Toothache Medicine and At-Home Tips to Relieve Pain

An over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen is useful to treating toothaches and it is the most common medications given after dental treatment, according to the Indian Dental Association the pain should be managed with appropriate analgesia such as a nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory drug (NSAID) or a weak opoid combined with an NSAID or acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an analgesic and changes the way your body perceives pain, which is what makes an ache tolerable.

Toothaches are often accompanied by inflammation, swelling and redness of the gums, or irritation to other parts of the mouth. These symptoms may benefit from taking an anti-inflammatory, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, or any of the other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You should only take one of these medications if you know for certain that you have no allergies to the ingredients, and you should always ensure you take an NSAID with food to avoid irritation to the stomach.

According to Journal of Dental Anesthesia, topical anesthetic products in the form of sprays, solutions, gels, and ointments are widely used for their low toxicity and potent topical anesthetic effect. Products such as benzocaine applied directly to the tooth can also provide you with some short-term relief from pain.

Holding an ice pack or a package of frozen peas to the outside of your face can be surprisingly helpful. The cold helps numb the pain. Apply the ice for a few minutes at a time and then take a break.

Toothaches are frequently caused either by a broken tooth or a dental cavity, so until you are sure of the reason for your pain, it is best to take precautions. While you are waiting for and directly after toothache treatment, sticking to soft foods will help you to avoid further damage to brittle or sensitive teeth.

It is essential to maintain good dental hygiene even when you have toothache. If it's too painful to perform your regular daily brushing and flossing, continue to use mouthwash, which cleans and alleviates discomfort to promote healing.

It is not always convenient to get the treatment you require at the time you need it, but these options will help reduce the pain enough to see you through until you can get professional help.