Emergency Care · 4 min read
Toothache Relief: Home Remedies That Help Until Your Free Emergency Exam
Temporary relief tips while you wait to be seen, and why you should not wait too long.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ramin Khoshsar, DDS, DMD
A toothache can make it hard to eat, work or sleep. These steps can help until we see you, but they are not a cure.
Safe temporary relief
Try these:
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Gently floss to remove trapped food
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 15 minutes
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed
- Sleep with your head elevated
What to avoid
Do not place aspirin directly on your gums, avoid very hot or cold foods and do not ignore pain that returns. Pain that fades can mean the nerve is dying, not healing.
When to call right away
Call us the same day for swelling, a bad taste, fever or pain that wakes you up. New patients receive a free emergency exam and X-ray to find the cause.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person exam. Pricing ranges are estimates; your exact fee depends on your diagnosis.
