Tooth pain can drive you to distraction. You can make an appointment to see your dentist to try to deal with it, but that means that you are going to have to wait to see your dentist. They may not want to give you any medication until they can see you, because they want to see what the issue is first. That means that you need to come up with some ways to handle the pain on your own.

Your dentist may suggest some of the following things to help you deal with the tooth pain, as well.

Over-The-Counter Numbing Medicine

One thing to try is OTC numbing gels or liquids. You can find these in the same aisle as toothpaste and toothbrushes. You can just put the gel, ointment, or liquid on the affected area and it should help alleviate the pain for a while. You might want to use a cotton swab to apply the numbing agent because it can give you a more precise application than your finger can. Make sure to read the instructions on the label before you use it to make sure that you aren't using it too much. 

Warm Salt Water

You can also swish warm salt water through your mouth. This can help in several ways. One is that the warmth of the water can help soothe the pain. It will also knock any debris around the sore tooth away. Salt can also kill bacteria, so it can help kill any infection. Now, will the salt get rid of all the infection? No, you will still need to see the dentist, but it can assist in the process. 

Hot/Cold Compresses

Hot and cold compresses are both going to do the same thing, help numb the pain and get rid of the inflammation. You can alternate heat and cold, but you want to make sure that you have some time spacing out when you put the heat on and when you put the cold on, because it may cause you more pain to go immediately back and forth. Do be aware that if there is an infection in your mouth or around your tooth, a hot compress can pull the infection out toward the outside of your mouth. 

If you have a toothache, you want to get it dealt with as soon as possible. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist, but there are ways that you can help deal with the pain until you can get in and get medical help.