Toothache that won’t settle? Robinhood Dental Practice, Hall Green, Birmingham. Same-day emergency appointments · open 7 days · Call 0121 744 1484 · WhatsApp 0782 783 4763 · Book online
Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or closes an eye? Call 999 or go to A&E.
The best thing for toothache is a two-part answer. Tonight, take a painkiller that suits you, at the dose on the packet, and add a few simple measures that genuinely help. Then have a dentist treat the cause, because painkillers only quieten the pain and the problem behind it usually stays.
That is less dramatic than the promises you will see online, but it is what the evidence and UK dental guidance support. This guide goes further than a list of remedies. It helps you work out what kind of toothache you may have, shows which treatments are backed by research and which are folklore, gives you a plan from now until morning, and explains what a dentist will actually do.
It also covers things most pages leave out: which painkiller combinations are safe, why a “well-known rule” for dosing can push you past the packet limit, why antibiotics do not cure toothache, and why pain that suddenly stops is not always good news.
If you are in pain right now, skip to the section headed “A plan for tonight”. If you want to understand your toothache first, start with the next section.
Check this first: when toothache cannot wait
Toothache with facial swelling, a fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing needs attention today, not a home remedy. These can be signs that an infection is spreading beyond the tooth.
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| Swelling that makes breathing or swallowing difficult, or stops you opening an eye | Call 999 or go to A&E. Do not drive yourself |
| Swelling of the cheek, jaw or neck, or a fever with tooth pain | See a dentist today, or call NHS 111 |
| Severe pain that stops you sleeping or that painkillers do not control | Same-day dentist or NHS 111 |
| A knocked-out adult tooth | Emergency dental care within the hour if possible |
| Pain after a recent extraction that is getting worse | Same-day dentist or NHS 111 |
| Pain that is bearable, settles with painkillers, and comes with no swelling or fever | Book a dental appointment in the next day or two |
Based on NHS guidance on emergency dental care. Our guide to tooth infection danger signs explains the warning signs in more detail, and our emergency dentist page shows how to be seen the same day.
If none of those rows fits, carry on. Most toothache is not an emergency, but it is also rarely something that clears up by itself.
What your toothache pattern is telling you
How a toothache behaves says a lot about what is going on inside the tooth. Pain that fades within seconds usually points to something milder than pain that lingers, throbs on its own or wakes you at night.
Only an examination, and sometimes an x-ray, can confirm the cause, so treat this as a guide and not a diagnosis. Patterns overlap, and more than one problem can be present.
Four questions to ask yourself
- What sets it off? Cold, heat, sweet food, biting, or nothing at all?
- How long does it last after the trigger goes? A few seconds, or minutes and longer?
- Does it come on by itself, or wake you at night?
- Is there swelling, a bad taste or a fever?
Decoding the pattern
| Pattern | What it may mean | What it often needs | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp, brief twinge with cold or sweet food that fades within seconds | Exposed dentine, early decay, worn enamel, receding gums, or a mildly irritated nerve | A filling, a desensitising treatment or fluoride varnish | Book within days |
| Pain that lingers for a minute or more after hot or cold, comes on by itself, or throbs at night | An inflamed nerve that may not recover (often called irreversible pulpitis) | A root filling or an extraction | See a dentist soon; same day if severe |
| Sharp pain when you bite down or let go | A cracked tooth, a filling that sits too high, or infection around the root | Adjusting a filling, bonding or a crown, or root treatment | Within days; sooner if it is severe |
| Constant throbbing, a tender tooth, a bad taste, swelling or fever | A dental abscess | Draining the infection and treating its cause; antibiotics only as an add-on | Same day |
| Sore, swollen gum behind the last tooth, and difficulty opening wide | Inflammation around a partly erupted wisdom tooth | Cleaning and flushing the area; sometimes removal | Within a day or two |
| Worsening pain a few days after an extraction, sometimes with a bad taste | A dry socket, where the blood clot has been lost | The dentist cleans and dresses the socket | Same day or next day |
| Dull ache across several upper back teeth with a blocked nose or a recent cold | Sinus problems can mimic tooth pain | A dental check to rule out a tooth cause; then a pharmacist or GP | Within days |
| Ache in the jaw, ear or temple, worse on waking, with clicking or grinding | Jaw muscle or joint strain, or night-time grinding | A night guard and a jaw check | Within days |
| Sore, bleeding or swollen gum at one tooth | Gum infection or a gum abscess | A professional clean, and treatment of the gum problem | Within days; same day if swollen |
Two patterns people misread
- “It only hurts when I bite.” This is often a crack, and cracks tend to worsen with use. Do not wait for them to hurt all the time.
