Although you may have already made a dentist appointment for the next available opening, the hours you spend waiting between now and then may be unbearable if you have a toothache. If you have throbbing pain on the outside of the cheek and inside of the gums, have difficulty eating and experience extreme pain when eating something sweet or cold, consult a doctor. Your toothache may be caused by tooth decay, which usually requires dental work. In some cases, a toothache may be caused by an impacted or cracked tooth. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment option for your particular case.
Step 1
Floss your teeth, particularly on the side of your mouth where the toothache is occurring, recommends MayoClinic.com in the article "Toothache: First Aid." A piece of food stuck in between the teeth may cause a toothache and can be easily removed with dental floss.
Step 2
Rub the web of skin between your thumb and forefinger with a piece of ice to help soothe the ache, suggests Deborah Tkac in the book "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." This area contains a pressure point that may help reduce toothache pain when pressed.
Step 3
Swish salty water in your mouth to numb your toothache. Mix 1 tsp. of salt in an 8-oz. glass of lukewarm water. Swish the water in your mouth, one mouthful at a time, and spit. Repeat after every meal and before going to bed to reduce pain.
Step 4
Suck on ice for 15 minutes, four times a day. Ice will help numb and cool down the area, drawing heat away from the aching tooth.
Step 5
Take aspirin or ibuprofen every four hours, or as recommended on the label's instructions. Follow the instructions exactly and do not take more medication than is recommended on the bottle.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your mouth in a relaxed position to take the pressure off of your aching tooth.
- Reducing the pain of a toothache does not eliminate the underlying problem causing the toothache-- only a dentist can eliminate the tooth decay or other tooth problem.
Things You'll Need
- Floss
- 1 tsp. salt
- 8-oz. glass
- Ice
- Aspirin or ibuprofen
References
- Mayo Clinic: Toothache: First Aid
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Deborah Tkac; 1990
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Toothache and Infection
