Toothache
Consult a dentist if you have a toothache for more than two days; there are possible things that you can do to ease the pain while you wait for an appointment.
Toothache causes
The common causes of toothache are:
- Dental abscess
- Tooth decay
- Damaged or cracked tooth
- A broken or loose filling
- An infection
- Braces problems
Toothache preventions
The best possible way to prevent toothache is to keep your gums and teeth healthy. To keep them healthy:
- Have regular dental checkups
- Avoid sugary drinks and foods; only consume them occasionally at mealtimes
- Brush your teeth at least two times a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
- Clean your teeth using floss or an interdental brush to remove food every day
How to ease toothache pain?
- Take painkillers like paracetamol (children who are under 16 should not take aspirin)
- Gargle your mouth with salt water (not suitable for children)
- Try using a pain-relieving mouth gel
- Consume soft foods, like scrambled eggs or yogurt, and avoid chewing with the sore tooth
- Don’t eat very hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Quite smoking (it can make dental problems worsen)
Consult a dentist
- If the toothache lasts more than two days
- If the pain doesn’t go away when you take painkillers
- If you have toothache along with high temperature, red gums, bad taste in your mouth, or pains when you take a bite
- If you have swollen cheek or jaw
Seek immediate help:
- If you have a swollen area around your eye or neck
- If you have swelling in your neck or mouth and making it difficult for you to breathe, speak, or swallow
For personalized advice and support tailored to your health needs, consider our free doctor consultation service, where you can connect with experienced professionals ready to assist you.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022