- “It stopped hurting.” Pain that suddenly goes can mean the nerve has died, and the infection can still be there. The section on why toothache returns, further down, explains this.
Pain relief for toothache: what the evidence says
For most adults, ibuprofen is the better single painkiller for tooth pain if it is safe for you. Paracetamol is the alternative, and the two can often be taken together. Whichever you choose, follow the packet.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. A pharmacist can check which painkillers suit you in a couple of minutes, and asking costs nothing.
What the research and guidelines say
- UK dental prescribing guidance from the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) says most tooth-related pain can be relieved effectively by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. It adds that paracetamol has no demonstrable anti-inflammatory activity. See the SDCEP guidance on odontogenic pain.
- A Cochrane review of seven trials and 2,241 people found that 400 mg of ibuprofen was more likely than 1,000 mg of paracetamol to give at least 50% pain relief at six hours (risk ratio 1.47) and more likely to avoid the need for extra painkillers (risk ratio 1.50). The evidence was rated high quality.
- A combined ibuprofen and paracetamol tablet did better than either alone on relief at six hours and on avoiding rescue medication, though that finding rested on fewer trials and was rated moderate quality. At two hours it was not clearly better. Bailey and colleagues, Cochrane 2013.
A detail most pages skip: the Cochrane trials studied pain after wisdom tooth surgery, mostly after a single dose, not toothache from decay. The results are a reasonable guide to tooth pain, and match what dental guidelines advise, but they are not a trial of toothache itself.
Typical adult doses on UK over-the-counter packs
Check your own packet and leaflet, which are the authority for the product you hold. As a general guide for adults:
| Painkiller | Typical adult dose | Daily limit on the pack | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | 200 to 400 mg, up to three times a day | 1,200 mg in 24 hours unless a doctor advises otherwise | Take with or after food |
| Paracetamol | 500 mg to 1 g, at least 4 hours apart | 4 g (8 × 500 mg tablets) in 24 hours | Lower limits apply to people of low body weight or with liver problems; ask a pharmacist |
| Both together | Each at its own dose and limit | Each limit still applies | Count every tablet from every product |
Taking both is not the same as doubling up on one. The two work in different ways, so they can complement each other, but each has its own ceiling.
Who should avoid ibuprofen
Ibuprofen suits many people but not everyone. Ask a pharmacist or your GP first if any of these apply:
- a stomach ulcer, or a history of bleeding in the stomach
- kidney disease, heart failure or other heart or circulation conditions
- asthma that has been triggered by ibuprofen or aspirin
- pregnancy; ibuprofen is generally avoided, especially in the last three months, unless a doctor advises it
- taking blood thinners such as warfarin, or other anti-inflammatory painkillers
- bleeding after a tooth extraction; SDCEP advises avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen if there is bleeding
If ibuprofen is not suitable, paracetamol on its own is the usual alternative.
Paracetamol: the hidden-product trap
Many cold and flu remedies and combination tablets contain paracetamol. If you take one of those and also a paracetamol tablet, you can go over the safe limit without noticing. Check the ingredients of everything you take.
If you think you have taken more than the maximum in 24 hours, seek urgent medical advice from NHS 111 or A&E, even if you feel well. Dental prescribing guidance sets out a threshold for emergency referral because the harm from a paracetamol overdose can be delayed.
Painkillers that do not do better
- Aspirin is not recommended for children under 16 and should not be used after an extraction. Never place it on the gum.
- Dihydrocodeine and similar opioid-type painkillers. SDCEP notes that dihydrocodeine is relatively ineffective against dental pain. A stronger-sounding tablet is not a better one for a toothache.
How long can I keep taking them?
Painkillers buy time; they do not treat the cause. SDCEP describes analgesics as a temporary measure while the underlying problem is managed. If you still need them after 24 hours, speak to a pharmacist, and arrange to see a dentist rather than carrying on for days.
