I have a severe toothache — what should I do right now at home and when should I see a dentist?
Few things are as unbearable as a sudden toothache. It can strike at night, during work, or right before an important event — leaving you anxious, frustrated, and desperate for relief. At The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Khar West, Mumbai, we often meet patients who have tried to “wait out” the pain, only to find it getting worse. The truth is, tooth pain is your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention.
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
- What you can safely do at home for temporary relief.
- When toothache is an emergency.
- How our team of specialists, led by Dr. Mohit Bodhwani, can help you get lasting, pain-free solutions.
Why does tooth pain happen?
Toothaches can have many causes, ranging from minor sensitivity to serious infection. Some common reasons include:
- Cavities reaching the inner layers of the tooth.
- Gum infections or abscesses.
- Cracked or fractured teeth.
- Wisdom teeth eruptions.
- Sinus issues that radiate pain to the jaw.
Endodontists like Dr. Mohit Bodhwani, who specializes in saving teeth through root canal treatments, often see patients whose toothache is linked to an infected nerve.
What you can do right now at home
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, here are a few steps to get temporary relief until you can visit us:
- Rinse with warm salt water: This helps reduce inflammation and flush out food particles.
- Cold compress: Apply an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and numb the area.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease discomfort. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth — it can burn your gums.
- Keep your head elevated: Lying flat can increase blood flow to your head and worsen pain at night.
These are short-term measures. They won’t cure the underlying problem, but can help you manage until you get professional care.
When should you see a dentist immediately?
Tooth pain can sometimes indicate a dental emergency. Please call us right away at The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Khar West if you notice:
- Pain that doesn’t go away with medication.
- Swelling in your face or jaw.
- Fever or general fatigue.
- Pus discharge or a bad taste in your mouth.
- Pain after dental trauma (such as a fall or accident).
Delaying treatment can lead to the infection spreading, which not only increases pain but can also affect your overall health.
How we can help you at The Smile Makers Dental Clinic
At our clinic in Khar West, we understand how frightening and disruptive a toothache can be. That’s why we prioritize patients in pain with same-day emergency appointments.
- If your toothache is caused by infection, Dr. Mohit Bodhwani, our principal dentist and expert endodontist, can perform a gentle, advanced root canal treatment to save your tooth.
- If your pain is linked to misaligned teeth or bite issues, Dr. Shaili Shah Bodhwani, our orthodontist, will guide you on corrective solutions to prevent further stress on your teeth.
- For cases where the tooth needs a crown or replacement, Dr. Manoj Bodhwani, our prosthodontist, ensures that your smile is restored naturally and comfortably.
What makes us different
We believe in not just treating the pain but addressing the root cause with precision and empathy. Many patients tell us they were scared of dental visits until they came to us — where we use modern technology, pain-minimizing techniques, and a comforting environment.
Our goal at The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Khar West, Mumbai is simple: to get you out of pain quickly, restore your confidence, and help you enjoy life without the fear of a toothache coming back.
Final thoughts
If you’re dealing with a severe toothache, remember — you don’t have to suffer in silence or rely only on painkillers. These remedies are only temporary. The sooner you visit us at The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, the faster we can help you get lasting relief.
Call us today and let Dr. Mohit Bodhwani and our team of specialists bring back your smile, free of pain.
