First Aid for a toothache (until you get professional help)

• To reduce pain, take aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. (Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication that has salicylates to anyone under age 19, unless a doctor tells you to.) Hold an ice pack on the jaw.
  
  
• Never place a crushed aspirin on the tooth. Aspirin burns the gum and destroys tooth enamel.
  
  
• Do not drink very hot or cold liquids.
  
  
• Do not chew gum.
  
  
• Avoid sweets, soft drinks and hot and spicy foods. (These can irritate cavities and increase pain.) It may be best not to eat at all until your see your dentist.
  
  
• Gargle with warm salt water every hour.
  
  
• For a cavity, pack it with a piece of sterile cotton soaked in oil of cloves (available at drugstores).
  
  
• See a dentist even if the pain subsides.