What is the best way to soothe a horrible toothache when you can't get to the dentist right away?

Temporary relief: Try any of the over the counter pain medicines particularly Motrin or aleve (naproxen). Ultimately, you will need to see a dentist to get to the cause and solution of the tooth pain.

OCT Pain Meds: Otc pain medications, like ibuprofen, work quite well. If you are in very severe pain then you should go to the emergency room.

Advil and tylenol (acetaminophen): Sounds like an infected tooth. Make sure you see a dentist soon, to get that infection treated. Until you can get it, try alternating 200mg Ibuprofen with 2 extra strength tylenol (acetaminophen) every 3-4 hours.

Need Dentist: Motrin/ibuprofen/advil taken exactly as specified on package, and intermittent cold compresses, may take the edge off. Nothing otc or diy will eliminate the infection that is the cause of the pain. Left untreated, it will only spread. So get to your dentist quickly for treatment and relief.