Ibuprofen or Ketoprofen Many consider this to be the best over the counter painkillers for dental pain. This is another NSAID that is generally well tolerated, only producing some gastro-intestinal upset a few patients.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
“Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin or naproxen work well with dental pain because they reduce inflammation,” says Huang. Recent data has shown the combination of Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) is as effective as prescription opioids for tooth pain.
In general, non-NSAIDs and even opioids aren't very effective for toothache pain. If over-the-counter painkillers are not working for your toothache, call your dentist right away. You may need another medication, such as an antibiotic, in preparation for having the tooth pain fixed.
Paracetamol is a good painkiller but is less effective at reducing swelling, and therefore will provide less pain relief if you have a toothache. It can, however, be effectively used in conjunction with either Ibuprofen or Aspirin.
There is really no way to tell how long a toothache will last. If it is simply the result of biting or brushing too hard, it may subside immediately or shortly after. If it is caused by something more serious, the pain may come and go, but never really go away completely.
Toothache Causes
The pulp contains nerve endings that are very sensitive to pain. Inflammation of the pulp, or pulpitis, may be caused by dental cavities, trauma, and infection. Referred pain from the jaw may cause you to have symptoms of a toothache.
The most powerful pain relievers are opioids. They are very effective, but they can sometimes have serious side effects. There is also a risk of addiction. Because of the risks, you must use them only under a doctor's supervision.
Extreme or debilitating pain can be caused by a number of different problems, from trauma to the tooth because of an accident to a tooth shattering and exposing the pulp layer and nerves. If you also experience painful pressure or notice facial swelling, chances are high that you have also developed an abscess.
The most notable symptoms of a severe toothache that suggest the concern is a dental emergency are severe tooth (and gum pain), prolonged pain that does not improve, tooth sensitivity, gum swelling, and general symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph nodes.
A severe toothache can be a harrowing experience and is in many ways unique from your body's other aches and pains. The intensity of tooth pain can be extraordinary, with severity rivaling true neuralgia – intense neurological pain of almost unparalleled proportions.
The tooth hurts a lot for 3-4 days, then this pain slowly subsides. This is the phase when the nerve of the tooth dies. You no longer notice the tooth after 3-4 days of the pain sensation because the nerve has now died.
On average, a tooth nerve pain can last from as little as just a few days to as long as 4-6weeks or, in some instances, even longer. Considering the numbness ad sharp pain that may occur with a tooth nerve, you have to do what you can to get rid of the pain as soon as possible.
Tooth Sensitivity or Pain – As the nerves that lead to a dying tooth begin to die away, they may become extra sensitive, causing you a tooth ache or sensitivity to hot or cold foods. You may experience pain while chewing at or around the site of the dead tooth.
The nerve inside the tooth becomes irritated, and it sends massive pain signals to the brain. An extraction handles the problem by removing the tooth, including the infected tissue and the nerve that was responsible for the pain.
Applying ice to the area of the painful tooth can help to numb the pain. You can try different versions of this technique. Wrap some ice in a towel and apply it to the affected area. Keep the compress in place for 15 minutes at a time.
Unfortunately, it also means that irritating tooth nerves causes pain. High and low temperatures and acidic and sugary foods irritate the nerves in your teeth. Allow hot food to cool before eating and avoid ice cream, ice cubes and other very cold or chilled foods.
More severe toothaches result from cavities, infection or other dental conditions that won't get better on their own. If you have a severe toothache, you'll need professional dental treatment. Unbearable tooth pain along with fever and chills means you're having a dental emergency.
There could be several reasons for tooth pain that won't go away, including decay, teeth impaction, or tooth malposition that could be overcrowding the rest of your teeth. Since the pain for each of these is very similar, you must consult with a specialist to get an accurate diagnosis.
Tooth nerve pain can go from a small ache to a sudden sharp jolt—and experience that's unbearable to some.
Swish salt water or peroxide – These rinses can relieve inflammation. Use an over-the-counter anesthetic – Stop by the pharmacy for a gel that you can apply straight to the teeth, or use clove oil for an all-natural remedy.
Emergency rooms are meant for specific dire situations. If you have an abscess in your mouth that has become infected, then you will need to head to the closest emergency room. If the pain is unbearable and seems to feel like it is spreading along your jaw or neck, then you should go to the ER.