What can a hospital do for a toothache

See a dentist if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days. There are things you can do to ease it while you wait for an appointment.

How to ease toothache while waiting for an appointment

Do

• take painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 should not take aspirin) – a pharmacist can advise you

• try rinsing your mouth with salt water (children should not try this)

• use a pain-relieving gel for your mouth – this can be bought from pharmacies or supermarkets

• eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth

Don’t

• do not eat foods that are sweet, very hot or very cold

• do not smoke – it can make some dental problems worse

1. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water – warm water helps salt dissolve.
2. Rinse your mouth with the solution, then spit it out – do not swallow it.
3. Repeat as often as you like.

Causes of toothache

Toothache can be caused by:

• tooth decay
• a dental abscess
• a cracked or damaged tooth
• a loose or broken filling
• an infection – this often happens when a tooth (such as a wisdom tooth) has broken the skin, but does not have enough room to fully come through
• problems with your braces

How to prevent toothache

The best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

To do this:

• have regular dental check-ups
• cut down on sugary foods and drinks – only have them as an occasional treat at mealtimes
• brush your teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
• clean between your teeth using floss or an interdental brush every day to remove food, debris and plaque