Having a toothache is one of the worst things that can happen. A toothache can make it hard to concentrate on anything else, no matter how bad or minor the pain is. You’re not alone, so don’t worry. Many people get toothaches, but luckily, several medicines may help. This blog talks about the best ways to treat tooth pain, how they work, and knowing when to see a dentist.
Why Does a Toothache Hurt So Much?
Before taking any medicine, knowing why a toothache might hurt so much is helpful. A toothache is caused by the tooth’s nerve getting irritated or inflamed. This could be because of a cavity, an illness, gum disease, or even food stuck between teeth. The pain could sometimes affect your jaw, which would be very painful. Because the nerves inside your teeth are so sensitive, tooth pain is usually pretty bad.
Since you want to know how to get rid of a toothache, let’s do that now that we understand why they hurt so much.
Over-the-Counter Painkillers for Toothache Relief
Toothaches can be treated with a lot of over-the-counter medicines. You can easily find these medicines at any drugstore or grocery store near you. However, which ones are the best at relieving tooth pain? Let’s look at different painkiller for toothache.
1. Ibuprofen painkiller (Brand names: Advil, Nurofen)
Ibuprofen, sold under Advil and Nurofen, is one of the most common painkillers for toothaches. Since it is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), it not only eases pain but also helps reduce swelling. Many toothaches are caused by inflammation, which means the area around the tooth or lips is swollen. Ibuprofen may help with this.
You can take ibuprofen every four to six hours, but follow the instructions on the package for how much to take. Ibuprofen is helpful painkiller because it not only eases pain but also helps reduce swelling, which may be causing the pain in the first place.
2. Paracetamol painkiller (Also known as Acetaminophen, brand name: Tylenol)
Paracetamol is another well-known painkiller that works well for toothaches. While it works better than ibuprofen to reduce pain and heat, it works less well to reduce inflammation. If you are allergic to or have stomach problems that make NSAIDs not work for you, this is a great option.
Every four to six hours, aspirin is often given for mild pain. If you have awful pain, you can take this painkilller with ibuprofen if you space out the doses and follow the directions strictly.
3. Aspirin painkiller
There is another NSAID called aspirin that is like ibuprofen. It might help ease pain and swelling, making it a good option for toothache painkillers. Aspirin isn’t usually the best choice for people with sensitive stomachs or ulcers, though, because it can make the stomach hurt if taken too often.
Some people say you should crush aspirin and put it straight on your toothache, but this is not a good idea. If you take aspirin right away, it could hurt your gums or other soft mouth tissues. Take the tablet with water to do its magic inside your body.
4. Naproxen painkiller (Brand name: Aleve)
Another NSAID that is known for making you feel better longer than aspirin or ibuprofen is naproxen. No need to take Naproxen pills all day if you don’t want to. It only needs to be taken every 8 to 12 hours.
Some NSAIDs, like naproxen, help reduce inflammation. This makes your gums and teeth less painful and swollen. But be careful if you have stomach problems because these medicines, like aspirin and ibuprofen, can hurt some people’s stomachs.
5. Topical Pain Relievers
If you don’t want to take medicine, try topical pain relief like Orajel or Anbesol. One of the ingredients in these items is benzocaine, a local painkiller that numbs the area around the sore tooth. If applied right away to the painful area, it might help right away for a short time.
Even if they don’t treat the root cause of the toothache, topical creams can help if you need relief quickly and don’t want to wait for a pill to work.
Combining Painkillers for Stronger Relief
If you have a terrible toothache, you might wonder if it’s safe to take more than one medicine simultaneously. The good news is that taking paracetamol and ibuprofen together is generally acceptable. Since these two medicines work differently, bringing them together might help relieve pain more effectively.
This is a safe way to put them together: There is no need to wait two to three hours before taking a paracetamol dose. It’s best to change them every four to six hours. You can deal with pain in two ways: ibuprofen lowers inflammation, and paracetamol helps block pain messages.
You should always be careful to measure out your doses, though, and make sure you don’t take more prescription drugs than the daily limit. Talk to a pharmacist or other medical worker if you’re unsure about the best painkiller for toothache.
When to Visit the Dentist
Painkillers might help a little, but they’re not a long-term solution. Toothaches can indicate a bigger problem with your teeth, like an infection, tooth, gum disease, or something else. It’s essential to see a doctor immediately if your toothache worsens or lasts longer than a few days.
- The pain lasts more than 2-3 days.
- You have a fever, which could be a sign of an infection.
- You notice swelling in your face or gums.
- The toothache becomes unbearable, even after taking painkillers.
Remember that drugs are only good for a short time. A dentist is the only one who can correctly identify and treat the problem, whether it’s a filling, a root canal, or something else.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Toothaches
Some people would instead try natural treatments rather than prescription drugs, even if over-the-counter meds work well. The following natural remedies might ease the pain of a toothache:
- Rinse with saltwater: Gargling with warm salt water can help kill germs and reduce swelling around the painful tooth.
- Clove Oil: Eugenol, found in clove oil, is a natural pain reliever that can help numb tooth pain. Use a cotton ball to put a small amount on the tooth that hurts.
- Cold Compress: Putting a cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help shrink it and ease the pain.
If you have a major dental problem, some of the best painkiller for toothache may help for a short time, but they won’t fix the root cause.
Last Thoughts
When you have a toothache, the most important thing is to feel better. Many people think ibuprofen is the best medicine for toothaches because it not only eases the pain but also reduces swelling. Paracetamol is also a great option, especially if you can’t handle NSAIDs. If you need longer-lasting relief, try naproxen. On top of that, external painkillers like Orajel might work immediately if required.
But remember that drugs are only good for a short time. If the pain doesn’t go away in a day or two, you should see a doctor at Bayswater Dental Clinic to find out what’s wrong. If you fix the real problem, you might avoid more pain and suffering in the future!