While you're waiting to see a dentist, painkillers can help control your pain. Ibuprofen is the preferred painkiller for dental abscesses, but if you're unable to take it for medical reasons, you can take paracetamol instead. It may also help to: 1- Avoid hot or cold food and drink if it makes the pain worse 2- Try eating cool, soft foods if possible, using the opposite side of your mouth. 3- Use a soft toothbrush and temporarily avoid flossing around the affected tooth These measures can help relieve your symptoms temporarily, but you should not use them to delay getting help from a dentist.