Rinse With Salt Water

Placing hot or cold water in your mouth may cause a shock to your already sensitive tooth. Rinsing with warm salt water may be helpful. Mix a couple teaspoons of table salt in a glass of warm water, then try swishing the mixture in your mouth. In addition to easing the pain and cleaning the infected areas, the salt also helps to draw out excess fluid around the swollen gum tissues.

Apply Ice to Stop Inflammation

The presence of cold helps to curb pain and swelling in superficial nerves, so applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the face may help numb the pain. You should, however, never apply ice directly to the tooth. Even very cold drinks may cause pain if the root is going bad; this also applies to hot drinks and sugary foods.

Exercise May Help

You may not feel like moving around if you have a throbbing toothache, but for people who are used to exercise, moving about can release endorphins, which are the body's natural pain relievers. You may find that a brisk walk is helpful.

Mind and Body Relaxation

Getting your body into a relaxed state may help to alleviate some tooth pain. Guide your mind into a state of relaxation by concentrating on something pleasant, practicing deep breathing, and listening to soothing music -- this will hopefully divert your attention away from the pain. If all else fails, try an analgesic; anything you take for a headache, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen should help combat the pain until you can see your dentist.

ORAL HEALTH QUIZ

What's behind your smile?

Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine

ORAL HEALTH QUIZ

What's behind your smile?

Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine