What can I do about my toothache?

Sometimes, it seems like nothing can help with a painful bout of toothache, but there several remedies that can relieve inflammation and swelling, some that you’ll need to purchase from your local pharmacy and others that might already be in your cupboards at home. There are many techniques that can help you deal with the pain, but none of them will remove the source. Decay or damage that causes toothache will be on-going and requires medical attention as soon as possible, getting rid of the pain doesn’t mean the problem won’t come back.

What types of over-the-counter medication can help with toothache?

The good thing about pain relief tablets is that you can purchase them from your local pharmacy or corner shop, without the need for a prescription. There are different strengths available, but you won’t be able to purchase heavy-duty painkillers without first speaking to your GP, the good news is that moderate toothache can usually be alleviated with normal pain relief pills.

In relation to toothache, NSAID’s are the way to go, if you want to get rid of the pain and the inflammation. Non-Steroid-Anti-Inflammatories are a very specific category of painkillers that help with swelling as well as discomfort, the types you are will probably be most familiar with are Ibuprofen and Aspirin, they can be bought from virtually any supermarket, local shop or garage – even the odd post office, and don’t cost more than a few pounds for a packet. NSAID’s are especially useful if you start to feel dizzy or feverish from the pain, but you shouldn’t take them if there is any bleeding because they inhibit the clotting process.

What types of prescription medication can help with toothache?

If the pain gets too much, there are numerous prescription painkillers that you can get from your GP, they are usually more expensive and come with a strict dosage recommendation. You have to be careful when taking prescription medication of any kind, it’s possible that you could become addicted to them or overdose if you take too much. That scary thought aside, when used correctly and in the right amounts, prescription pain relief can be highly effective.

In general, toothache should always be referred to a dentist, but if you are suffering from post-surgery pain, your doctor might consider offering you something stronger than your average painkiller, such as Oxycodone or Vicodin. The dosage of strong medications like this varies, depending on the severity of the toothache, but don’t exceed the recommended dose. Percodan is a powerful combination of Aspirin and Oxycodone, studies have shown that it’s immensely effective with even the most stubborn of toothaches, and it is second only to Hydrocodone – which is the strongest medication available for this type of problem. Patients with infections are often prescribed Hydrocodone as part of their treatment, typically in smaller doses than other pain killers, due to its strength.

What home remedies can help with toothache?

For those who prefer a natural remedy, there are several home therapies that can help if you’re suffering from toothache. Again, they can’t cure the underlying problem, but they can make you more comfortable while you wait to see a dentist.

Clove oil – This is perhaps the most commonly used home remedy, and arguably one of the more effective. The strong cleansing properties found in cloves are good for dulling the pain, but also for fighting infection. Use a cotton bud to apply a small drop of oil onto the tooth in question, the natural pain killer Eugenol will start to numb the area and act as an antibacterial agent.

Tea bags – The humble tea bag has countless uses, and relieving pain associated with toothache is one of them. Wet the tea bag – it’s best to use a fresh one – and place it over the aching tooth, hold it in place for a few minutes by biting down gently. A frozen tea bag kept in the freezer is handy if you have toothache on a regular basis.

Salt water rinse – This works for mild pain, but can’t help a lot with severe toothache. Add salt to some warm – not hot – water, and swill it around your mouth, letting it settle in the affected area by tilting your head. Salt is good for fighting infection and can wash away any hidden food debris.

Ice packs – Ice is typically used to reduce swelling, if inflammation is causing the ache, this can help, but most of the time it doesn’t actually get rid of the pain, it just numbs the area so that you can’t feel anything at all. Applying ice directly to the source of the toothache can be quite uncomfortable, sending shooting pains through the nerves, but gently holding it on the outside of the mouth can relieve it to some extent.

Garlic or onion – Both vegetables are well known for their healing capabilities and are used in numerous natural products. Take a slice and gently chew it around where the pain stems from, the juices contain an antimicrobial drug called Allicin, which is used in medicine to fight infections and relieve pain.

Which type of painkiller is best?

There isn’t one straight answer to this question; it has to be related to your own circumstances and personal preferences. For instance, some people don’t like taking strong medication or pills that they aren’t familiar with, so they would be more likely to benefit from the array of natural remedies. It might be the case that you have tried one or the other in the past and felt they weren’t effective, so you should give a different type of pain relief a try. Very strong toothache that takes hold regularly might become immune to onion or cloves of garlic or you find yourself having to use more and more to get the same relief. In this case, you could try what the medical community has to offer, but recurring toothache isn’t going to go away on its own, you’ve obviously got a more serious problem that needs a professional opinion. Talk to a member of the team at the Pearl Dental Clinic, they will be able to help you with the underlying causes of your toothache, as well as giving you tips and advice on how to combat it in the future.