Guide
Toothache — relief until the dentist
Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-07-25 · How we create our content
The dentist is the one who treats the cause of toothache, but until your visit a few measures and over-the-counter products can temporarily ease the pain. Below we describe the commonly used ingredients and approaches; choose an ingredient to see available products and prices. Toothache rarely goes away on its own for long — book an appointment with a dentist, even if the pain temporarily settles.
This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
Temporary pain relief
For toothache, painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are used (ibuprofen also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which is often useful for dental pain). Follow the dose in the leaflet and do not combine several products with the same active ingredient. Topical gels with an anaesthetic (e.g. lidocaine, benzydamine) may give temporary relief.
Home measures
Rinsing with lukewarm salt water, careful oral hygiene and avoiding very hot, cold or sweet foods that worsen the pain all help. A cold compress on the outside of the cheek can ease swelling. Avoid placing tablets directly on the gum — this can irritate the lining.
What not to do
Do not delay the dental visit, even if the pain temporarily eases — the cause (decay, inflammation, abscess) remains. Do not place aspirin or other tablets directly on the tooth or gum. Painkillers mask the pain but do not treat it — they are a temporary measure until examination.
When to seek emergency help
Seek emergency dental or medical help for severe swelling of the face or jaw, difficulty swallowing or breathing, high fever with swelling (a possible spreading abscess), or severe, unrelenting pain. These signs may mean a serious infection needing prompt intervention.
Commonly used active ingredients
Pick an ingredient to see products and prices.
Related categories
Products with current prices
Lowest prices from online pharmacies in this guide's categories — cheapest first.
Загряващ пластир за облекчаване на менструални болки x 1 бр, Huainan Hall
HUAINAN HALL · 1 бр
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Охлаждащ гел пластир (при фебрилни състояния ) с действие до 8 часа x 1 бр., Huainan Hall
HUAINAN HALL · 1 бр.
БЕБЕЛАН / BEBELAN НАТУРАЛНА ВОДА ЗА БЕБЕТА 500МЛ
БЕБЕЛАН · 500МЛ
СПИРТ САЛИЦИЛОВ 1% 100 МЛ
СПИРТ · 100 МЛ
ГОЛИА АКТИВ / GOLIA ACTIVE БОНБОНИ ЕКСТРА СТРОНГ Х 24БР
PERFETTI · 24БР
КАМШИК СТРЪК 50ГР. БИЛЕК
BILEC HERBS & HERBAL · 50ГР.
Frequently asked questions
Which painkiller works best for toothache?
Paracetamol or ibuprofen are commonly used; ibuprofen also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which is often useful for dental pain. The choice depends on tolerance and accompanying conditions — ask a pharmacist, especially with stomach problems, pregnancy or when taking other medicines.
Does rinsing with salt water help?
Rinsing with lukewarm salt water can give temporary relief and keep the mouth clean, especially with gum inflammation. It is an additional measure, not a treatment. The cause of the toothache is established and treated by a dentist.
Can I put a painkiller tablet on the tooth?
No — placing aspirin or other tablets directly on the tooth or gum can irritate and injure the lining without relieving better. Painkillers work by being taken as per the leaflet. Topical gels with an anaesthetic are meant to be applied to the lining.
Will toothache go away on its own?
Sometimes the pain temporarily decreases, but the cause (e.g. decay or inflammation) usually remains and can worsen. So even if the pain subsides, it is important to see a dentist to treat the source rather than only masking the pain.
When is toothache an emergency?
Emergencies are severe swelling of the face or jaw, difficulty swallowing or breathing, high fever with swelling, or severe, unrelenting pain. These signs point to a serious infection (e.g. an abscess) and need prompt dental or medical help.