By Dr. Liyan Massaband, DMD, MPH · Last updated: [PUBLISH DATE]
Quick answer: The fastest way to ease a toothache at home is to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (if it is safe for you), hold a cold compress on your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes, and rinse with warm salt water. Gently floss around the tooth in case food is trapped, and keep your head raised when you lie down. Diluted clove oil or a numbing gel can take the edge off for a short time. These steps relieve pain, but they do not fix the cause. See a dentist if the pain lasts more than a day or two, and go to the emergency room if you have facial swelling with fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
Key takeaways
- Ibuprofen is the most effective over-the-counter option for most adults with tooth pain.
- Cold on the outside and warm salt water on the inside are safe, simple and helpful.
- Home remedies buy you time. Only dental treatment stops a toothache from coming back.
- Never put aspirin on the gum, and don’t use leftover antibiotics.
- Swelling, fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing means you need urgent care.
First, What Kind of Toothache Is It?
The type of pain gives a strong clue to the cause, and to which remedies will help most.
| What it feels like | Likely cause | Learn more |
| Sharp twinge with cold or sweet, gone in seconds | Sensitivity, early cavity, worn enamel | Tooth sensitive to cold |
| Throbbing pain that lingers or wakes you at night | Inflamed or infected nerve | Signs you need a root canal |
| Pain with swelling, a bad taste or a gum bump | Tooth abscess | Tooth abscess symptoms and treatment |
| Sharp pain when you bite or release | Cracked tooth or high filling | Fix a broken tooth |
| Ache at the very back of the jaw, swollen gum | Wisdom tooth | Impacted wisdom tooth |
| Several upper teeth aching with sinus pressure | Sinus congestion | Usually eases as the sinus clears; see a dentist if it persists |
| Pain spreading to the ear or jaw joint | Jaw joint or muscle problem | Jaw pain on one side |
How to Stop a Toothache Fast: 10 Remedies That Help
1. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
This is the single most effective step for most adults. The American Dental Association recommends NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, alone or combined with acetaminophen, as the first choice for toothache pain when you cannot see a dentist right away. Ibuprofen works well because most tooth pain comes from inflammation.
- Follow the dose on the label, and take it with food.
- Taking it regularly for a day or two usually works better than waiting until the pain is severe.
- Check with a pharmacist or doctor first if you have stomach ulcers, kidney disease, heart problems, bleeding problems or asthma triggered by NSAIDs, take blood thinners, or are pregnant.
2. Use a cold compress
Wrap ice or a cold pack in a cloth and hold it against your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes, then take it off for 15 to 20 minutes. Cold narrows blood vessels, numbs the area and reduces swelling. It works especially well for pain after an injury or with a swollen face.
3. Rinse with warm salt water
Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish gently for 30 seconds and spit. Salt water loosens trapped food, cleans the area and soothes irritated gums. You can repeat it several times a day.
4. Floss gently around the tooth
A piece of popcorn husk or meat stuck between teeth can cause surprising pain. Floss gently on both sides of the sore tooth. If it clearly makes things worse, stop.
5. Try clove oil, carefully
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural numbing agent that dentists have used for generations. Put a drop or two on a cotton ball, mix with a little olive or coconut oil if you have sensitive gums, and hold it against the tooth for a few minutes.
- Don’t soak your gums with undiluted oil, which can burn the tissue.
- Don’t swallow it.
- Don’t use it for young children.
6. Use a numbing gel for short-term relief
Over-the-counter gels with benzocaine numb the surface for a short time. Use them sparingly and exactly as directed. As Mayo Clinic’s toothache first-aid guide notes, benzocaine has been linked to a rare but serious blood condition called methemoglobinemia, and it should not be used in children under 2.
7. Keep your head raised
Lying flat increases blood flow to the head, which can make a throbbing tooth feel worse. Prop yourself up with an extra pillow or two at night.
8. Avoid your triggers
Skip very hot, cold, sweet and acidic foods and drinks, and chew on the other side. Choose soft, lukewarm foods such as yogurt, eggs, soup and mashed vegetables until you can see a dentist.
9. Cover a lost filling or broken tooth
If a filling fell out or a tooth chipped, the exposed inside of the tooth can be very sensitive. Pharmacies sell temporary filling material and dental cement that can cover the spot for a day or two. Never use superglue in your mouth. Our guide to a broken tooth emergency explains what to do next.
10. A cooled peppermint tea bag
A used peppermint tea bag, cooled in the fridge and held against the gum, can have a mild soothing and cooling effect. It is a comfort measure, not a treatment.
What about garlic? Crushed garlic has antibacterial properties in the lab, but the evidence for toothache relief is weak, and raw garlic can burn the gum if left in place. It is not one we recommend.
What Is the 3-3-3 Rule for Toothache?
You may see the “3-3-3 rule” online. It usually means taking three tablets of ibuprofen, three times a day, for three days. It is not an official dental guideline, and the number of tablets depends on the strength of each tablet. Taking more than the dose on the label should only be done if your dentist or doctor advises it for you. If you need regular pain relief for more than a couple of days, that is itself a sign you need to see a dentist.
How to Sleep With a Toothache
- Take your pain reliever about 30 minutes before bed, as directed on the label.
- Rinse with warm salt water and floss gently to clear food from around the tooth.
- Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow.
- Avoid acidic, sugary or very cold snacks and drinks before bed.
- Hold a cold compress on your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes before lying down.
- If you clench at night, your tooth may feel worse in the morning. A night guard can help in the long term.
Toothache Remedies to Avoid
- Aspirin placed on the gum. It causes a painful chemical burn. Aspirin works only when swallowed.
- Alcohol held on the tooth. It doesn’t numb the nerve and irritates the gum.
