Dental care · 5 min read
That toothache is trying to tell you something
Painkillers may quiet the tooth for a while, but pain, fever, swelling or a bad taste can mean the cause needs dental treatment.
See a dental professional when toothache lasts more than two days, is severe or comes with fever, pain on biting, red gums, a bad taste or swelling. Difficulty breathing or swallowing with mouth or neck swelling is an emergency.
A tooth can be quiet for months, then ruin a whole night
Toothache may come from decay, a cracked tooth, gum disease, an abscess or a wisdom tooth problem. The pain can throb, hurt when you bite or shoot through the jaw. A bad taste, fever or swelling can point to infection. The only way to know the cause is a dental examination.
Make yourself comfortable while you arrange care
Use a soft toothbrush, eat softer foods and avoid very hot, cold or sugary items around the painful tooth. A pharmacy professional can advise on suitable pain relief. Do not place aspirin, battery acid, crushed tablets or unknown substances directly on the gum—they can burn the tissue without fixing the tooth.
Antibiotics are not a permanent repair
Some dental infections need antibiotics, but many toothaches need a filling, drainage, extraction or another dental treatment. Taking antibiotics without treating the source often means the pain returns. A Penda dental professional can explain the options and the next step.
Swelling can become urgent
Go urgently if swelling reaches the eye or neck, breathing or swallowing is difficult, there is uncontrolled bleeding or a facial injury is severe. Fever with facial swelling also needs prompt assessment.
Health information sources
These sources support the general information on this page.
Updated 27 July 2026. Penda adapts public-health guidance for a Kenyan patient audience; this page does not replace a personal consultation.