If you are experiencing severe toothache at home, there are a few steps that you can take to help ease the pain: Gargle with salt water rinse: This proven technique can help alleviate inflammation and soothe pain – plus provide added protection against bacterial growth. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swirl it in your mouth for 30 seconds. Apply cold compress outside of your cheek: A cold compress can help numb the area and reduce inflammation. Wrap an ice cube in a cloth or paper towel and hold it against your cheek for 15 minutes at a time, repeating as needed until the pain is relieved. Take over-the-counter pain relief medications: You may take an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, or aspirin. These pain relief medications can help reduce the discomfort of your toothache. Avoid chewy, hard, and sticky foods: Stay away from chewy, hard, and sticky foods to avoid aggravating the pain you feel. Soft and liquid foods are the recommended options when dealing with a toothache. Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash: Rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce the pain from severe toothache.