In America, 5% to 88% of people suffer from toothaches depending on the reason and severity of the pain. Toothaches are pains in or around the teeth. Dental pain will affect everyone at some point in their lives, and knowing what to look for can help determine when you should visit your dentist.
What causes toothache pain?
A variety of problems can cause tooth pain. Sometimes, tooth pain can be resolved quickly, while more treatment is needed at other times.
A repetitive motion, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth, can lead to health problems
Toothache symptoms
An individual suffering from a toothache experiences discomfort in and around their tooth. The pain can vary in severity and cause more issues than just pain in the gums and teeth. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the warning signs and symptoms when a tooth hurts.
Around the teeth, there is redness and swelling.
Chronic tooth pain that feels sharp or throbbing. There are some cases where the pain does not happen consistently but only occurs when pressure is applied.
Fluids will taste foul as a result of the infection.
The most important thing to pay attention to is how severe the pain is. Several factors can affect the severity, and paying attention to the length of pain and pain level will be essential.
How to stop a toothache
Stopping a toothache depends on the cause and severity of the pain. Following are some general steps you will want to consider to stop a toothache:
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription painkillers like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate toothache pain. Follow the dosage instructions on the package.
Cold compress: Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the painful tooth can help numb the area and reduce swelling.1
Saltwater rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help clean the area and reduce inflammation. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for a minute or two before spitting it out.
Keep your head elevated: Keeping your head elevated while sleeping can reduce blood flow to the area, which may help reduce pain.
Use over-the-counter numbing gel: You can also try using over-the-counter numbing gels or ointments like benzocaine to numb the area and ease the pain temporarily.2
Visit a dentist: If the pain persists or worsens, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. They can identify the cause of the toothache and recommend appropriate treatment, such as a tooth filling a cavity, performing a root canal, or a tooth extraction if necessary.
While these methods may provide temporary relief, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause of your toothache. If the pain persists or worsens, or if you experience fever, swelling, or difficulty breathing, consult your dentist immediately. They can diagnose the issue and recommend appropriate treatment, such as tooth fillings, root canals, or antibiotics if necessary.
How many 200mg ibuprofen can I take for toothache?
It is important to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the ibuprofen package and consult your healthcare provider for specific guidelines. In general, the maximum daily dose of ibuprofen for adults is 1200 mg, divided into smaller doses.
For a toothache, a common dosage is:
400 mg (2 x 200 mg tablets) every 4-6 hours, as needed for pain relief.
Do not exceed 6 tablets (1200 mg) in a 24-hour period unless directed by your doctor.
However, you should keep the following precautions in mind:
If you have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney problems, consult your doctor before taking ibuprofen.
Do not take ibuprofen for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever unless directed by your doctor.
If you are taking other medications, check with your pharmacist or doctor to ensure ibuprofen is safe to take with them.
If your toothache persists or worsens after a few days, visit your dentist to identify and treat the underlying cause.
While ibuprofen can provide temporary pain relief, it does not address the underlying dental issue. Proper dental treatment is essential to resolve the problem and prevent complications.
Why isn’t ibuprofen working for my toothache?
There could be several reasons why ibuprofen is not working for your toothache pain:
The severity of the issue: If the underlying cause of your toothache is a serious dental problem, such as a large cavity, a deep crack, or an abscessed tooth, ibuprofen may not be strong enough to completely alleviate the pain.
Dosage amount: You may not be taking the optimal dose of ibuprofen for your pain. Check the package instructions and consult with your dentist or pharmacist to ensure you are taking the appropriate amount.
Frequency and consistency: Ibuprofen should be taken at regular intervals to maintain a consistent level of pain relief. If you are not taking it as frequently as recommended, you may experience breakthrough pain.
Severe inflammation: Ibuprofen works best for reducing inflammation, but if the inflammation in your tooth or surrounding tissues is severe, it may take some time for the medication to take full effect.
Other health considerations: Individual factors such as age, weight, metabolism, and overall health can influence how well ibuprofen works for you.
Need for stronger treatment: In some cases, ibuprofen alone may not be sufficient to manage tooth pain, and you may need a stronger prescription pain medication from your dentist.
Keep in mind while ibuprofen can help manage pain, it does not address the underlying cause of your toothache. It is essential to visit your dentist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Untreated dental issues can worsen and lead to more serious health complications.
Extreme tooth pain, can’t sleep
Sleeping with a toothache can be challenging, as the pain may intensify when you lie down. Extreme tooth pain, can’t sleep here are some tips to help you sleep more comfortably:
Elevate your head: Use an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated while sleeping. This can help reduce blood flow to the head, which may lessen the pain.
Over-the-counter pain medication: Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin before bed to help manage the pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage on the package.
Apply a cold compress 1: Before going to bed, apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the affected tooth for 15-20 minutes. This can help numb the pain and reduce swelling.
