Is Heat or Ice Better for a Toothache?

Toothaches can stop you in your tracks. Whether it is a sharp jab or a deep throb, the pain demands answers, and fast. 

One of the most common questions people ask is: “Is heat or ice better for a toothache?” The short answer: It depends on what is causing your pain.

In this blog, you will learn when to use heat, when to use ice, and how to manage a toothache until you can see a dentist.

We provide comprehensive dental care for kids and adults at our locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden and Thornton.

When to Use Ice for a Toothache

Ice works best for swelling or sharp pain. 

If your cheek is puffy, your gums look inflamed, or the pain feels intense and sudden, ice is the better choice.

Here is why:

• Reduces inflammation: Ice shrinks blood vessels, helping lower swelling and numbing the area.
• Slows nerve signals: Cold dulls sharp pain signals traveling to your brain.
• Best for dental injuries or infections: If you experienced trauma to the mouth or suspect a dental abscess or bacterial infection, apply an ice pack or cold pack gently to the outside of your cheek.

How to use it:

• Wrap an ice cube in a towel or use a cold gel pack
• Apply it to the cheek near the painful area
• Use for 15–20 minutes at a time, then take a break

Avoid putting ice directly on your teeth or gums. Cold temperatures can worsen pain in sensitive teeth or areas with exposed tooth pulp.

When to Use Heat for a Toothache

Heat works best for jaw pain, muscle tension, or chronic pain. 

If your pain feels dull or is focused in the jaw area (like from grinding or clenching), heat therapy can help.

Why it works:

• Increases blood flow: Heat boosts blood circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to ease sore muscles.
• Relaxes tension: This is useful for pain tied to TMJ, muscle spasms, or nighttime grinding.
• Soothes deep aches: Heat can calm chronic, dull pain, especially when linked to muscle tension.

How to use it:

• Use a hot compress, heat pack, or warm towel
• Apply to the outside of your jaw or cheek
• Limit use to 15–20 minutes per session

Never use heat if there is swelling. It can increase the buildup of fluid and make inflammation worse.

Can You Use Both?

You can alternate heat and ice if you are dealing with both swelling and muscle tightness. Start with an ice pack or cold compress to calm swelling, then switch to a heat pack after 24–48 hours to relax your jaw.

Natural Remedies for Temporary Relief

These at-home remedies may provide some short-term relief, but persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated by your dentist.

• Warm salt water rinse: Helps remove food particles and bacteria, reducing irritation.
• Clove oil: A natural remedy with numbing properties and antibacterial properties. Apply using a cotton ball.
• Hydrogen peroxide rinse: Has antiseptic properties that can help with gum irritation or infection. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, swish gently for 30 seconds, then spit it out—don’t swallow.
• Cold water or cold foods: May offer brief numbing relief for some types of oral pain, but avoid them if cold worsens your symptoms.

What to avoid

• Do not sleep with ice or heat applied, it can damage your skin.
• Do not use extreme temperatures, stick to warm and cold, not hot or freezing.
• Do not ignore the pain. If your toothache lasts more than a couple of days, seek professional care.

When to See a Dentist

If your toothache…

• lasts longer than 48 hours
• is getting worse
• is associated with fever, swelling, or a bad taste
• is triggered by hot or cold foods
• is keeping you awake at night

…then you need more than home remedies! Book an appointment to see your dentist and let them know how long you have been experiencing symptoms. 

How We Treat Toothaches

At Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics, we focus on finding the source of your toothache. Whether it’s a cavity, infection, cracked tooth, or gum issue, we will get to the root of the problem and provide treatment that brings lasting relief.

We offer same-day emergency exams, restorative treatments like fillings or root canals, and extractions when necessary. You will also get clear guidance on how to manage discomfort until your treatment is complete.

Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: Your Partners in Oral Health

Tooth pain is your body’s way of saying something’s wrong. Let’s take care of it quickly, comfortably, and with a plan that works for you. Call one of our locations to get started.

We accept Medicaid at all of our locations! Book an appointment at one of our four locations:

📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295

📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133

📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878

📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694