Home remedies for toothache, ranked by evidence
Most home remedies for toothache have little or no trial evidence behind them. A few are sensible, low-risk comforts; none treats the cause, and one or two can cause harm. Here is an honest ranking.
| Remedy | Evidence | Verdict | How to use it safely |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft, lukewarm food; chewing on the other side | Common-sense avoidance of triggers | Do it | Soup, yoghurt, eggs, mashed vegetables. Avoid very hot, cold, sugary or hard food |
| Cold pack on the outside of the cheek | Reasonable, especially for swelling after injury; little direct trial evidence in toothache | Reasonable | Wrap ice or a frozen pack in a cloth. Hold for 10 to 15 minutes, then rest. Never put ice on the tooth, and do not use heat on a swollen face |
| Sleeping with your head raised | Plausible; throbbing often feels worse lying flat, but this is not proven in trials | Reasonable | An extra pillow or two so your head sits above your heart |
| Warm salt-water rinse | Cleans around the tooth and soothes irritated gums; limited evidence for pain itself | Reasonable | About half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water; swish gently for 30 seconds and spit. After an extraction, avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours |
| Over-the-counter numbing gels from a pharmacy | Short-term surface numbing; do not treat the cause | Optional | Follow the label and ask a pharmacist, especially for children |
| Clove oil | Eugenol, its main ingredient, is used by dentists, and a 2025 systematic review rated the evidence for eugenol in dental pain as moderate, but those trials used dentist-applied products for dry socket, pulp treatment and pulpitis, not oil from a bottle at home | Use with care | If you try it, dilute it in a carrier oil such as olive oil and touch a tiny amount on cotton wool to the tooth, keeping it off the gum, tongue and cheek. Stop if it burns. Not for children, and not if you are allergic |
| Peppermint tea bag | Little or no evidence for toothache | Comfort only | A cooled, used tea bag held against the area; harmless, but do not expect a cure |
The clove oil evidence is from Reddy and colleagues’ 2025 systematic review of plant-based painkillers in dentistry, which also warns that the studies were small and short.
The bottom line on home remedies
They can make an evening more bearable. They do not stop an infection, repair a crack or clean decay out of a tooth. If a remedy seems to work, that is a reason to book an appointment, not a reason to wait.
A plan for tonight: from evening to morning
The aim for tonight is simple: stay within safe painkiller limits, reduce the triggers, get some sleep, and phone a dentist when they open. Follow the steps in order.
Step by step
- Check for red flags. Swelling, fever, trouble swallowing or breathing? go back to the emergency table at the top of this guide and act on it.
- Work out what you have already taken today, including cold and flu remedies, and note the time of the last dose. This prevents accidental overdosing, which is easy to do when you are tired and in pain.
- Take a painkiller that suits you at the dose on the packet. If ibuprofen is not suitable, use paracetamol.
- Clear the area. Gently brush and use floss or an interdental brush around the sore tooth. Trapped food alone can cause pain.
- Add comfort measures. A cold pack on the cheek, a warm salt-water rinse and soft, lukewarm food.
- At bedtime, prop your head up on an extra pillow, avoid sugary snacks and drinks, and keep a glass of water beside the bed.
- If the pain wakes you, check the time. If your next dose is allowed, take it. If you are at the limit, sit up, use the cold pack and rinse. If the pain is severe, or swelling or fever appears, call NHS 111 or a same-day dentist instead of waiting for morning.
- In the morning, phone a dentist as soon as they open. Do not wait to see if it settles.
Keep a simple dose log
Write doses in your phone or on paper so you do not rely on memory. For example:
| Time taken | Painkiller | Dose | Earliest next dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00pm | Ibuprofen | As on packet | Per packet, within the 24-hour limit |
| 7:00pm | Paracetamol | As on packet | Per packet |
| 11:00pm | Paracetamol | As on packet | Per packet |
This is only an example of the format. Take the doses, intervals and daily limits from your own packet.
What to tell the dentist when you ring
- Which tooth hurts, or which side, and how long it has been going on
- What sets it off, how long it lasts, and whether it wakes you
- Any swelling, bad taste or fever
- What painkillers you have taken and when
- Medicines you take, allergies, and whether you are pregnant
That short summary lets the receptionist triage you quickly and offer the right appointment. At Robinhood Dental Practice you can call 0121 744 1484 or message us on WhatsApp (0782 783 4763). We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am, Saturday from 8:30am and Sunday from 9:00am.
