My dentist says SOFT bristles on the toothbrush - that's what to use.

Here's some temporary toothache fixes I found in a new book I got, maybe they'll help:

1. Put a couple of drops of oil of clove onto a cotton boll, put it over the sore tooth, and bite down. Keep it there for several minutes.

2. Then take 6 oz water (warm), 1/4 tsp salt, and several drops of vanilla extract - swish in your mouth for a full 30 seconds (use your watch) and then spit out.

Both the cloves and vanilla extract help kill bacteria and numb pain.

This is just temporary til you get to your dentist. It could be a hairline crack, an abcess, anything.

If the receding gumline is the cause, you may want to use Sensodyne toothpaste for a while.

Good luck!