Bad toothache: what to do until you see a dentist

It hurts, and it's hard to think straight. Here's what to do, one step at a time.

The answer in 2 lines. Call a dentist today and say you're in severe pain. Until you're seen, an over-the-counter pain reliever taken exactly as the Drug Facts label says can help. Ask a pharmacist which one is right for you. Rinse with warm water and don't chew on that side. Never put aspirin on the tooth or gum. If your face or neck swells, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to the ER or call 911.

The first 3 steps

Call your dentist and say "severe tooth pain." Many offices keep same-day slots for emergencies. If the office is closed, listen to the voicemail, which often gives an after-hours number.
Ask a pharmacist which over-the-counter pain reliever is right for you, especially if you're pregnant, older, giving it to a child or taking other medicines. Follow the Drug Facts label.
Go easy on the tooth: rinse your mouth with warm water to clear out food, brush and floss gently around it, and eat soft, lukewarm foods on the other side.

Stop: danger

Swelling in the face, jaw or neck, fever, or trouble opening your mouth, swallowing or breathing: a tooth infection can spread. Go to the emergency room now, or call 911 if breathing or swallowing is hard.
Jaw or tooth pain with chest discomfort or shortness of breath: MedlinePlus notes that toothache or jaw pain can be a symptom of a heart attack. Call 911.
Never go over the maximum dose on the label, even if the pain doesn't let up. Call a dentist or go to the ER instead.

Where is the pain coming from?

What you feel	Common cause
Sharp pain with cold or sweets, then a throbbing ache that's worse at night	Deep cavity reaching the nerve
Throbbing pain that won't stop, pain when you bite, a pimple-like bump on the gum, swollen gum or jaw	Tooth abscess (infection). See a dentist promptly.
Swollen, sore gum at the very back of the mouth	Wisdom tooth coming in badly
Short, sharp twinge with cold near the gumline	Sensitive tooth or receding gum
Several upper teeth ache, with a stuffy nose	Possibly the sinuses rather than a tooth. A doctor can check.

Medicines: be careful

Over-the-counter pain relievers can ease a toothache for now, according to MedlinePlus. The right product and dose depend on your age, weight, health and other medicines, so read the Drug Facts label or ask the pharmacist.
No aspirin on the gum: the American Dental Association warns that it can burn the gum tissue.
Numbing gels with benzocaine: the FDA says not to use them in children under 2, because of a rare but serious blood problem (methemoglobinemia). For anyone older, follow the label.
Antibiotics don't fix a cavity and don't replace treatment. Take them only when they're prescribed for you, never from an old bottle.

What not to do

Putting an aspirin tablet against the tooth or gum: it burns the gum and doesn't help the tooth.
Taking leftover antibiotics or someone else's prescription painkillers.
Using benzocaine gels on a baby or toddler under 2.
Waiting it out for days because the pain comes and goes.

No dentist, or the office is closed?

After hours: if your dental office is closed, the American Dental Association advises going to your local emergency room for a dental emergency.
No dentist or no dental insurance: federally funded health centers offer dental care to people with or without insurance, with fees on a sliding scale based on income. Go to HRSA — Get Health Care, use the "Find a Health Center" tool, enter your address or ZIP code, and call the center to confirm it offers dental care.
Coverage: dental benefits depend on your plan. Medicaid dental coverage for adults varies by state, so check with your state Medicaid office.

Good to know

If the pain suddenly stops, the problem isn't necessarily gone. Keep your appointment.
A warm saltwater rinse may help ease the pain, according to MedlinePlus.
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day and regular cleanings help prevent the next cavity. Tell your dentist if you grind your teeth.

On a Saturday night in Phoenix, Jordan has a throbbing molar that hurts more with cold drinks. The dentist's voicemail gives an after-hours number. A pharmacist recommends a pain reliever that is safe with Jordan's blood pressure medicine. By Sunday morning Jordan's cheek has started to swell, so Jordan goes to the ER instead of waiting for Monday.

A made-up story, for illustration.

Bobby

Sources, verification, confidence

Verified on November 6, 2026, for the United States. Confidence: high for the danger signs, the warning about aspirin on the gum and the FDA warning about benzocaine for children under 2; medium for coverage and health-center access, which vary by state and by plan. This guide gives general information. It doesn't replace a dentist, doctor or pharmacist, and it gives no doses. Always read the Drug Facts label.