Toothache
Oral and dental pain
What it is
A toothache is pain in one or more teeth, the gums, or the mouth. It can be caused by a cavity, an infection, or an injury. A toothache can make it hard to eat or sleep.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Eat soft foods, such as purées, fruit compote, yogurt, pudding, or shredded or ground meat.
- Serve lukewarm or cold food, if needed.
- Gently brush the teeth with a soft toothbrush after every meal or snack.
- Floss once a day.
- To reduce pain, take ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
Apply a cold compress to the cheek
- Cold helps reduce pain.
- Apply cold for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Use a cold compress, such as, an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables, or a cold gel pack.
- Always place a cloth between the skin and the cold source to protect the skin.
Avoid
- Avoid smoking
When to seek medical attention
Toothache accompanied by a fever
Pain that lasts more than 2 days or becomes very severe
Toothache with a headache or earache
Pus (yellow fluid) coming out of the gums
Gums that bleed often
A red or white patch in the mouth that is painful, swollen, or bleeds easily
Besoin d’aide?
See your dentist.
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Unable to open or close the mouth
Jaw pain, headache, and difficulty seeing clearly
Pain in the jaw and neck, chest, shoulder, or arm
Toothache with fever and swelling (edema) of the cheek, or of the base of the nose and an eyelid
Fever in people at higher risk:
- weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
- pregnancy
- babies younger than 3 months of age
Pain that continues or gets worse, even after following this advice