How to Relieve a Toothache at Home Before Seeing a Dentist
Home care for tooth pain until your dental appointment
A toothache can be one of the most painful experiences, often striking at the worst possible time—like on a Sunday when most dental clinics are closed. While it’s always best to see a dentist open on Sunday in Brisbane, you may need a way to manage the pain until then.
At Barrett Street Dental, we provide same-day emergency dental services on Sundays. However, if you can’t visit us immediately, these home measures may help you manage the pain.
Barrett Street Dental · Bracken Ridge
Toothache that keeps you up needs a dentist
We keep appointment time each day, including Sunday mornings, for dental emergencies at our Bracken Ridge clinic. Call as early as you can and tell reception you have swelling.
Open Mon–Fri 8am–5pm and Sunday 8am–1pm
If the swelling is spreading towards your eye or down your neck, or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 000.
WORKING HOURS
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Monday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Tuesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Saturday Closed
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Sunday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
1. Rinse with Warm Saltwater
A simple saltwater rinse may help reduce irritation and keep the area clean.
✅ How to do it:- Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.
- Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
- Repeat every few hours.
2. Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress can numb the area and reduce swelling. This is especially helpful if your toothache is due to trauma or gum inflammation.
✅ How to do it:- Wrap an ice pack in a cloth and apply it to your cheek (outside of the painful area) for 15-20 minutes.
- Repeat every few hours to keep swelling down.
3. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If the pain becomes unbearable, consider over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable for you).
✅ How to do it:- Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the medication.
- Do NOT place aspirin directly on the tooth—it can cause burns to your gums!
4. Avoid Extremely Hot, Cold, or Sugary Foods
Until you see a dentist, avoid foods that trigger pain or worsen sensitivity.
❌ Avoid:- Ice cream, hot soups, and extremely cold drinks.
- Sugary foods like chocolate, lollies, or soda that can worsen cavities.
✅ Eat:
- Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or lukewarm soup to prevent irritation.
5. Keep Your Head Elevated While Sleeping
Did you know that lying flat can make a toothache worse? Keeping your head raised may reduce pressure in the area and ease throbbing.
✅ How to do it:
- Use two pillows to keep your head slightly raised.
- Avoid sleeping on the side with the toothache.
When to See a Dentist?
Home measures do not treat the cause. If you experience:
✔ Severe pain lasting more than 24 hours
✔ Swelling in your face or gums
✔ Fever or difficulty swallowing
✔ A broken, loose, or knocked-out tooth
Call Barrett Street Dental on 07 3269 2300 or read what counts as a dental emergency.
Open Sundays in Bracken Ridge
Barrett Street Dental is open every Sunday from 8am to 1pm for toothache, broken teeth and other dental emergencies. There is no weekend surcharge, and health fund claims are processed on the spot through HICAPS. The clinic is at Shop 4/162 Barrett Street, Bracken Ridge, and sees patients from Sandgate, Redcliffe, Chermside and across North Brisbane.
Seen a dentist yet? Barrett Street Dental keeps time each day, including Sundays, for emergency appointments in Bracken Ridge.