Home Treatment

You can take steps at home to relieve pain and swelling in your face and jaw caused by tooth decay.

• Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek. Do not use heat.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include:
  • Aspirin. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome.
  • Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.
  • Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin.
  • Naproxen, such as Aleve or Naprosyn.

Medications

Your dentist may prescribe chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex, Periogard), a prescription mouthwash, to reduce the bacteria that cause tooth decay. He or she may also recommend or prescribe other types of fluoride treatment, such as fluoride mouthwash, toothpaste, or supplements.

Over-the-counter medicine can also relieve pain and swelling in your face and jaw caused by tooth decay. These include acetaminophen, such as Tylenol; ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin; and aspirin. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome.