Key points
- Rinse with warm salt water, use a cold compress on the cheek and keep your head raised.
- Never put a painkiller tablet against the gum — it can burn the tissue.
- Swelling that spreads, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever: go to a hospital emergency department.
- A knocked-out adult tooth: keep it in milk and see a dentist as soon as possible.
First steps for a toothache
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Floss gently around the tooth — trapped food can cause pain
- Hold a cold compress against the cheek for 15–20 minutes at a time
- Keep your head raised on an extra pillow
- Avoid very hot, cold or sweet food and drinks
- Over-the-counter pain relief can help; follow the label, and ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a health condition
Swelling: when it's urgent
Facial or gum swelling usually means infection and needs a dentist soon. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department straight away if you have:
- Swelling that spreads towards the eye, the neck or under the jaw
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- A high fever or feeling very unwell
- Difficulty opening your mouth
Broken or knocked-out tooth
For a broken tooth, rinse your mouth, save any pieces and cover sharp edges with sugar-free gum. For a knocked-out adult tooth, time matters:
- Pick it up by the crownNever touch the root.
- Rinse briefly if dirtyUse milk or clean water — don't scrub it.
- Put it back if you canBite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- Otherwise keep it in milkThen come to the clinic immediately.
Don't put a knocked-out milk tooth back in — just bring your child in to be checked.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown safe and avoid chewing on that side. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the tooth for a short time, but never use household glue. Book a visit to have it refitted or replaced.
What not to do
- Don't place aspirin or any tablet directly on the gum
- Don't apply heat to a swollen face
- Don't squeeze or poke a gum swelling
- Don't ignore pain that suddenly stops — the nerve may have died while the infection remains
When to call the clinic
Call the clinic on +91 93098 93540 for guidance. Hours are Monday to Saturday 10 AM–1 PM and 6 PM–9:30 PM, and Sunday 10 AM–1 PM and 6 PM–8 PM.
Many toothaches turn out to need a root canal or, if the tooth can't be saved, an extraction. Read how long a root canal takes.
Frequently asked questions
Why does toothache get worse at night?
Lying down increases blood flow to the head, which can make an inflamed tooth throb, and there are fewer distractions at night.
Should I go to hospital for a toothache?
Go to a hospital emergency department if swelling spreads, you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or you have a high fever. Otherwise, see a dentist as soon as possible.
Can a tooth infection go away on its own?
The pain may stop, but the infection usually remains and can spread. It needs treatment, such as a root canal or an extraction.
General information only — a diagnosis and treatment plan need a clinical examination. Fees are indicative and confirmed after examination.