Toothache and Dental Pain

A toothache is pain in or around a tooth, usually from a cavity, a cracked tooth, or an infection. Toothache relief starts with pain medicine and a dental visit. A tooth infection that causes facial swelling needs care the same day.

What Is It

Common causes include cavities, cracked or broken teeth, gum disease, an abscess at the root, and wisdom teeth coming in. Sinus infections can also cause upper tooth pain. An untreated tooth infection can spread to the face, jaw, and neck.

Symptoms

Throbbing or sharp tooth pain
Pain when chewing or biting
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Swelling of the gum or face
A bad taste or pus near the tooth
Fever or swollen glands with an infection

Not sure it’s your tooth? Pain in several upper teeth with face pressure may be a sinus infection. A tender lump under the jaw may be swollen lymph nodes from the infection.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines your mouth, face, and jaw. Pain relief helps, and antibiotics may be used when there are signs of infection. The tooth itself needs a dentist for repair.

At home:

Use over the counter pain relievers as directed
Rinse with warm salt water
Use a cold pack on the cheek for 15 minutes
Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods

Pain and infection usually improve within 2 to 3 days of treatment, but the tooth still needs a dentist.

When to Get Care for a Toothache

Watch at Home

Mild sensitivity to cold that passes quickly
Pain controlled with home medicine until a dental visit

Come to Urgent Care Today

Severe tooth pain that is not controlled at home
Swelling of the gum or face
Fever with tooth pain
A broken tooth after an injury
Pain after a dental procedure that is getting worse

Go to the Emergency Department

Swelling spreading to the eye, jaw, or neck
Trouble swallowing, breathing, or opening the mouth
High fever with a swollen face
A tooth knocked out with heavy bleeding or a jaw injury

FAQ

What helps a toothache fast?

Over the counter pain relievers, warm salt water rinses, and a cold pack on the cheek help a toothache fast while you arrange a dental visit.

How do I know if my tooth is infected?

An infected tooth often causes throbbing pain, swelling of the gum or face, a bad taste, pus, or fever.

Can a tooth infection spread?

Yes, a tooth infection can spread to the face, jaw, neck, and rarely the bloodstream. Facial swelling needs care the same day.

Can urgent care help with a toothache?

Yes, urgent care can help with a toothache. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the tooth and check for infection. A dentist does the repair.

Can urgent care pull a tooth?

No, urgent care does not pull or fill teeth. A provider can examine the tooth and check for infection, but a dentist does the repair.

When is a toothache an emergency?

A toothache is an emergency when swelling spreads to the eye, jaw, or neck, or you have trouble swallowing, breathing, or opening your mouth.

Last reviewed October 2026