Toothache often starts at the most inconvenient moments: in the middle of the night, at the weekend or during a trip. In this case, it is important to ease the pain safely until you reach the clinic and to assess the urgency of the situation correctly. Some methods recommended on the internet and by those around us, however, can do harm rather than good. Having correct information about first aid for toothache helps you both manage the pain and avoid unnecessary risks. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, we have prepared a practical guide for our patients in Türkiye.
First, Assess the Situation
Most toothaches are situations that need to be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible but do not pose a threat to life. However, some symptoms require urgent intervention. If any of the following are present, you should go to the nearest emergency department without waiting for a dental appointment:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rapidly spreading swelling of the face, around the eyes or of the neck
- High fever and pronounced weakness
- Pronounced restriction in opening the mouth
- Suspected jaw fracture, loss of consciousness or vomiting after an accident
Safe Steps That Can Be Taken at Home
Clean Your Mouth
Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. If food stuck between your teeth is causing the pain, try to clean it gently with floss. Do not force the gums with toothpicks or sharp objects. Pain that is relieved when the stuck food is removed may indicate that there is caries or a gum problem in the area; a check-up is still recommended.
Rinsing with Lukewarm Salt Water
Rinsing your mouth after adding about a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water can provide temporary relief in gum-related discomfort and helps keep the area clean.
Cold Application
You can apply ice wrapped in a cloth or a cold compress to the cheek over the painful area in 15–20 minute intervals. Cold application can help reduce swelling and pain. Do not let ice come into direct contact with the skin or the tooth.
Raise Your Head
Raising your head with a pillow when lying down can ease pain that increases at night by reducing the pressure inside the tooth.
Painkillers
You can use a painkiller that you have used before and that is known to suit you, following the instructions in the package leaflet and the recommended dose. If you have a stomach condition, kidney disease, use blood thinners, are pregnant or have another health condition, consult a physician or pharmacist for the choice of medication. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Avoid Triggers
Very hot, very cold, sugary and acidic foods can increase the pain. Avoid chewing on the painful side.
Things You Should Not Do
- Placing tablets: Placing aspirin or another tablet on the gum or tooth can cause tissue burns.
- Applying heat: If there is swelling, applying a hot compress to the cheek can make it easier for the infection to spread.
- Alcohol or cologne: Rubbing alcohol, cologne or similar substances onto the painful area irritates the tissues.
- Squeezing swelling: Do not try to squeeze or pierce a bump on the gum.
- Antibiotics on your own: Using antibiotics without a physician’s recommendation may mask the real problem and contributes to the development of resistance.
- Postponing because the pain has gone: The pain decreasing does not mean the problem has been solved.
Clove Oil and Other Traditional Methods
Clove oil is traditionally used for toothache because of the eugenol it contains and can provide a short-lived numbing effect. However, when applied directly and heavily, it can irritate the gums. Such methods at best provide temporary relief and do not replace treatment. If you are considering using it, it is recommended that you apply a very small amount carefully.
Special Situations
A Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth
Store the broken fragment or knocked-out permanent tooth in milk or saliva and see a dentist without losing time. Do not hold a knocked-out tooth by the root.
A Filling or Crown That Has Fallen Out
Keep the crown that has fallen out and bring it to the clinic. The exposed tooth may be sensitive; avoid chewing on that side. Do not try to put the crown back in place yourself with adhesives.
Toothache in Children
In children, the choice and dose of medication are determined according to age and weight; a pediatrician or pharmacist must be consulted. If there is fever and facial swelling, an evaluation should be done without losing time.
If you experience toothache while traveling, you can see a dentist where you are and then pass the treatment information on to your own dentist.
First Aid Is Temporary
These measures are only intended to increase your comfort until you reach the clinic. The cause of toothache can only be determined by examination and, if necessary, imaging. At DijiDent, we take care to evaluate our patients in pain as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cold application is recommended. Heat should be avoided, especially if there is swelling.
No. Placing a tablet on the gum can cause tissue burns; painkillers should be swallowed.
They may provide short-term relief; however, they can irritate the gums and do not replace treatment.
Go to the emergency department immediately in case of difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling or high fever.
Yes. The pain going away does not mean the problem has been solved; the cause should be identified and treated.
First aid buys time; treatment brings the solution.
Contact us to book an appointment to learn the cause of your toothache and for a lasting solution. Let us evaluate your pain as soon as possible at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes and does not replace an examination by a dentist. A physician or pharmacist should be consulted for medication use. In case of emergency symptoms, call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
