Toothache: What to Do

Toothache is often a sign of decay, a gum problem or a cracked tooth. Even if the pain goes away, its cause may still be there. On this page we explain what you can do until you are examined and what you should avoid.

Contact us

During our opening hours (weekdays 10:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–14:00) you can reach us by WhatsApp or phone. In an urgent situation such as pain, treatment can be given on the same day.

You can also write to us on WhatsApp outside opening hours. No patients are seen at these times, but we will get back to you if it is something we can help with via WhatsApp.

What you can do until your examination

• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. Warm salt water can also be used.
• Clean between your teeth. The pain may be caused by food trapped between the teeth. Clean gently with dental floss.
• If there is swelling, apply cold to the outside of your cheek. You can wrap ice in a cloth and apply it at 10–15 minute intervals.
• If you take a painkiller, follow the instructions on the leaflet; if you take other medicines or have a medical condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Lie down with your head slightly raised. Throbbing can get worse when you lie flat.
• Avoid very hot, very cold and sugary food and drinks; do not chew on the painful side.

What not to do

• Do not put a painkiller on the tooth or gum. It can burn the gum.
• Do not apply heat to swelling. Heat can make it easier for inflammation to spread.
• Do not take leftover antibiotics on your own. Antibiotics are given after an examination by a dentist, if they are needed.
• Do not put off your examination because the pain has stopped. Pain stopping can also mean that the nerve has been damaged.

If a tooth is broken or knocked out

A broken tooth: if you can find the broken piece, keep it in a clean container in milk or salt water and bring it to the examination. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water; if a sharp edge is cutting your tongue or cheek, you can cover it temporarily with sugar-free chewing gum.

A knocked-out permanent tooth: time is very important.

1. Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part you see in the mouth), not by the root.
2. If it is dirty, rinse it for a few seconds with milk or saline; do not brush or wipe the root.
3. Keep the tooth in milk or inside your cheek (if there is no risk of swallowing it). Do not keep it in water.
4. See a dentist or go to an emergency department without delay.

A knocked-out baby tooth: a baby tooth is not put back; doing so can damage the permanent tooth coming through underneath. Bring your child in for an examination.

Children’s Dentistry

Common causes of toothache

• Decay: as decay moves into the tooth, sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet things can develop, followed by pain that starts on its own. In the early stages a filling may be needed; if it is advanced, root canal treatment may be needed.
• Gum inflammation and abscess: there may be swelling, bleeding or a bad taste in the gum.
• A cracked tooth: can cause a sharp pain when biting or releasing.
• Wisdom teeth: inflammation can develop around wisdom teeth that are coming through or are impacted.
• Clenching and grinding: can cause pain in the teeth and jaw muscles in the morning.

The cause of the pain can only be found with an examination and, if needed, X-rays.

Fillings and Root Canal Treatment

Frequently asked questions

My toothache has gone; should I still come in?

Yes. Pain going away does not mean the problem is solved; sometimes it shows that the nerve has been damaged. We assess the cause at the examination.

Can a tooth be extracted when there is swelling?

That depends on the state of the inflammation. In some cases the inflammation needs to be brought under control first. We assess this at the examination and explain it to you.

Extractions and Oral Surgery

I am pregnant and have toothache. What should I do?

Always ask your doctor before taking a painkiller. The most suitable time for treatment is usually the second trimester (months 4–6); in urgent situations, treatment under local anaesthetic is also possible at other times. Always tell us before the examination that you are pregnant.

What should I do if I get toothache while on holiday?

During our opening hours you can reach us by WhatsApp or phone; we will assess your situation and try to find a suitable time for you.

International Patients