or cold compress on the area may even help reduce swelling, making it easier for your dentist to check out your tooth or gums at your appointment.
"If pain is due to bulbous, red, bleeding gums I would recommend rinsing with warm salt water to reduce inflammation," says Fatima Khan, dentist and co-founder at Riven Oral Care. She recommends dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in warm water to form a gentle mouth rinse. "Saltwater not only cleanses the affected area but also reduces inflammation and fosters an environment that inhibits pathogenic bacterial growth," Khan says. "Also, if you are prone to canker sores, this can promote wound healing."
Peppermint, including peppermint tea, may offer cooling and soothing effects for toothache pain, says Weinstein.
Let the tea cool to a comfortable temperature before drinking it to avoid irritating the tooth further. You might even want to consider using peppermint oil. One medicinal review suggests soaking a cotton ball in peppermint oil and applying it to the tooth to help reduce pain.
That same review noted that many gingivitis and periodontal mouthwashes contain clove oil because it's thought to reduce bacteria and fight inflammation.
"Note that pure clove oil can be irritating to some and a carrier oil, like olive oil or coconut oil, is recommended," Khan says. She suggests adding two to three drops of clove oil in a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil. "Clove oil's eugenol compound is known for its ability to ease nerve pain," Khan adds.
"Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed to reduce pain and inflammation," Asante says.
Just remember to still see your dentist, even if the OTC medications dull or ease the pain. Otherwise, you could be potentially setting yourself up for serious health issues.
Stick with foods that are lukewarm if you're struggling. "Our teeth have living nerves inside them that are sensitive to stimuli," explains Ricky Marshall, DMD, owner and dentist at Stratland Dental in Glendale, Ariz. "So, any negative stimuli — trauma, infection, decay, etc. — will cause an inflammatory response of that living nerve, creating what we feel as a 'toothache,'" Eating or drinking things that have more extreme temperatures can inflame nerves that are already irritated, he says.
If you’re dealing with tooth pain and it’s either persistent or comes and goes, it's time to call a dentist. "Home remedies are often a Band-Aid covering up issues which can fester and become more complicated to treat," cautions Alice Hoang, DMD, FAGD, FICOI, with Brooklyn Mint Dental in Brooklyn, N.Y.
If you have additional symptoms like a fever, earache or pain when you open your mouth wide, you want to call a doctor sooner rather than later, Weinstein says. These signs can suggest something more serious is going on.
Toothaches happen sometimes and you can only do so much to lower the odds it will happen to you. Still, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends following these rules of good dental hygiene to reduce your risk of future tooth pain.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
Maintain a well-balanced diet with limited sugar intake.
Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months.
Dentists look for decay and infections that can lead to toothaches at each exam, Marshall says, adding, "We can catch these things before they become an issue and help resolve them."
Yes and no. Home remedies may be helpful at reducing your toothache — temporarily. But they don't address the underlying cause of your pain, which could be something serious. It's OK to use a home remedy while you're waiting to be seen by a dentist, but home remedies should never replace treatment from an actual medical professional.
Toothaches can be serious, and they can even progress to dangerous infections if you don't treat them. So, see a dentist for any tooth pain that doesn't go away. You'll also want to call a dentist ASAP if you have a fever or have trouble opening your mouth along with the toothache.
Dentists generally recommend trying a few things. Take some ibuprofen or acetaminophen, use a cold compress and gargle with salt water. Just keep in mind that these are temporary solutions for the pain — you still need to see a doctor.
Arlene A. Asante, DDS, a dentist at First Class Smiles of Bethesda
Daniel Weinstein, DDS, chief dental officer at ProHealth Dental, an affiliate of Northwell Health in New York
Chelsea Perry, DMD, owner of Elite Dental Studio in Westborough, Mass.
Fatima Khan, DMD, dentist and co-founder at Riven Oral Care
Alice Hoang, DMD, FAGD, FICOI, with Brooklyn Mint Dental in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ricky Marshall, DMD, owner and dentist at Stratland Dental in Glendale, Ariz.
