Patient Guide
What to Do About a Toothache Before Your Dental Appointment
Seek emergency medical care for severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, major facial trauma, or another life-threatening symptom. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. This page is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
General comfort measures may help while you wait to be seen. They do not treat the underlying cause. A dentist should evaluate ongoing tooth pain as soon as reasonably possible.
General comfort measures
- Rinse gently with warm salt water.
- Use dental floss carefully to remove trapped food, but stop if pain increases.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for short periods.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers only as directed on the label and if appropriate for you.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated if lying flat worsens the pain.
What not to do
- Do not place aspirin directly against gum tissue or the tooth. It can cause a chemical burn of the soft tissue.
- Do not attempt to drill, file, or otherwise treat the tooth yourself.
- Do not ignore worsening swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing — those signs need urgent evaluation.
For appointment information, see care for urgent dental concerns or call (938) 222-5072 to call about your symptoms.
Sources
- American Dental Association — patient guidance on toothaches
Request Dental Appointment Information
Non-emergency scheduling questions only. For urgent situations, call (938) 222-5072. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.