Flush the inside of your mouth with warm water. To reduce swelling, place a cold pack on the outside of your mouth. Anti-inflammatory medicines and over-the-counter pain relievers can also help. Make sure you take the medication as directed. Clove oil is another alternative for pain alleviation. It contains the chemical eugenol, a numbing agent that has anti-inflammatory properties. Also, until you can get dental treatment, avoid biting down on the tooth. Biting down on the tooth will only make the situation worse. Learn more in our blog article, "Handling a Dental Emergency: Chipped Tooth."