Rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water)
Floss gently around the painful tooth to remove trapped food
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek for 10–15 minutes, then repeat as needed
Use an over-the-counter pain reliever if you can take it safely (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
If you can tolerate it, use an OTC numbing gel/benzocaine on the painful area (follow label directions)
If the tooth is sensitive to hot/cold, avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks
Chew on the opposite side and avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
Keep your head elevated when lying down to reduce throbbing
If there’s a visible cavity or food stuck in a crack, cover gently with temporary dental filling material (if available)
If you have swelling, pus, fever, or trouble swallowing, seek urgent dental/medical care immediately
If pain is severe, lasts more than 24–48 hours, or you have bad breath, a bad taste, or a broken tooth, contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible