Commonly prescribed opioid medications for relief of dental pain include hydrocodone, oxycodone, and acetaminophen with codeine. (Visit the Drugs, Herbs, and Supplements database from NIH's MedlinePlus for generic and brand names of medications.)
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and generic) and naproxen (Aleve and generic), work particularly well against dental pain because they block the enzyme that causes your gums to become red and swollen, says Paul A.
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs
Ibuprofen is most effective in dosages that range from 400 to 800 milligrams per; there is no evidence of higher levels of effectiveness beyond 800 milligrams. Medications of this type, NSAIDs, work powerfully and fast to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Commonly known by the brand Panadol, paracetamol is our first pain relief recommended for dental pain. Tablets come in 500 mg and an adult can take 2 tablets(1000 mg) four times a day. This is a maximum dose of 8 tablets per day.
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.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever – Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other pain relievers can ease the pain. Use a cold compress – An ice pack or cold damp cloth can numb the area and can be especially helpful if you are experiencing swelling. Swish salt water or peroxide – These rinses can relieve inflammation.
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.
Amoxicillin is usually the first choice for tooth infection treatment. If your tooth infection is more serious, your dentist may prescribe a combination of amoxicillin and another drug called Clavulanate. This combination is stronger and more effective against tooth infections.
When you lie down to sleep, more blood is able to rush to your brain. More blood circulation means experiencing more tooth pain than if you were standing. This is because the increased blood flow exerts pressure on the painful tooth.
Sleep with your head elevated – Prop up a few pillows to prevent your blood flow from rushing to your head, making your tooth pain worse. Use a cold compress – A cold compress (or towel-wrapped ice pack) can reduce inflammation and numb the area.
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.
Toothache Home Remedies
Try sleeping with your head elevated on a thick pillow or several pillows. Elevation can help prevent pressure caused by blood flow into the head and mouth. Elevating your head can therefore help to alleviate some of the pain, improve circulation and reduce swelling.
But warm salt water can help your toothache too. Salt water can help gently rinse away food particles that are stuck between your teeth. And rinsing with salt water also serves as a disinfectant and helps reduce inflammation. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with an 8-ounce glass of warm water and rinse as needed.
Research shows that when a person begins to take antibiotics for a tooth infection, they begin to feel some pain relief within 24 hours. After 24 hours, the pain intensity may increase slightly. After 7 days, it may reduce slightly again.
Rinsing with salt water 2-3 times a day can be effective in battling a gum infection. Be careful to not rinse with salt water too often, as this can cause the salt to affect your tooth enamel. Other homemade mouthwash combinations can also be effective, such as lemongrass and oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil.
Left untreated, a tooth abscess will eventually spread to the surrounding tissues and beyond, wreaking havoc on your oral and overall health. It can take weeks or months for the infection to spread — and it's impossible to know exactly how long that will take.
It's safe to take ibuprofen with paracetamol or codeine.
It has the outer layer, which is the enamel, the middle layer, which is called the dentin, and then the inner layer, which is called the nerve. So anytime that nerve is affected, it is really, really, really painful. That throbby pain that you talk about, that you can't do anything.
These include: Avoid too hot or cold beverages like coffees, teas, sodas, ice cream, or water. Avoid too hot food. Avoid sugary items such as soda, cookies, and candy.
Is a root canal painful? Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn't more painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.
Salt and Hot Water
One of the most common, easiest, and effective remedy for toothache is salt water. For relieving toothache, you must take lukewarm water and add salt into it. Rinsing mouth with warm salt water is a good relief for toothache.
Like we touched on above, a toothache may simply be the result of your lunch lingering between your teeth, in which case brushing and flossing can easily resolve the problem.