Toothache Relief Now: How To Stop Tooth Pain Fast In The UK

Tooth pain has a way of stopping everything. Whether it’s a dull throb that won’t quit or a sharp jolt when you sip something cold, it can make eating, sleeping and concentrating feel impossible—especially when it flares up at night or you can’t get straight to a dentist.

The good news: there are safe, proven steps you can take right now to calm a toothache fast—without risking further damage. This guide gives you quick, UK‑specific relief tactics you can do at home, plus clear advice on when to seek urgent help.

In the next few minutes, you’ll get a simple checklist: red flags that mean call NHS 111 or go to A&E, the right rinses and painkillers, what to avoid, night‑time tips for sleep, special considerations for children and pregnancy, and how to book a same‑day emergency appointment. Let’s start with safety.

Step 1. Check for red flags and know when to call NHS 111 or go to A&E

Before any home remedy, rule out anything serious. Some toothaches signal infection or airway risk and need urgent care, not DIY fixes. If you recognise any of the red flags below, act now rather than waiting.

• A&E/999 now: swelling making it hard to breathe, swallow or speak; swelling around the eye or into the neck.

• Urgent dentist/NHS 111 today: fever, cheek or jaw swelling, red swollen gums, or a foul taste/discharge (possible abscess).

• Urgent dentist/NHS 111 today: severe pain on biting, or pain lasting more than 48 hours/not eased by painkillers.

• If going to A&E: don’t drive—get a lift or call 999—and bring a list of your medicines.

If none of these apply, move on to the steps below to help stop tooth pain fast at home while you arrange dental care.

Step 2. Rinse gently with warm salt water

Start with a warm salt‑water rinse to help stop tooth pain fast. It’s gentle, quick and helps soothe irritated gums while flushing debris. Warm (not hot or cold) is kinder to sensitive teeth, and the salt can calm mild inflammation.

1. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.

2. Swish for 20–30 seconds, then spit. Do not swallow.

3. Repeat as needed during the day; not for children.

Step 3. Clean between teeth to remove anything trapped

Food caught between teeth can trigger sharp, localised toothache. After your warm salt‑water rinse, gently clean between teeth to dislodge debris. Use dental floss or an interdental brush with light pressure. If cleaning around the sore tooth worsens pain or causes bleeding, stop and avoid flossing that area; use a soft toothbrush instead. This simple step often eases pressure and helps stop tooth pain fast while you arrange dental care.

Step 4. Take the right painkillers for dental pain (UK guidance)

For many people, the quickest way to take the edge off dental pain is with over‑the‑counter painkillers. Used correctly, they can help you function while you arrange a dentist appointment and won’t mask important warning signs.

• Ibuprofen (if suitable): An anti‑inflammatory that often works well for toothache. Follow the label exactly and ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have medical conditions.

• Paracetamol: A good option if ibuprofen isn’t suitable. Stick to the stated dose and timing.

• Children: Use age‑appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen dosing. Do not give aspirin to under‑16s.

• Never place aspirin on the tooth or gums: It can burn gum tissue and make things worse.

• If pain isn’t easing within 48 hours, or you need maximum doses to cope: contact a dentist or NHS 111 for advice the same day.

These medicines ease symptoms, but the cause still needs dental treatment.

Step 5. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek

Cold numbs nerves and calms inflammation. For quick relief, hold a cold compress on the outside of your cheek over the sore area—especially useful after a knock or with mild swelling. Use short, gentle rounds rather than continuous icing while you arrange dental care.

• Wrap it: Ice or frozen peas in a clean cloth.

• Time it: 10–20 minutes on, 10–20 minutes off.

• Take care: Never on bare skin or the tooth; avoid heat with swelling.

Step 6. Try safe topical options (and when to avoid benzocaine)

For short bursts of relief, a mouth pain gel can gently numb sore gums and help stop tooth pain fast while you arrange dental treatment. Use sparingly, only on the gum next to the painful tooth, and follow the label. If you take other medicines or have conditions, ask a pharmacist first.

• Oral pain gels: Pharmacy gels can ease gum soreness. Use as directed; they don’t fix the cause.

• Benzocaine caution: Talk to a dentist/pharmacist before use. Do not use in children under 2, never exceed the dose, and store out of reach. Rarely, benzocaine has been linked to methemoglobinemia (reduced blood oxygen).

• Clove oil (eugenol): A tiny dab can temporarily numb; it can irritate and tastes strong. Not a substitute for dental care.

Step 7. Reduce triggers: food, drink, and habits that worsen toothache

Small changes can stop those sharp “zaps” and help you function while you arrange care. Focus on cutting irritants and easing pressure on the sore tooth to help stop tooth pain fast without making things worse.

• Choose soft foods: Yoghurt, eggs, soups; chew on the other side.

