Tooth Pain Home Remedies – What to Do When You Can’t See a Dentist

Dr.Prabigya Shiwakoti  |  October 24, 2025  |  5 min read

Why do I have sudden tooth pain?

Tooth pain isn’t always straightforward. While it can be caused by something as simple as a piece of food stuck between teeth, it may also be a sign of an underlying issue that needs professional care. Understanding the type of pain you’re feeling can help you manage it safely until you can see your dentist.

The most common causes we see at Dock Dental include:

Tooth decay (cavities)

One of the most frequent causes of tooth pain is decay — when bacteria eat away at the enamel and reach the sensitive inner layer called dentine.

You might notice:

• Sensitivity to sweet, cold, or hot foods
• Pain that comes and goes
• Small visible holes or dark spots on your tooth

Gum disease

If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed when brushing, it could be gum disease. Inflammation and infection of the gums cause dull, aching pain. Mild gum inflammation (gingivitis) causes tenderness around the gums, while advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can make teeth feel loose or achy — especially when biting down. You may not feel pain initially but notice soreness over time.

Cracked or fractured tooth

Cracks in the enamel can develop from biting hard foods, accidents, or grinding your teeth. Typical signs include:

• Sharp pain when biting down
• Sensitivity to temperature changes

Dental abscess

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection inside the tooth or gum, causing constant throbbing and facial swelling. This is one of the most painful dental conditions and often causes:

• Severe, throbbing pain that spreads to the jaw, ear, or neck
• Swelling in the face or cheek
• Fever or a bad taste in your mouth

Tooth sensitivity

If your teeth hurt when you drink cold water or eat ice cream, you might have dentine hypersensitivity. It happens when enamel wears away or gums recede, exposing the underlying dentine layer.

The pain is usually:

• Sharp but short-lived
• Triggered by cold, heat, or sweet foods

Erupting or Impacted Wisdom Teeth

In late teens or early adulthood, wisdom teeth can push through at odd angles or become trapped under the gum.

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty in opening your mouth
• Sore gums at the back of the mouth
• Pain radiating to nearby teeth
• Swelling on your cheek

Tooth Pain or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference

Sometimes, a “toothache” isn’t dental at all. Just the other day, we had one patient from Abbotsford call us thinking they have a toothache. However, we found out that it was not due to teeth at all. At times, what feels like dental pain can actually stem from other areas, such as:

Sinus pressure

When your sinuses are blocked or inflamed (especially during a cold or allergy season), pressure can build up and make your upper back teeth ache. If you’re feeling congested and the pain affects several teeth rather than just one, it might be sinus-related tooth pain.

Teeth Grinding

If your jaw or several teeth feel sore when you wake up, your pain might due to you grinding or clenching your teeth at night — it could be from jaw muscle tension, not your teeth.

Typical signs include:

• Pain in multiple teeth rather than one
• Jaw clicking or popping
• Tenderness near temples or ears
• Morning headaches

Ear or Nerve Pain

Sometimes the pain originates from the ear or a nerve condition. Nerve-related pain often feels sharp or electric and may move from one area to another.

Types of Tooth Pain and What They Mean

If you’ve ever searched “Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down?” or “tooth pain that comes and goes”, you’re not alone — these are frequent concerns among our patients from Five Dock and nearby suburbs.

Recognising the type of pain helps narrow down the cause:

• Sharp or stabbing pain: Often due to decay or a cracked tooth.
• Throbbing pain: Common in infections or abscesses.
• Dull ache: May come from grinding, gum issues or jaw tension.
• Pain when biting down: Usually caused by a cracked tooth or deep cavity.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold: Linked to enamel wear, cavity or gum recession.

What to Do for Tooth Pain Relief at Home

If you can’t see a dentist immediately, here are safe ways to ease tooth pain:

1. Rinse with warm salt water: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water to reduce inflammation and clear debris.
2. Take over-the-counter pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage pain — always follow label directions and check with your pharmacist if unsure.
3. Apply a cold compress: Hold against the outside of your cheek for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling.
4. Keep the area clean: Gently brush and floss to remove trapped food particles.
5. Avoid triggers: Stay away from very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks.

If your pain seems to come from jaw tension or clenching, here’s how to manage it:

1. Apply warmth: A warm compress on the jaw helps relax tight muscles.
2. Soft foods: Stick to easy-to-chew meals for a few days.
3. Massage the area: Gently rub along your jawline in small circles.
4. Relax your bite: Keep lips together, teeth slightly apart, and tongue resting on the palate.
5. Pain relief medication: Anti-inflammatories can help reduce muscle tension.
6. Reduce stress: Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or stretching before bed.
7. Night guard: If your dentist has given you a night guard to wear during your sleep, wearing it regularly will help ease the stressed muscles

These steps can help ease pain temporarily, but lasting relief usually comes from professional assessment and care. It is necessary to visit a dentist whenever you have a tooth pain to avoid complications in future.

When to Seek Urgent Dental or Medical Care

Even if you can’t get an appointment right away, do not ignore tooth pain. You should contact the dentist urgently if you experience:

• Severe or throbbing pain for more than two days
• Facial or jaw swelling
• Fever, fatigue or trouble swallowing
• Pain spreading to your ear or neck
• A pimple-like bump on your gum

We offer prompt appointments for emergency tooth pain in Five Dock, Abbotsford, Concord, and surrounding areas so you can get the right care quickly. You can book it online or call us at 02 7253 0333.

Preventing Future Tooth and Jaw Pain

Keeping your smile healthy is the best long-term pain relief. Here’s what we recommend to all our patients:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once a day
• Eat less sugar and avoid frequent snacking
• Get regular dental check-ups and cleans every 6 months
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
• Manage stress and practice jaw relaxation exercises

Tooth pain is your body’s way of saying something needs attention. While home remedies can help manage discomfort temporarily, they don’t treat the underlying cause. Seeing a dentist as soon as possible is the best way to prevent further pain or infection — and keep your smile healthy for the long run.

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