- Undiluted essential oils soaked into the gums
- Heat on a swollen face. Heat can draw an infection outward. Use cold instead.
- Leftover antibiotics. They may be the wrong drug or dose, and antibiotics alone do not fix a tooth.
- Poking or squeezing a gum boil, which can spread the infection
- Superglue, or any non-dental adhesive, in your mouth
- Taking more pain medicine than the label allows, or combining products that contain the same drug
Can You Kill a Tooth Nerve at Home?
No. There is no safe home remedy that kills a tooth nerve, and trying can cause burns or spread infection. When the nerve is badly inflamed or infected, the fix is root canal therapy, which removes the nerve and saves the tooth, or an extraction.
Toothache During Pregnancy
Toothache is common in pregnancy, partly because hormones make the gums more sensitive. Dental care, including X-rays with proper shielding and local anesthetic, is considered safe during pregnancy, so don’t put off a visit.
- Acetaminophen is generally the preferred pain reliever during pregnancy. Check with your obstetrician.
- The FDA advises avoiding NSAIDs such as ibuprofen from 20 weeks of pregnancy unless a healthcare professional specifically advises it.
- Cold compresses and warm salt water rinses are safe.
Toothache in Children
- Use children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen dosed by your child’s weight, as directed on the label.
- Never give aspirin to children or teenagers.
- Don’t use benzocaine numbing gels in children under 2.
- Check for food stuck between the teeth, and look for a loose baby tooth or a new tooth coming in.
- See a dentist within a day or two, or sooner if there is swelling or fever.
When a Toothache Needs a Dentist or the ER
See a dentist within a day or two if:
- The pain lasts more than 1 to 2 days
- The pain wakes you at night or is not controlled by pain relievers
- It hurts to bite, or a tooth is broken
- A filling or crown has come out
Get same-day dental care if:
- Your gum or face is swelling
- You have a bad taste, pus or a bump on the gum
- You have a fever with tooth pain
Go to the emergency room if:
- Swelling spreads to your eye, jaw or neck
- You have trouble breathing, swallowing or opening your mouth
- You have a high fever and feel very unwell
The NHS toothache guide uses the same warning signs. See our pages on emergency dental care and facial swelling.
What Your Dentist Will Do
Once your dentist finds the cause, treatment might include:
- A filling for a cavity
- Adjusting a high filling or crown
- Root canal treatment for an inflamed or infected nerve
- Draining an abscess, sometimes with antibiotics
- A crown for a cracked tooth
- Treating gum disease or cleaning around a wisdom tooth
- Removing a tooth that cannot be saved
How to Prevent Toothaches
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily.
- Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
- Wear a night guard if you grind, and a mouthguard for sports.
- Don’t chew ice, pens or hard candy.
- Have regular checkups, so small cavities are fixed before they reach the nerve.
Emergency Toothache Care in Beverly Hills
If your toothache is keeping you up at night, you don’t have to wait it out. At ConfiDental Beverly Hills we offer same-day appointments for dental pain whenever possible. We find the cause, relieve the pain at your first visit, and explain your treatment options clearly.
Book an emergency visit or call (310) 858-9212.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to stop a toothache at home?
Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen if it is safe for you, hold a cold compress on your cheek, and rinse with warm salt water. Then book a dental visit.
What kills tooth pain instantly?
Nothing at home works instantly or permanently. A numbing gel or diluted clove oil can dull the pain within minutes, and ibuprofen usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes. Only dental treatment removes the cause.
Why does a toothache hurt worse at night?
Lying down increases blood flow to your head, which raises pressure around an inflamed nerve. There are also fewer distractions. Sleeping with your head raised helps.
Can salt water cure a toothache?
No, but it can ease the pain and keep the area clean. It is a good first step while you arrange a dental visit.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for toothache?
It is an internet shortcut for taking ibuprofen three times a day for three days. It is not an official guideline. Stick to the dose on the label unless your dentist or doctor tells you otherwise.
Should I go to the ER for a toothache?
Go to the ER if you have facial swelling spreading to the eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a high fever. For toothache without these signs, a dentist is the right place.
What can a pregnant woman take for tooth pain?
Acetaminophen is generally preferred during pregnancy. Avoid ibuprofen from 20 weeks unless your healthcare provider advises it. Call your dentist, because dental treatment is safe in pregnancy.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
Pain from mild sensitivity or trapped food can settle. Pain from a cavity, crack or infection may fade for a while, but the problem keeps getting worse. Sudden relief from severe pain can even mean the nerve has died, and an infection can follow.
Does clove oil really work for a toothache?
Yes, for temporary relief. The eugenol in clove oil numbs the area. Use it diluted and in small amounts.
What is the best painkiller for a toothache?
For most adults, ibuprofen, alone or with acetaminophen, is the most effective over-the-counter option, according to the American Dental Association.
Can a toothache cause a headache or ear pain?
Yes. Nerves from the teeth, jaw and ear are closely linked, so tooth pain often spreads to the ear, temple or jaw.
How long can a toothache last?
Sensitivity may last seconds to days. Pain from a cavity or infection usually continues or keeps coming back until the tooth is treated.
About the Author
Dr. Liyan Massaband, DMD, MPH leads ConfiDental Beverly Hills. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University and her Master of Public Health from the University of Southern California. In more than 15 years of practice she has completed over 1,000 implant procedures and focuses on full-mouth restoration, complex cases and prevention-first care.
References
- American Dental Association. New ADA guideline recommends NSAIDs to manage dental pain in adults, adolescents. 2024.
- Mayo Clinic. Toothache: First aid.
- Toothache.
- S. Food and Drug Administration. Avoid use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an examination. If you have symptoms, please contact a dentist or doctor.