Overview

See a dentist if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days. There are things you can do to ease it while you wait for an appointment.

Title
Toothache

Causes

Toothache can be caused by:

  • tooth decay
  • a dental abscess
  • a cracked or damaged tooth
  • a loose or broken filling
  • an infection – this often happens when a tooth (such as a wisdom tooth) has broken the skin, but doesn't have enough room to fully come through
  • problems with your braces
Treatment

Do

  • take painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol(children under 16 shouldn't take aspirin) – a pharmacist can advise you
  • try rinsing your mouth with salt water (children shouldn't try this)
  • use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth – this can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets
  • eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth

Don't

  • eat foods that are sweet, very hot or very cold
  • smoke – it can make some dental problems worse
Prevention

The best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

To do this:

  • have regular dental check-ups
  • cut down on sugary foods and drinks – only have them as an occasional treat at mealtimes
  • brush your teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
  • clean between your teeth using floss or an interdental brush every day to remove food, debris and plaque