Toothache Relief at Home: Safe Steps Before a Dentist

Educational information only, not clinical advice. Facts are checked against the primary sources listed under Sources (NHS.uk, GDC, CQC and peer-reviewed research), last checked 13 October 2026.

What causes toothache?

Toothache has several causes, including decay, a cracked tooth, an abscess, gum disease, a lost filling, or pain spreading from a sinus problem. The pain can be sharp, throbbing, constant, or triggered by temperature or biting. Only a dentist can identify the cause. NHS.uk has background on tooth decay.

What can I do at home to ease toothache?

NHS.uk gives general advice for toothache while waiting for an appointment. It includes:

• Taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are suitable for you, following the packet or pharmacist advice. Do not give aspirin to children under 16.
• Avoiding food and drink that triggers the pain, especially very hot, cold, or sugary items.
• Eating soft food and chewing on the other side.
• Brushing gently and keeping the area clean.
• Keeping the head raised at night, which some people find reduces throbbing.

Ask a pharmacist which pain relief is safe with your health conditions and other medicines. This guide does not recommend products.

What should I avoid doing?

Do not place aspirin directly on the gum, since it can burn the tissue. Do not ignore swelling or fever hoping it will pass. Do not delay seeing a dentist because the pain has eased, because infection can continue quietly. Avoid using sharp objects to pick at the tooth.

When should I contact a dentist or NHS 111?

Ring your dentist during opening hours if pain lasts more than a day or two, keeps you awake, or is linked to a broken tooth. Use NHS 111 if the practice is closed or you have no dentist. NHS 111 can direct you to an urgent dental service. See emergency dentist in Essex.

When is toothache a 999 or A&E situation?

Call 999 or go to A&E if toothache comes with swelling of the face or neck that affects breathing or swallowing, swelling that closes an eye, uncontrolled bleeding, or high fever with feeling very unwell. These can be signs of a spreading infection.

Where do I find a dentist?

You can browse Essex dentists in the Essex directory. For urgent NHS care, NHS 111 is the first route. For a knocked-out tooth, see knocked-out tooth first aid.

Does pain that stops mean the problem has gone?

Not always. Pain can ease when the nerve inside a tooth dies, while infection continues. A tooth that hurt badly and then went quiet, especially with swelling or a bad taste, still needs a dentist.

When should I escalate?

1. Mild pain for under two days that settles with painkillers used as the packet says: book a dental appointment.
2. Pain waking you at night, or lasting more than two days: phone a dentist today.
3. Swelling of the gum or cheek, fever or a bad taste: dentist today, or NHS 111.
4. Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or closes an eye: 999 or A&E.

Do not place aspirin against the gum, and do not use antibiotics prescribed to someone else.

To find a practice, browse dentists in Essex by district.

FAQ

Sources

• NHS.uk, Toothache: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/toothache/
• NHS.uk, Dental abscess: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-abscess/
• NHS 111 online: https://111.nhs.uk/
• NHS.uk, How to find an emergency or urgent NHS dentist appointment: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-to-find-an-nhs-dentist-in-an-emergency/