Why toothache returns, and how a dentist fixes each cause
Toothache is a symptom of something wrong inside or around the tooth, such as decay, a crack, infection or gum disease, and those problems do not heal themselves. The pain can ease for a while, but the cause remains until a dentist treats it.
Why the pain comes and goes
Teeth have a limited ability to repair themselves, and only at the earliest stage of damage. Once decay has broken through the outer enamel, it keeps advancing. A crack widens with every bite. Infection at the root spreads along the path of least resistance.
The nerve inside the tooth can also settle for a time. That is why pain often seems to improve, then returns on a day you least expect it.
When the pain stops, it is not always good news
If an inflamed nerve dies, the pain can stop altogether. That feels like recovery, but the dead tissue can become infected, and the infection can build up quietly until it causes swelling or an abscess. So pain that has suddenly gone, after days of throbbing, is still a reason to be checked.
Why antibiotics do not cure toothache
People often ask for antibiotics. Dental organisations including the Association of Clinical Oral Microbiologists and the College of General Dentistry, supported by the British Dental Association and several royal college faculties, have said plainly that antibiotics do not cure toothache. Antibiotics are meant to be an add-on to treatment of the cause, used when national guidelines say they are needed. See their joint statement.
They may be prescribed when an infection is spreading or you are unwell with a fever. Even then, the tooth usually still needs treatment. Do not use leftover antibiotics, because they will not stop the pain and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
What dentists actually do
| Cause | Definitive treatment | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Decay that has not reached the nerve | A filling | Removing the decay and restoring the tooth; often done in one visit |
| Decay or damage that has reached the nerve | A root filling or an extraction | Cleaning out the infected nerve and sealing the tooth, or removing the tooth if it cannot be saved |
| Cracked tooth | Bonding, a crown, or root treatment | Protecting the tooth from further splitting; severe splits may need extraction |
| Abscess | Treating the source and draining the infection | Often a root filling or extraction, with antibiotics only when indicated |
| Gum infection | A professional clean and gum treatment | Removing plaque and tartar and treating the infected pocket |
| Impacted or infected wisdom tooth | Cleaning and flushing, or removal | Settling the inflammation first where possible |
| Dry socket | Cleaning and dressing the socket | Relieves pain until the socket heals |
| Night-time grinding | Protects the teeth and eases muscle strain |
Saving the tooth or taking it out
Where a tooth can be restored, saving it is usually the aim. A dentist will consider how much healthy tooth remains, the bone support around it, how well it can be restored and what you prefer. If a tooth cannot be saved, there are ways to replace it, including bridges and dental implants.
Why earlier is simpler
A small cavity is quick to fill. The same cavity left for months can reach the nerve, and then the choice may be a root filling or an extraction. Early treatment is usually simpler, less invasive and easier on the patient. Our emergency dentist page explains what happens at an urgent visit.
Toothache myths and mistakes
Several popular toothache “hacks” are ineffective, and a few are risky. Check any rule of thumb against the packet and against what dental guidance says before you follow it.
