How to Care for a Toothache

Common toothache symptoms include throbbing pain around a certain tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and discomfort when chewing. Causes can vary from cavities and gum disease to cracked teeth and exposed tooth roots. These first-aid measures will help.

Things You'll Need

• Dental Floss
• Ibuprofen
• Mouthwash
• Ice Packs
• Ice packs

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean your mouth by rinsing it with warm water.

• 2

  Floss gently around the sensitive tooth to dislodge any food particles.

• 3

  Try placing an ice pack on your jaw to soothe the pain.

• 4

  Use over-the-counter painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain.

• 5

  Call your dentist if you have a fever or if the pain worsens or lasts for more than a day. He or she will ask you questions to determine the urgency of your need for treatment.