Any person suffering from toothache should see a dentist immediately for diagnosis and treatment, because if you do not treat it, your condition may deteriorate. However, if you cannot schedule an emergency appointment, self-care treatment can temporarily relieve the pain and inflammation caused by toothache:
Rinse with warm salt water.
Gently floss the food particles that bite between the teeth.
Take over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain. If your child has a toothache, use acetaminophen.
Do not place aspirin or any pain reliever on the gums near your teeth, as it may burn gingival tissue.
Non-prescription disinfectants containing benzocaine are applied directly to irritated teeth and gums to relieve pain temporarily. The direct application of clove oil (eugenol) may also contribute to numbness of gums. The oil can be rubbed directly in the pain area or soaked in a small piece of cotton and applied to sore teeth.
If there is some trauma to the teeth, apply cold compresses on the outside cheeks to relieve pain or swelling. If your teeth are knocked down, forced to leave the position, loose or fractured, go to the dentist office or the hospital emergency room immediately.
