What treatment helps relieve a toothache?

The initial treatment to relieve a toothache is to rinse the mouth, apply a cool compress and to take painkillers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If these initial measures don't work, it may be time to see a dentist.

The most important reasons to see a dentist are if the basic treatment doesn't work, if there is jaw pain with a "popping" sound or if there is a fever suggesting that an infection is present. If the dentist determines that there is an infection, he prescribes an antibiotic. If the jaw is "popping," he may advise a mouth guard to prevent tooth grinding.