Treatment of dental pain depends on the cause of the pain. In most cases, a specific type of dental treatment may be necessary. The dentist may perform these procedures, or the patient may be referred to a dental specialist (e.g., endodontist, periodontist). These treatments may include:

• Fillings, crowns. These are generally used to treat small and large cavities, respectively. Crowns may also be used for smaller tooth fractures.
  
  
• Root canal, tooth extraction. These are typical treatments for a tooth infection (abscess). Tooth extraction may also be necessary in advanced cases of gum disease, where there has been significant bone loss, or for tooth fractures. Surgical extraction is required in cases of pain caused by impacted teeth. In some cases, complications that develop after tooth extraction cause pain, such as dry socket.
  
  
• Cleaning. This is generally used to treat various stages of gum disease. It may include dental hygiene, the removal of plaque in a dentist’s office (dental cleaning), scaling and root planing. The type of cleaning depends on the level and extent of gum disease.
  
  
• Subgingival curettage (gingival flap surgery). This surgical procedure may be performed in cases of advanced gum disease.
  
  
• Fluoride. Topical fluoride treatments performed by a dental hygienist along with fluoride toothpaste may be recommended in cases of pain due to tooth sensitivity. Fluoride helps to make teeth stronger and less sensitive to the oral environment.
  
  
• Medication. Oral anti-inflammatory medications may be used to treat TMJ disorder. Antibiotics are used in cases of infection. Pain-relieving medications (analgesics) may be prescribed by the dentist for some patients.
  
  
• Braces, splints. May be used in cases of pain caused by TMJ disorder. This helps maintain proper positioning of the upper and lower jaw.

At-home remedies that may help reduce dental pain while patients are waiting to see a dentist include:

• Brushing and flossing. This can remove food particles that may be trapped between the teeth.
  
  
• Over-the-counter pain medication. This may offer temporary pain relief. Aspirin should never be placed directly on the teeth or gums because it can severely burn gum tissue. Aspirin should also never be given to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with the use of aspirin in children and teens.
  
  
• Saltwater mouth rinses. Place one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. This solution can be swished in the mouth for about a minute, and then spit out.
  
  
• Over-the-counter antiseptic with benzocaine. These products may be applied to the affected area to temporarily numb it and relieve pain.
  
  
• Oil of cloves (eugenol). May be topically applied to a sore tooth. It should not be applied to the gums, which it may burn. Application should be made by a cotton swab dipped in a tiny amount of the oil. Too much oil in the mouth may be poisonous. Clove oil has been a traditional remedy for toothaches, but there is insufficient clinical evidence to support its use. As a supplement, it is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and patients should be cautious with its use.
  
  
• Head elevation. Elevate the head when lying down. Blood travels more easily to the head when lying down, which can worsen pain. Keeping the head elevated may help lessen dental pain.
  
  
• Reduced chewing. Eat soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing. This may alleviate dental pain caused by sore muscles. It may also help other types of dental pain by avoiding further aggravation to the affected area.
  
  
• Cold compress. A cold compress or ice pack may help facial swelling.
  
  
• Warm, moist compress. This may help pain associated with TMJ muscle strain.