Toothache has a way of arriving at the worst possible moment: late at night, on a weekend, or just before a holiday. While home remedies can ease the pain for a while, they don’t fix the cause. Most toothaches mean something needs treatment, and the sooner it’s seen, the simpler that treatment usually is.
Here’s how to manage toothache safely until you can see a dentist, and the signs that mean you shouldn’t wait.
Get urgent help if you have
- Swelling in your face, jaw or neck, especially if it’s spreading
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Swelling that is closing your eye
These can be signs of a spreading infection. Go to a hospital emergency department or call 000. For other dental emergencies, call us on (02) 8090 1100; we keep same-day emergency appointments available six days a week, and calling before 10am gives the best chance of being seen that day.
What your toothache might mean
| Symptom | Common causes |
|---|---|
| Brief sharp twinge with cold or sweet | Exposed root, worn enamel, early decay, recent whitening |
| Sharp pain when biting, especially on release | Cracked tooth, broken filling |
| Lingering pain after hot or cold | Inflamed nerve (pulpitis) from deep decay or a crack |
| Throbbing pain that keeps you awake | Inflamed or dying nerve |
| Constant ache, tooth tender to touch, swelling or bad taste | Abscess (infection) |
| Pain around a partly erupted back tooth | Infected gum over a wisdom tooth |
| Aching upper back teeth with a blocked nose | Sinus congestion |
| Dull ache in several teeth on waking | Grinding or clenching |
Safe ways to ease toothache at home
- Take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the directions on the pack. Check with a pharmacist if you have medical conditions, are pregnant, or take other medicines. Don’t exceed the recommended dose.
- Never put aspirin or other tablets directly on the gum or tooth. It can burn the gum.
- Rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to keep the area clean.
- Floss gently around the sore tooth. Sometimes trapped food is the culprit.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time if there’s swelling.
- Avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods, and chew on the other side.
- Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow, which can reduce throbbing.
Avoid applying heat to a swollen face, as it can encourage infection to spread.
Why toothache shouldn’t be ignored
Pain sometimes fades on its own. That can be good news, if the cause was minor, or a sign that the nerve inside the tooth has died. A dead nerve can lead to an abscess, which may cause swelling and bone loss even without much pain. Getting toothache checked, even if it settles, means problems are caught while they’re easier to fix.
What the dentist will do
- Ask about the pain: when it started, what triggers it and how long it lasts
- Examine the teeth and gums and test how teeth respond to cold and tapping
- Take x-rays to look for decay, cracks and infection
- Explain what’s causing the pain and your options
Treatment depends on the cause. It might be a filling, a crown for a cracked tooth, root canal treatment for an inflamed or infected nerve, draining an abscess, or removing a tooth that can’t be saved. Often we can relieve the pain at the first visit and complete treatment later.
Do antibiotics fix toothache?
Usually not. Antibiotics don’t treat the cause of most toothaches, such as an inflamed nerve or decay. They’re used when there’s a spreading infection or you’re unwell, alongside dental treatment, not instead of it. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily also contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Preventing toothache
- Six-monthly check-ups to catch decay and cracks early
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth
- Limiting sugary snacks and acidic drinks
- Wearing a night splint if you grind
- Wearing a mouthguard for sport
Toothache FAQs
Can I wait until Monday?
If the pain is controlled with pain relief and you have no swelling or fever, it’s usually reasonable to wait for the next available appointment. If you have swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing, seek care straight away.
Is clove oil safe?
Clove oil can give some temporary relief when applied sparingly on a cotton bud to the tooth, but it can irritate the gum. It’s a short-term measure only.
Why does my tooth hurt more at night?
Lying down increases blood pressure in the head, which can make an inflamed nerve throb, and there are fewer distractions.
What does an emergency visit cost?
It depends on the treatment needed. We’ll explain costs before we start, and emergency care is usually claimable under dental extras. See emergency appointments.
Find out more about emergency dentist in Hornsby.
Book a visit at Hornsby Dental
Hornsby Dental is at Suite 21, 14 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby, about three minutes’ walk from Hornsby Station, with free street parking nearby. We’re open Monday to Friday 9am–6pm and Saturday 8:30am–4pm. Book online or call (02) 8090 1100.
This article is general information only. It isn’t a substitute for advice from your dentist about your own mouth and health.