How to Handle a Toothache

Everyone experiences a toothache sometime in their life. For some lucky individuals, the problems are few and far between, while others may experience pain more frequently. Getting in to see a dentist as soon as possible is essential so that the underlying problem can be diagnosed and treated. If left untreated, a toothache could lead to more extensive, and expensive, repairs.

Instructions

• 1

  Call a dentist. While this may not be possible immediately if your toothache strikes on a Sunday or at two a.m., you need to make an appointment to be seen as soon as possible.

• 2

  Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you do not have any medical issues and it is safe for you to do so, take aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen as soon as possible. All three are effective, so you can use whichever one you have on hand. Ibuprofen relieves swelling and inflammation in addition to relieving pain, so take that if you've got it. Follow dosage instructions on the package.

• 3

  Brush and floss your teeth gently. The pain could be caused by a piece of food lodged between your teeth. By carefully brushing and flossing the painful area, you can dislodge any food and possibly relieve the pain.

• 4

  Apply a cool compress. If the pain is radiating to your cheek or jaw, apply a cool compress to your skin. For pain that is mostly on the inside of your mouth, use an ice cube or cold water and hold it in your mouth to relieve the pain. For some people and some types of toothaches, cold might actually be painful. If this is the case, discontinue immediately.

• 5

  Rub on an analgesic. If you are still feeling pain after you've taken pain relief pills and used a cold compress, a trip to the drugstore may be in order. In the dental aisle you will find pain numbing gels containing benzocaine that can be applied directly to the gums. Benzocaine is a numbing agent and is effective at temporarily numbing the mouth from a toothache.

• 6

  Cover the affected tooth with dental wax or gauze, available at most drugstores. If the problem is an exposed nerve, covering it should protect it from the air and hot and cold foods, helping to alleviate the problem. In a pinch, if gauze or dental wax are not readily available, cover the area with a piece of chewed up sugarless gum.