Toothache? What You Can Do at Home While You Wait for Your Dental Appointment?
Toothaches can come on suddenly and range from mild to severe, disrupting your daily life, sleep, and even appetite. While the only long-term solution must come from a dentist, there are safe and effective ways to manage the discomfort at home while you wait for your appointment.
At Dental Artistry, we’re here to share what you can—and shouldn’t—do to temporarily relieve tooth pain without making things worse.
🦷 What Causes Toothaches?
Some of the most common causes include:
Deep cavities
Dental infections or abscesses
Inflamed or receding gums
Cracked or fractured teeth
Impacted or erupting teeth (like wisdom teeth)
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Only a dentist can diagnose the exact cause, but while you wait, these home remedies can help reduce discomfort.
✅ What to Do to Relieve Tooth Pain at Home
1. Rinse with warm salt water
Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish for 30 seconds. This helps reduce inflammation and clean the affected area.
2. Apply a cold compress
Place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the outside of your cheek for 15-minute intervals. Cold helps reduce swelling and numbs the pain.
3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
You may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the label. Do not self-prescribe antibiotics or mix medications without medical guidance.
4. Maintain good oral hygiene
Brush gently and use dental floss to remove trapped food, even if your teeth feel sensitive. Avoid letting plaque accumulate.
5. Avoid hard, very hot, or very cold foods
Stick to soft, lukewarm foods until the pain subsides.
❌ What NOT to Do
Do not apply alcohol, aspirin, or home remedies directly to the gums or tooth.
Do not use direct heat (like heating pads) as it may worsen a possible infection.
Don’t ignore tooth pain if it lasts more than 48 hours or intensifies.
👩⚕️ When Should You See a Dentist?
Always. A toothache is a warning sign that something’s wrong. Even if home remedies ease the pain temporarily, only a dental professional can identify and treat the root cause to prevent further complications.
At Dental Artistry, we’re here to help you leave the pain behind.
If you’re dealing with a toothache, don’t wait—schedule your visit today. We’ll take care of you with prompt attention, expert care, and long-term solutions.
