As Australia’s local Dentist, Pacific Smiles Dental has over 110 centres to allow convenient access to the dental services you need.
Published on November 12, 2025.
Last reviewed on November 18, 2025
by Dr Ren Sun.
To be blunt, the answer is no! Okay, that’s sorted, thanks for reading.
We shouldn’t make light of severe tooth pain. It is serious and usually occurs when it is least expected or wanted. Here are some suggestions for pain relief until you can get professional treatment from a dentist.
You can mask tooth and gum pain at home or work, but true tooth pain relief can only be obtained from seeing your dentist for expert diagnosis and treatment.
From the outset it should be noted that Pacific Smiles Dental centres offer emergency appointments, many centres are open Saturdays and Sundays and some also have extended hours on selected evenings.
Tooth pain and discomfort can come on at any time, many instances it is in the middle of the night, leaving you wondering what home remedies you can try to ease the pain while you’re waiting for your appointment to see the dentist.
If you haven’t booked an appointment, please do so as soon as conveniently possible.
Best ways to treat Tooth pain?
The following tips are all general advice for home remedies and will only mask symptoms and are temporary measures for pain relief. Tooth pain indicates an underlying issue that needs professional treatment.
1. Tips to reduce tooth pain at home?
Over-the-counter pain relief – Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and is highly effective for tooth pain. Follow directions from your pharmacist.
Saltwater rinse – Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt in warm water and gently gargle and swish with your mouth closed.
Cold compress – Apply a tea-towel wrapped ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes at a time to numb pain and reduce swelling.
Other top tips include:
- If lying down keep your head elevated to reduce blood flow to the affected area
- Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks
- After eating rinse mouth with warm water
- Avoid hard foods and chewing on the affected side
2. How long does wisdom tooth pain last?
Wisdom tooth pain duration and severity will depend on many variable factors. If your wisdom tooth is ‘coming through’ normally, it’s typical that you’ll feel uncomfortable for anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks while it pushes through your gum.
However, if your wisdom tooth is stuck or facing the wrong direction (impacted), infected, or crowding your other teeth, the pain can last much longer if you don’t get it treated. You might have painful flare-ups that come and go for months. And if there’s an infection, the pain can be intense and constant until a dentist takes care of it.
Your dentist may detect an impacted wisdom tooth during a routine X-ray and can advise on how to prevent complications during your regular check-ups, especially as you reach the age when wisdom teeth typically emerge. Removing wisdom teeth is a straightforward procedure, and it’s best done before any issues develop. If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain, book an appointment at Pacific Smiles Dental to explore the best treatment options.
3. Relief for pain after having a tooth out?
After having a tooth extracted, your Pacific Smiles dentist will give you a rundown on your individual post-treatment care.
This could include pain management using prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications which should only be taken as directed.
You could also gently apply a wrapped ice pack to the outside of your face for 10-minute intervals during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
To give your body the best chance of healing quickly, you should avoid hot foods, smoking, vaping and using straws which can dislodge the blood clot. Reach out to your Pacific Smiles dentist if pain worsens or extends past a few days.
4. I have tooth pain when biting and chewing?
Sudden or throbbing tooth pain when biting or chewing is not normal and usually means something’s going on with the tooth structure or surrounding area. It could be a cavity, a cracked tooth, or even gum inflammation putting pressure on the tooth. Sometimes it’s from grinding your teeth at night too.
Get the help you need for pain with Pacific Smiles Dental
Tooth pain rarely gets better on its own and can worsen quickly. Remember that these tips are only intended to be temporary measures – it’s important to firstly make and secondly keep your dental appointment, since the underlying problem will need professional treatment.
To assist in managing tooth and gum pain and all oral health issues make an appointment with a Pacific Smiles Dental centre today.
We also understand that patients who are genuinely in pain at times need priority attention.
That’s why at Pacific Smiles Dental most of the dentists are available six days a week, with some of our centres open Sundays, evenings and public holidays.
Making it easier for patients requiring pain relief or emergency dental treatment to get an appointment when they need one. Use our emergency appointment finder the next time you have severe tooth pain and need to see a dentist quickly.
