Toothache
Patient education
- A dentist treats the cause
- Painkillers give temporary relief
- Face or neck swelling can be urgent
What it is
Usually decay reaching the nerve, or an infection at the root. Pain relief buys time; it does not fix the tooth, and the problem continues underneath it.
When to seek urgent care
The face or jaw is swollen, there is fever, you cannot open your mouth properly, the swelling is spreading towards the eye or down the neck, or swallowing or breathing is difficult.
How it shows
Pain that throbs, is worse with hot or cold or at night, and sometimes swelling of the gum or face.
What to do
See a dentist. A pharmacist can suggest something for the pain meanwhile. Rinsing with warm salt water helps a little.
Antibiotics do not cure a dental abscess - the tooth still has to be treated. Putting tablets directly on the gum burns it.
Why it needs dental care
Toothache may come from decay, a cracked tooth, a damaged filling, gum disease or infection. Pain with hot or cold food, pain on biting, a bad taste or swollen gums can help the dentist locate the problem.
Arrange a dental visit if pain lasts more than 2 days, keeps returning or does not improve with suitable pain relief. Pain settling does not always mean an infection is gone. Treatment might involve repairing the tooth, treating its root or removing it.
While waiting for the appointment
Choose soft foods and avoid chewing on the sore side. Avoid very hot, cold or sweet food if it triggers pain. Brush gently with fluoride toothpaste. A pharmacist can advise on appropriate pain relief, taking account of age, pregnancy and other medicines.
Do not put aspirin or caustic remedies directly on a tooth or gum. Antibiotics are not a substitute for dental treatment and are not needed for every toothache. Swelling around the eye or neck, or difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, requires emergency assessment.
Sources
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.