How Do I Get Rid of Tooth Pain?

Tooth pain can be anything from a mild annoyance to an unbearable ache that keeps you up at night. Whether it’s a sudden sharp pain or a dull, lingering throb, it’s never something you should ignore. The good news? There are ways to manage the pain at home, and more importantly, get the right treatment to fix the root cause. Let’s go through what could be causing your toothache and how to get relief—fast.

What Causes Tooth Pain?

Tooth pain can be triggered by several things, including:

✔ Tooth Decay (Cavities) – When bacteria break down your enamel, leading to sensitivity and pain.
✔ Gum Disease – Infected gums can cause pain, swelling, and even bleeding.
✔ Sensitive Teeth – Hot, cold, or sweet foods causing sharp pain? Worn-down enamel could be the culprit.
✔ Cracked or Broken Tooth – Even a tiny crack can expose the sensitive inner layers of your tooth.
✔ Abscessed Tooth – A severe infection that causes throbbing pain, swelling, and even fever (needs urgent dental care).
✔ Wisdom Teeth Issues – Impacted or infected wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain and discomfort.
✔ Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) – Clenching or grinding at night can lead to jaw pain and sensitive teeth.

Now that we know the common causes, let’s look at how to relieve tooth pain quickly and when to see a dentist.

Quick Ways to Relieve Tooth Pain at Home

1. Rinse with Warm Salt Water

A simple saltwater rinse can help reduce swelling, disinfect the area, and provide temporary relief.

How to do it:

Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
Swish around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
Repeat 2-3 times a day.

2. Use a Cold Compress

If your face is swollen, a cold compress can numb the pain and reduce inflammation.

How to do it:

Wrap ice or a cold pack in a cloth and hold it against your cheek for 15-20 minutes.
Do this every few hours for relief.

3. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help ease the pain while you wait for treatment.

Important: Never put aspirin directly on your gums or teeth—it can burn the tissue!

4. Clove Oil (A Natural Remedy)

Clove oil has natural numbing and antibacterial properties that can ease toothache pain.

How to use it:

Dab a small amount onto a cotton swab.
Apply it to the painful area.
Repeat as needed.

5. Use a Numbing Gel

Over-the-counter oral gels (like Bonjela or Orajel) contain benzocaine, which numbs the area for short-term relief.

Tip: Follow the instructions on the packaging and avoid swallowing too much of the gel.

When to See a Dentist

Home remedies only provide temporary relief. If your tooth pain lasts more than a day or two, gets worse, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, see a dentist as soon as possible.

🚨 Seek urgent care if you have:

Severe, throbbing pain that won’t go away.
Facial swelling (this could indicate a serious infection).
Pus or a bad taste in your mouth.
Fever or flu-like symptoms with your toothache.

How Toothfairy Can Help

Not sure what’s causing your tooth pain? The Toothfairy app connects you with UK-licensed dentists for virtual consultations, so you can get expert advice without leaving home. If you need urgent care, we’ll help you find the right treatment fast—no waiting weeks for an appointment.

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain!

Tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. While home remedies can help manage discomfort, they don’t fix the underlying issue. The sooner you get professional treatment, the easier (and often cheaper) it will be to solve the problem.

Need expert dental advice? Download the Toothfairy app today and speak to a UK dentist from home! 🦷