| Myth or mistake | What is really true | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| “The 3-3-3 rule”: three ibuprofen tablets, three times a day, for three days | It circulates online as 3 tablets (600 mg) three times a day, which comes to 1,800 mg a day. That is above the 1,200 mg a day limit printed on UK over-the-counter ibuprofen packs. One site that describes it says itself that it is not an official guideline | Follow the dose and daily limit on your own packet, and see a dentist within a day or two, not three days |
| Putting aspirin on the gum | It does not soak in to the tooth. It can burn the soft tissue, and SDCEP advises swallowing tablets rather than placing them next to the sore area | Swallow tablets with water |
| Rubbing alcohol such as whisky on the tooth or gum | No good evidence, and it irritates the gum. Alcohol and painkillers also do not mix well | Warm salt water, a cold pack, a painkiller you can take |
| Putting heat on a swollen face | Heat can encourage an infection to spread | Cold pack on the outside of the cheek, and seek same-day care for swelling |
| “There is a way to kill a tooth nerve in seconds” | No home method can safely and permanently remove a tooth nerve. Only dental treatment, such as a root filling or an extraction, does | Treat claims like this with suspicion and book an assessment |
| Taking leftover antibiotics | They do not cure toothache and contribute to resistance | See a dentist, who will decide whether antibiotics are needed |
| Pulling the tooth yourself, or lancing a swelling | Risks heavy bleeding, infection and leaving root fragments. See why you should never attempt emergency tooth extraction at home | Phone a dentist |
| Reaching for a “stronger” codeine-type painkiller | SDCEP notes that dihydrocodeine is relatively ineffective for dental pain | Ibuprofen and/or paracetamol, within limits |
| Taking two products that both contain paracetamol | Easy to exceed the daily limit without noticing | Read every label, and ask a pharmacist |
| “It only hurts at night, so it is nothing” | Pain that comes on by itself, or wakes you, often points to an inflamed nerve | Get it examined |
| Chewing on the sore side to “test” it | Can crack a weakened tooth or worsen pain | Chew on the other side until it is treated |
| Waiting to see if it settles | Pain that eases may still hide decay or infection | Book an appointment even if it improves |
Toothache in children, pregnancy and people on other medicines
The painkiller choices change for children, in pregnancy and for people with other health conditions, so check with a pharmacist, GP or midwife before you medicate. The dental advice stays the same: get the cause treated.
| Group | Painkillers | Dental care |
|---|---|---|
| Children | Use children’s formulations and the age or weight dose on the label. Never give aspirin to children under 16. SDCEP notes that a child with a fever can take paracetamol or ibuprofen, alternating if needed, without exceeding the limit for either. Ask a pharmacist if your child has asthma or takes other medicines | Toothache in a baby tooth can lead to abscesses and swelling, so see a dentist rather than waiting. Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back in the socket. Call us and describe what happened |
| Pregnancy | Ibuprofen is generally avoided in pregnancy, especially in the last three months. Paracetamol is the usual choice, at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Check with a pharmacist, midwife or GP | Dental treatment for an urgent problem is appropriate in pregnancy. Tell the dentist you are pregnant so they can plan treatment, medicines and any x-rays accordingly |
| Taking blood thinners, or with kidney, heart or stomach conditions | Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories can be unsuitable or interact with other medicines. Ask a pharmacist before taking them | Tell the dentist about every medicine you take, because it affects what they can prescribe and how they manage bleeding |
| Diabetes or a weakened immune system | Follow the same painkiller advice, checking suitability | A dental infection can be more serious, so seek care promptly rather than waiting to see if it settles |
| Older adults | Take extra care with kidney function, stomach problems and combinations of medicines; a pharmacist can review them | Receding gums expose root surfaces, which can decay and become sensitive; mention any dry mouth or new medicines |
| Nervous patients | Pain relief can wait for your appointment, but do not let fear delay it | Tell the receptionist you are anxious. A calm explanation and a pace you control make a big difference |
For more on children’s teeth, see our kids’ dental health tips.
Getting your toothache treated at Robinhood Dental Practice
Robinhood Dental Practice in Hall Green, Birmingham offers same-day emergency appointments seven days a week, and has served Birmingham and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. We welcome new patients.
| Address | 1491 Stratford Rd, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 9HT |
| Phone | 0121 744 1484 |
| | 0782 783 4763 |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 8:30am–10:00pm · Sat 8:30am–8:00pm · Sun 9:00am–8:00pm |
| Book online |
What an appointment for toothache involves
- A conversation about when the pain started, what sets it off and what you have taken.
- An examination, with an x-ray if needed, to find the cause.
- Pain relief, so you are comfortable before anything else is done.
- A clear explanation of what is wrong, your options and what each costs.
- Treatment or a plan, depending on what is found.
What it costs
Cost depends on the cause and the treatment. We will explain the price before we start.
| Item | Price (from) |
|---|---|
| Emergency consultation (booked online, this covers the assessment and x-rays) | £35 |
| X-ray | Included when the consultation is booked online; £10 on its own |
| Temporary dressing | £50 |
| Antibiotic prescription (only if clinically needed) | £20 |
| Extraction | £110 to £195, unless a surgical or wisdom-tooth extraction is needed |
| Filling | From £80 (glass ionomer); amalgam £150; composite £175 |
| Start of root canal treatment (to relieve pain) | From £110 |
| Complete root canal treatment | Incisor £395; premolar £495; molar £595 |
These are “from” prices, so your final cost depends on the treatment you need, and we will confirm it before we start. Booking online reserves your appointment slot. Refunds are only available if you cancel more than 48 hours before your appointment, and if you cannot make it, our team will help.