Use clove oil 3: Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it directly on the affected tooth. The numbing properties of clove oil can provide temporary pain relief.
Rinse with salt water: Before bed, rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution (1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water) to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Avoid certain foods: Stay away from sugary, acidic, or hard foods that may aggravate the affected tooth. Stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Distracting yourself: Try focusing your attention on something else, such as reading or listening to a book, listening to relaxing light music, or practicing relaxation techniques, to help take your mind off the pain.
Remember, these are only temporary measures to mask the problem and help you cope with the discomfort. If the toothache persists or worsens, consult your dentist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. Don’t leave dental issues untreated they can lead to more serious health complications.
Obtain pure clove oil from a health food store, pharmacy, or online retailer. Ensure it is high-quality, therapeutic-grade oil.
Clean the affected tooth and surrounding area by gently brushing and rinsing with warm salt water. This removes debris and prepares the area for application.
If the clove oil feels too strong, dilute it with a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil. Mix 2-3 drops of clove oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
Dip a clean cotton swab or cotton ball into the clove oil (or diluted mixture). Make sure it is saturated but not dripping.
Apply the cotton directly to the painful tooth and gum area. Gently press it against the tooth for several minutes to allow the oil to seep into the gums.
Leave the clove oil on for about 20 minutes. You may feel a warming or tingling sensation, which indicates the eugenol is working to numb pain. Resist the urge to rinse to early.
After 20 minutes, rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm salt water to remove any remaining clove oil.
Repeat this process 2-3 times daily as needed for pain relief. You can reapply every few hours if discomfort persists.
Elevate your head: Use an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated while sleeping. This can help reduce blood flow to the head, which may lessen the pain.
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural compound with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help numb the pain and reduce swelling associated with a toothache. However, it’s essential to use clove oil cautiously and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions such as irritation or allergic reactions.
How long does it take amoxicillin to work on a toothache?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections that may cause toothaches. The time it takes for amoxicillin to start working on a toothache can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the infection and the individual’s response to the medication.
In general, you may start to notice some improvement in your symptoms within 24 to 48 hours after starting amoxicillin. However, it is essential to keep in mind that this does not mean the infection has been completely cleared.
Some key points about amoxicillin and toothaches:
Amoxicillin works by stopping the growth of bacteria, which helps your immune system fight off the infection more effectively.
It is crucial to take amoxicillin exactly as prescribed by your dentist or doctor, typically for 7 to 10 days, even if your symptoms improve earlier.
Finishing the full course of antibiotics is important to prevent the infection from recurring or becoming resistant to the medication.
While amoxicillin can help treat the infection, it does not address the underlying dental issue causing the toothache, such as a cavity or abscess.
Pain relief from amoxicillin may be gradual. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain as directed by your healthcare provider.
How to relieve ear pain from toothache
If you are experiencing ear pain that you believe is caused by a toothache, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the discomfort:
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage the pain in both your tooth and ear. Follow the dosage instructions on the package.
Cold compress: Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of the affected ear and the side of your face for 15-20 minutes at a time. This can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation. (See recommendations in the section: Cold Compress or Ice Pack Ideas)
Elevate your head: When lying down, keep your head elevated with an extra pillow. This can help reduce the pressure in your ear that the toothache may cause.
Rinse with salt water: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) to help reduce inflammation and pain in your tooth, which may be contributing to your ear pain.
Avoid irritants: Stay away from hot or cold foods and drinks, as well as sugary or acidic substances that may aggravate your tooth pain and, consequently, your ear pain.
Clove oil: Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and gently dab it on the affected tooth. Clove oil has natural pain-relieving properties that may help alleviate both tooth and ear pain. (See the section on How to use clove oil for toothache above)
How to stop tooth pain fast
If you’ve read this far, you may be searching for immediate relief from tooth pain. Here are some methods that might be of immediate help:
Cold compress: Apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected tooth. The cold can help numb the pain and reduce swelling.
Over-the-counter pain medication: Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Salt water rinse: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds, focusing on the affected area, then spit it out. The saltwater can help reduce swelling and promote healing.
Clove oil: Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it on the painful tooth. Clove oil has natural analgesic properties that can help numb the pain.
Peppermint tea: Apply a cooled, used peppermint tea bag to the affected area. The menthol in peppermint can provide a cooling sensation and temporary pain relief.
Elevation: When lying down, prop your head up with an extra pillow. Keeping your head elevated may help reduce pressure and pain in the affected tooth.
Dental wax or temporary filling material: If the pain is due to a cavity or a broken tooth, you can apply dental wax or an over-the-counter temporary filling material to protect the exposed area until you can see a dentist.
These methods will only provide temporary relief and are not substitutes for proper dental care. If your toothache persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, swelling, or difficulty breathing, consult a dentist immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Written by Dr. Reza Khazaie
