What to do in the first hour after sudden tooth pain starts
Rinse gently with warm water, avoid very hot or very cold foods, and do not place aspirin directly on the gums. If swelling is visible, use a cold compress on the outside of the face. A broken filling, cracked tooth, or pain that wakes you up at night should move you higher on the urgency scale.
- Call a dentist right away if pain is intense or worsening fast
- Swelling, fever, or trouble biting down should not be ignored
- Trauma, bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth needs immediate attention


