A toothache rarely arrives at a convenient time. If you are in pain now, here is what helps temporarily until you can see a dentist, what to avoid and when the problem should not wait. Nothing below replaces an examination: pain always has a cause, and only a dentist can find and treat it.
What helps temporarily
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to clear any food debris.
- Floss gently around the tooth, because trapped food sometimes causes the pain.
- Apply something cold to the outside of the cheek, with a cloth in between, to reduce swelling.
- An ordinary painkiller can relieve the pain, as long as you follow the instructions on the pack and it suits your medical history. If you are not sure, ask a pharmacist or doctor.
What to avoid
- Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum. It can burn the tissue.
- Do not apply heat to the cheek if there is swelling.
- Avoid very hot, cold or sweet food and drink, which make the pain worse.
- Do not cancel your appointment because the pain has gone. It often means the nerve has stopped responding, not that the problem has been solved.
When not to wait
Ask for an urgent examination if there is:
- Severe or persistent pain that wakes you at night.
- Swelling in the face, gums or jaw.
- A fever together with tooth pain.
- A broken or knocked tooth after an injury.
If swelling is spreading and makes swallowing or breathing difficult, that is an emergency: go to emergency medical care immediately.
Common causes of toothache
Decay, infection or inflammation of the tooth's nerve, a crack, gum inflammation, or enamel sensitivity. Each cause needs different treatment, and early examination often means simpler treatment and a better chance of keeping the tooth.
What about GESY
The preventive check-up and cleaning are covered by GESY. Treatments for a painful tooth, such as a filling or root canal, are not covered for adults, but we tell you the cost before we start.
An appointment at DentLux
If you are in pain, do not wait for it to get worse. Contact DentLux Clinic in Aglantzia to book an appointment as soon as possible, and let us see what is causing the pain.
