Can You Treat Tooth Pain at Home?

Ways to Manage Tooth Pain at Home

Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help temporarily when taken according to the packet directions and if it’s suitable for you. If you’re unsure what you can take, check with your pharmacist or healthcare practitioner.

A cold compress held against the outside of your cheek may also help ease discomfort; just keep ice off the tooth or gum itself. Propping your head up with an extra pillow or two may help; keeping your head slightly raised may make the throbbing less noticeable for some people.

A warm salt water rinse may help keep the area clean and soothe irritated gums (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swished for about 30 seconds).

Home remedies can take the edge off for a night, but they’re not going to tell you what’s actually wrong. If pain’s still there in the morning, give us a ring and let’s find out.” Dr Ranjit Elias

What to Steer Clear Of

Some people find tooth pain feels worse when lying completely flat, so keeping your head slightly elevated may help. Never place aspirin directly against your gum or tooth, as it can irritate or damage the soft tissues. And it’s worth avoiding very hot, cold, sugary or hard foods and drinks until you’ve been seen, since they tend to make sensitive teeth flare up further.

Why a Home Fix Isn’t the Whole Answer

These steps may buy you some comfort, but they won’t get to the bottom of what’s actually causing the pain. Tooth pain can have many causes, including decay, infection, sensitivity or damage to a tooth. Home measures may temporarily ease symptoms, but they can’t tell you what’s causing the problem. If the pain persists, gets worse or wakes you from sleep, contact your dentist for advice.