How to Stop Toothache Fast & What to Do After It’s Gone
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Toothache is one of those things that’s very difficult to ignore once it starts. Sometimes it’s just a dull ache that hangs around in the background, whereas at other times, it can come on suddenly and make eating, drinking and sleeping genuinely unpleasant.
It’s also a very common issue, with around 1 in 5 UK adults experiencing it in the last 12 months. Dentists in Manchester will all tell you, the need to stop toothache quickly is the #1 reason that people reach out and call their clinics.
What people want in this kind of scenario is for things to return to normal as soon as possible, but as we’ll see moving through this article, stopping the pain of a toothache may only be part of the picture.
Persistent toothache can happen for any number of reasons. Sometimes it’s something relatively minor that’s irritated the tooth temporarily, while other times, it can point to the kind of issue that needs treatment from a dentist.
The difficulty is that different dental problems can cause very similar pain. A dull ache, sharp stab of pain, throbbing sensation or sensitivity to hot and cold can all mean very different things underneath, which is why persistent toothache is usually worth getting checked properly.
In some cases, treatment might be quite quick and simple, while deeper pain may mean you need something more involved.
| Possible Cause | What It Can Feel Like | Possible Treatment |
| Tooth decay | Sharp pain when eating or drinking | Composite filling |
| Dental infection | Throbbing pain, swelling, tenderness | Root canal or tooth extraction |
| Cracked tooth | Pain when biting down | Composite bonding or dental crown |
| Gum irritation or infection | Aching around the gumline | Hygienist appointment or antibiotics in some cases |
| Teeth grinding | Dull aching, jaw soreness, sensitivity | Night guard or bite correction |
| Lost filling or damage | Sudden sensitivity or sharp pain | Filling replacement or dental crown |
It’s also worth remembering that when you’re trying your best to stop a toothache, it’s going to fluctuate. It might pop up out of the blue, settle back down again and then come back worse than before, later on.
If you’ve noticed your toothache comes mainly in the morning, you’re more than likely grinding your teeth while you sleep – a subject our bruxism blog explores.
Have you ever noticed that the pain pangs of toothache seem to appear while you’re eating chocolate or something else sweet and sugary? You know the feeling – you take a sip of cola or eat a biscuit and there it is – instant pain.
But why is it only sugar that does that? Well, it tends to hurt more because it feeds bacteria and creates acid right where the tooth is already damaged. It’s also sticky enough to stay around long enough to start hurting you.
Once the enamel on your tooth gets thin enough, the protection it provides can’t stop the sugar reaching the sensitive inner part of the tooth and irritating the nerve inside. Our article on caring for sensitive teeth can help you manage the situation and keep the pain to a minimum.
When toothache starts, most people aren’t thinking past the next couple of hours. They just want something to take the edge off the pain so they can either get on with their day or get some sleep at night.
While home remedies won’t fix whatever’s causing the problem underneath, there are a few things that can sometimes calm irritation down long enough for you to get yourself together and book an emergency appointment.
Here are a few things that may help.
It might sound a little basic, but warm salt water genuinely can help when a tooth or gum area feels irritated. It helps clean the mouth out a little and may reduce some inflammation around the area.
You don’t need loads of salt – just half a teaspoon in a glass of warm water is usually enough. Swill it around gently for 20 to 30 seconds, then spit it out. If your toothache is linked to swollen gums or trapped food, this can, depending on the issue, calm things down surprisingly well.
Painkillers can help reduce discomfort temporarily, particularly if the pain is making it difficult to sleep or eat normally. Most people stick with standard over-the-counter options like paracetamol or ibuprofen, provided they’re suitable for them medically.
What you should not do is place aspirin directly onto the tooth or gum. People still try this surprisingly often, but it can actually burn the soft tissue in your mouth.
If pain keeps coming back once medication wears off, that’s your confirmation that the issue is not going to go away without your dentist’s help.
Sometimes the fastest way to calm a toothache down is simply staying away from whatever’s aggravating it. We’re talking about very cold drinks, sugar snacks and things that are tough on your teeth, such as crusty bread.
Wherever possible, you should chew on the opposite side of your mouth for a while if biting down keeps setting the pain off. That won’t solve the issue underneath, obviously, but it may keep the worst of the pain at bay.
Toothache can range from a twinge to overwhelming, throbbing pain, meaning it can stop you thinking clearly and getting on with life. While getting rid of the toothache quickly is the main task in the moment, you also need to think about seeing your dentist sooner, rather than later.
At Ringway Dental, we see people all the time with urgent dental pain issues, and our experienced dentists approach every patient with care and attention – allowing us to find the problem and recommend the correct treatment.
So, if you’ve got a toothache that isn’t settling down, get in touch with the Ringway Dental team or book a free online consultation today.
Q – Does toothache ever go away on its own?
A – Sometimes the pain can settle, but that doesn’t always mean the problem has gone. If it keeps coming back, it’s worth getting checked.
Q – Is toothache always caused by decay?
A – No, it’s not. As we’ve seen, decay is a common cause, but toothache can also come from grinding, cracks, gum problems or sensitivity.
Q – Why is toothache worse at night?
A – It’s often more noticeable when you’re lying down and there are fewer distractions. Some dental pain can also throb more at night.
Q – What should I avoid if I have a toothache?
A – Very hot, cold or sugary foods can set it off. It also helps to avoid chewing on the painful side. Also, add to that, anything that makes it worse for you.
Q – When is a toothache urgent?
A – If you have swelling, severe pain, fever, or trouble swallowing, don’t wait. That can point to infection and needs urgent attention.