• Avoid sweet, very hot or very cold foods/drinks that spike sensitivity.

• Use a soft toothbrush and don’t floss the sore gap until seen.

• Don’t smoke: It can worsen dental problems and healing.

• Skip hard/crunchy foods that stress the tooth.

• Ease clenching/grinding: Relax your jaw; avoid gum chewing.

Step 8. Manage night-time toothache so you can sleep

Night-time toothache often feels worse when everything’s quiet. The goal is to soothe the area, avoid triggers, and use short, safe measures so you can rest while you arrange a dentist. The tips below can help stop tooth pain fast overnight without risking further harm.

• Rinse before bed: Warm salt‑water swish, then spit; don’t swallow. Not for children.

• Use the right painkillers: Ibuprofen (if suitable) or paracetamol as directed. No aspirin for under‑16s, and never place aspirin on gums.

• Cold compress cycles: 10–20 minutes on the cheek, then off; never on bare skin or the tooth.

• Avoid irritants this evening: Skip sweet, very hot or very cold drinks/foods; choose soft foods and chew the other side.

• Topical gel, sparingly: Pharmacy mouth pain gels can numb gums briefly. Be cautious with benzocaine; follow labels and keep from children.

• If pain is severe or worsening overnight: Contact NHS 111 for urgent dental advice.

Step 9. Special cases: children, pregnancy, and health conditions

Some situations need extra care. The quickest way to stop tooth pain fast still starts with gentle rinses, careful cleaning and cold compresses, but the choice of painkillers and gels can differ for children, pregnancy, and people with medical conditions or on other medicines.

• Children: Use age‑appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen dosing only. Never give aspirin to under‑16s. Skip salt‑water rinses for children, and avoid benzocaine in under‑2s. If pain lasts over 2 days, or there’s fever or swelling, arrange urgent dental care/NHS 111.

• Pregnancy:Speak to a pharmacist, dentist or midwife before taking any painkillers or mouth gels. Prioritise non‑drug measures (warm salt‑water swish, cold compress), and book a dental appointment rather than masking ongoing pain.

• Health conditions/medicines: If you take other medicines or have medical conditions, check with a pharmacist before using painkillers or topical gels—some products (for example, those containing benzocaine) or anti‑inflammatories may not be suitable for you.

Step 10. What not to do (common “hacks” that can harm your teeth and gums)

Some quick‑fix “hacks” can burn gums, worsen swelling or hide a serious infection. If you want to stop tooth pain fast without creating new problems, avoid the pitfalls below and stick to the safe steps already listed while you arrange a dentist.

• Don’t put aspirin or painkillers on gums — chemical burns.

• Don’t use heat on swelling — cold compress cycles are recommended.

• Don’t overuse benzocaine gels — avoid under‑2s, follow doses, ask a pharmacist.

• Don’t give aspirin to under‑16s — and children shouldn’t do salt‑water rinses.

• Don’t rely on clove oil or gels as a cure — they only numb briefly.

• Don’t ignore pain >48 hours or fever/swelling — seek urgent dental care.

Step 11. Arrange a same‑day dental appointment and what to expect

Once you’ve eased the pain, book urgent dental care—the quickest way to fix the cause and keep the pain from bouncing back. Call your own dentist first; if they’re closed, their answerphone usually explains how to get an emergency slot. If you don’t have a dentist or can’t be seen quickly, call NHS 111 (or use 111 online) for advice and local urgent options. You may need to pay for the appointment.

• On the day: A brief history, examination and often an X‑ray.

• Immediate relief: The dentist will aim to calm the tooth—this may include cleaning the area, placing a temporary dressing/filling, adjusting a bite, or draining if there’s a localised abscess.

• Medicines: Pain relief advice, and antibiotics only if there are signs of infection (for example, swelling or fever).

• Next steps: You’ll be booked for definitive treatment to resolve the underlying problem.

Step 12. Prevent the next toothache: simple habits that work

Once the pain settles, a few small routines will dramatically cut your risk of another flare-up. The NHS-backed basics below take minutes a day and are the most reliable way to avoid another late-night search for how to stop tooth pain fast.

• Brush twice a day for ~2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste to protect enamel.

• Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque and debris.

• Cut down on sugary foods and drinks — keep them to mealtimes only.

• Have regular dental check-ups so issues are caught early.

• Don’t smoke — it can make dental problems worse and slow healing.

Before you go

To recap: rule out red flags and seek urgent help if needed. For quick relief, use warm salt‑water rinses, gentle cleaning, the right painkillers, a cold compress and avoid triggers — but only a dentist fixes the cause. Near Luton? Book a same‑day emergency visit with Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics. We’ll get you comfortable, treat the cause and help prevent the next toothache.