See our dental prices page for a full list. If you prefer the NHS route, most adults pay a set NHS charge and some people are exempt; check the current charges on the NHS website.
What patients say
One patient wrote that they were “offered an emergency appointment within the hour” after cracking a tooth. Another, seen with an infected wisdom tooth, said it “was diagnosed quickly and within an hour removed” and that they were pain-free afterwards.
Toothache keeping you up? Call 0121 744 1484, WhatsApp 0782 783 4763, or book online. Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing: call 999.
Toothache FAQs
What is the best thing for toothache?
A suitable painkiller taken as directed, plus simple measures such as a cold pack, soft food and raising your head at night, to get you through until a dentist treats the cause. Painkillers and home remedies relieve the pain but do not fix the problem.
Is ibuprofen or paracetamol better for toothache?
For most adults, ibuprofen, because it is anti-inflammatory and performed better than paracetamol in trials of dental pain after surgery. If ibuprofen is not suitable for you, paracetamol is the usual alternative. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
Can I take ibuprofen and paracetamol together?
Many adults can, because the two work in different ways, as long as each stays within its own dose and daily limit and no other product contains the same ingredient. Check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a health condition.
How can I stop toothache at night?
Keep your head raised, use a cold pack on the cheek, avoid sugary or very hot and cold food before bed, and take a suitable painkiller within its limits. Keep a note of when you took each dose. If it is severe, or there is swelling or fever, call NHS 111 or a dentist rather than waiting.
Will toothache go away on its own?
The pain may ease, but the cause usually remains. Decay and cracks advance, and infection can continue after the pain stops. Get it checked even if it improves.
Does clove oil work for toothache?
It may give short-lived numbing. Eugenol, its main ingredient, is used in some dental products, but the trials are of dentist-applied treatments, not oil from a bottle. Undiluted oil can burn the gum. It does not treat the cause.
Do antibiotics help toothache?
Not on their own. Dental organisations say antibiotics do not cure toothache. They are used as an add-on in some infections, while the dentist treats the cause.
When is toothache an emergency?
When it comes with facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or severe pain that painkillers do not control. Breathing or swallowing problems need 999 or A&E; other warning signs need a dentist or NHS 111 the same day.
Should I go to A&E for toothache?
Usually not. A&E is for serious facial injuries, heavy bleeding and swelling that affects breathing or vision. For most toothache, see a dentist or call NHS 111.
How long can I wait before seeing a dentist?
If the pain is manageable and there is no swelling or fever, book within a day or two. If it is severe or comes with warning signs, be seen the same day.
Key takeaways
- Treat toothache in two steps: relieve the pain tonight, and treat the cause as soon as you can.
- Ibuprofen is usually the better single choice for tooth pain if it is safe for you; paracetamol if it is not; follow the packet.
- Count every tablet. Cold and flu products often contain paracetamol.
- Most home remedies have little evidence behind them. Cold packs, soft food and a raised head are sensible and low risk.
- Antibiotics do not cure toothache, and aspirin should never be placed on the gum.
- Swelling, fever or trouble swallowing or breathing means same-day care or 999.
- If the pain suddenly stops, still get checked.
Medically reviewed by Dr Mudasir Ur Rehman, GDC No. 196599 — Robinhood Dental Practice , Hall Green, Birmingham.
Last updated: November 14, 2026
Sources
Pages opened and read for this guide:
- SDCEP: guidance on odontogenic pain
- SDCEP: analgesia for acute dental problems
- Bailey E et al., Cochrane review 2013: ibuprofen and/or paracetamol for pain relief after surgical removal of lower wisdom teeth
- College of General Dentistry and ACOM: antibiotics do not cure toothache
- Reddy MS et al., 2025: analgesic efficacy of phytotherapeutic agents in dental pain
- NHS: how to find an NHS dentist in an emergency
- Optum: how to stop tooth pain fast (for the “3-3-3 rule” wording only)
