Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
Font Size
A
A
A

Toothache Treatment

1. Clean Mouth

  •  Have the person rinse mouth with warm water.
  • The person should gently floss teeth to remove food particles from area.

 

2. Control Swelling and Pain

  • Apply a cool compress to outside of mouth or cheek.
  • Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 18.
  • Do not put aspirin against gums near aching tooth. It can burn gum tissue.

 

3. When to See a Dentist

See a dentist if:

  • Pain persists.
  • The person has jaw pain accompanied by a popping or clicking noise. This could signal temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

 

4. Follow Up

If you seek dental care:

  • The dentist will examine the person's teeth and may take an X-ray.
  • If there are signs of infection, the dentist will prescribe an antibiotic.
  • Treatment for TMJ may include a mouth guard to prevent tooth grinding, stress reduction techniques, or surgery.

 

WebMD Medical Reference from eMedicineHealth

View Article Sources Sources
Reviewed by Elena Antonelli, MD on April 29, 2010
© 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

FIRST AID A-Z

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD the app

Get first aid information. Whenever. Wherever... with your iPhone, iPad or Android.

Find Out More