Toothache Medicine: What Are Your Options?

Your teeth and mouth are vulnerable to many issues that cause toothaches:

• Sharp pain or a dull ache may accompany a cavity.
• Extended throbbing may mean you're suffering from an infection or abscess in your tooth or gums.
• You might mistake intense sinus pressure for a painful toothache. Mucous accumulation in your sinuses can create pressure on one or more of your upper teeth.
• Gum problems Gingivitis, which can lead to gum disease, can create areas that are sore around your teeth and gums.

Depending on your symptoms, over-the-counter (OTC) medicine and temperature treatments are some ways you can help ease toothache pain while you're awaiting professional care.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a safe way to alleviate tooth pain from cavities, gum disease or sinus pressure pain and inflammation in the short-term, says Health 24. Some NSAIDs are available OTC. They not only cut the sharp pain accompanying a cavity, but also help reduce inflammation. You can decrease your inflammation, a painful symptom of sinusitis, gum problems, gingivitis and abscessed teeth, with aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. However, NSAIDs shouldn't be used for more than 10 days without talking to your doctor.

Whereas NSAIDs act as a pain reliever and an inflammation and fever reducer, acetaminophen works as a pain reliever and fever reducer but doesn't treat inflammation. Because of its pain-relieving properties, acetaminophen is a good first line of pain defense for the sharp twinge accompanying the onset of a cavity as well as the extended throbbing that can often follow.

Oftentimes, medicinal home remedies can help decrease pain in conjunction with OTC pain medicine.

When sinus pressure leads to a toothache, try a hot, steamy shower to help loosen the mucus buildup in your cheeks and relieve pressure on your teeth. Likewise, keep a cold ice pack on hand to numb the feeling of pressure on your upper teeth.

If you feel your tooth beginning to ache or your gums becoming sore, pain relievers are only a stopgap until you can see your dentist. Keep in mind that delaying treatment may only worsen the underlying condition. Maintain your dental health by brushing twice daily with a toothpaste that promotes good oral health repairs early teeth and gum damage, flossing once per day, and scheduling six-month checkups to catch potential problems before they become painful.