A toothache is a sign that something is wrong with a tooth or the gum around it. Pain medicine and home care can make it bearable for a short time, but they do not treat the cause. The pain usually returns until a dentist finds and treats the problem.
Pain medicine for a toothache
Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is commonly used for dental pain. Which one is suitable depends on your health, your other medicines and whether you are pregnant, so check with a pharmacist or your doctor and follow the directions on the pack. Do not place aspirin or any tablet against the gum, as it can burn the tissue.
What else can help at home
- Rinse gently with warm salt water.
- Clean around the tooth and floss to remove trapped food.
- Hold a cold pack against the cheek for swelling, 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Avoid very hot, cold, sweet or hard foods on that side.
- Sleep with your head slightly raised.
Can a dentist prescribe pain medication?
Yes. Dentists in Australia can prescribe medicines for dental conditions, including stronger pain relief and antibiotics when they are clinically needed. Antibiotics do not relieve most toothaches on their own, because the source of the pain still has to be treated. More detail is in our article on what dentists can prescribe.
What is causing the pain
Common causes are tooth decay, a cracked tooth, a lost filling, an infected nerve, gum infection and a wisdom tooth coming through. Pain can also be felt in a different tooth or in the head or ear, which is called referred pain. See can a toothache cause a headache and signs you may need root canal treatment.
When to see a dentist urgently
- Swelling in the face, jaw or under the tongue.
- Fever or feeling unwell with the toothache.
- Pain that keeps you awake or is not controlled by pain medicine.
- Pain after an injury to the tooth or jaw.
Swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow is a medical emergency. Call 000 or go to a hospital emergency department. For other urgent tooth pain, see our emergency dental care page.
To book an appointment at Penrith Dental Care, 42 Castlereagh Street, Penrith, call the practice or book online. We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6:30pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm.