What Treatments Are Available

Treatment is based on the cause of your toothache.

• If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or take the tooth out, if necessary.
• A root canal may be needed if the cause of the toothache is an infection of the tooths nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner space of the root of the tooth cause such an infection.
• An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw. A small piece of food can get stuck under the gums causing an infection. In this instance, a deep cleaning may be performed or recommended followed by further periodontal therapy if necessary.

Transitions Between Prescription And Otc

As a general rule, over-the-counter drugs have to be used primarily to treat a condition that does not require the direct supervision of a doctor and must be proven to be reasonably safe and well tolerated. OTC drugs are usually also required to have little or no abuse potential, although in some areas drugs such as codeine are available OTC .

Over time, often 3â6 years, drugs that prove themselves safe and appropriate as prescription medicines may be switched from prescription to OTC. An example of this is diphenhydramine , an anti-histamine which once required a prescription but now is available OTC nearly everywhere. More recent examples are cimetidine and loratadine in the United States, and ibuprofen in Australia.

It is somewhat unusual for an OTC drug to be withdrawn from the market as a result of safety concerns, rather than market forces, though it does happen occasionally. For example, phenylpropanolamine was removed from sale in the United States over concern regarding strokes in young women. A study has been done examining consumer’s perceptions about the risk of and access to nonprescription medication. The study concluded that a small percentage of consumers prefer having access to medication over potential risks of taking non-prescribed medication.Ranitidine was suspended in multiple markets due to concerns over the presence of the carcinogenN-nitrosodimethylamine .

How We Can Help You Avoid Sensitivity

The pain relievers considered in the study are often very effective at relieving discomfort from a dental appointment, so why dont they work for tooth sensitivity? Its because the mechanism for tooth sensitivity is different. The whitening compounds that remove stains from your teeth can also remove minerals from your tooth enamel. This reduces the protection and insulation that enamel provides to the sensitive nerve inside the tooth. Over time, your body can naturally replace the lost minerals, so its not a concern for the health of your teeth, if you follow instructions for whitening. But the short-term sensitivity can be a nuisance.

Fortunately, we have solutions to combat sensitivity. First, we can help you maintain good, strong enamel so that youre less likely to develop sensitivity. We can also modify the whiteners or provide follow-up treatments that restore lost minerals so you experience less sensitivity.

And if sensitivity is a big problem, it might be time to consider other whitening options, such as veneers, which can give you decades of beautiful smiles without whitening treatments.

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Goodsense Ibuprofen Pain Reliever

As one of our NSAIDs, this ibuprofen product is a tried and true among consumers. It is the same 200mg as name brands but costs much less, making it #1 in the top 10.

The tablets are much smaller than other brands making them very easy to swallow and they take effect in as little as 10-15 minutes.

If you prefer a caplet rather than a tablet, GoodSense does offer a 200mg Ibuprofen caplet pain reliever in 200mg as well.

How To Stop A Toothache Before It Starts

The best way to deal with a toothache is to avoid it in the first place. You can reduce the risk of oral health issues by thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once. You should also eat a healthy diet, avoiding sugary or sticky foods and beverages. You should be careful not to chew ice or hard items that might cause a fracture in your tooth. Finally, be sure to schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups, so you can get treatment for minor dental issues before they become painful problems that demand expensive treatments.

Get closer to your perfect smile. Book your next appointment at a Gentle Dental location near you.

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How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Deep Cleaning

There is virtually no recovery time needed for a deep cleaning. The local anesthesia will wear off a few hours after the procedure. It is normal to experience some tenderness in the gum tissue for a few days, along with temperature sensitivity in the teeth. Some patients will notice mild aching for a few days afterward. It is helpful to take Ibuprofen or Tylenol and use warm salt water rinses to soothe the irritated gum tissue after this treatment.

How Long Do Antibiotics Take To Work

How long each antibiotic takes to work varies depending on many factors, such as the severity of the infection and how effectively the drug eliminates the infectious bacteria.

It is important for people to complete a full round of antibiotics, taking all of the prescribed medication exactly how the dentist says to take it.

Although a person may begin to notice their symptoms go away after a couple of doses, completing the full round of antibiotics helps prevent the infection from coming back or getting stronger.

According to research, the majority of acute infections resolve in

• performing a root canal
• extracting the tooth

Antibiotic treatment for a tooth infection is just one part of the solution. In reality, most tooth infections require work on the actual tooth itself to clear up completely.

There may also be some helpful practices a person can try at home to help ease symptoms, such as:

• gently rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater
• gently rinsing the mouth with baking soda in water
• avoiding very hot or very cold foods to prevent sensitivity
• chewing with the opposite side of the mouth to reduce additional injury to the area
• brushing with a very soft toothbrush around the sensitive area
• avoiding very sharp, hard-to-chew foods that may bump into the sensitive area or become stuck in the teeth

Adopting good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing each day and seeing a dentist for regular checkups, may help prevent tooth infections and their complications.

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Im Taking Amoxicillin For A Toothache And It Isnt Helping What Can I Do

Many tooth infections are resistant to amoxicillin. Connect with your doctor or dentist again and ask about changing your prescription to another kind of antibiotic.

When I prescribe amoxicillin to my patients, I tell them to contact me if their pain hasnt improved within 3 days so that we can get them on a different treatment.

Rinse With A Guava Mouthwash

Guava leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and have antimicrobial traits that can help reduce tooth pain as well. Either chew on fresh guava leaves or try boiling crushed leaves in tap water to make a guava mouthwash. As with the saltwater rinse, swish the mixture in your mouth for 10 seconds before spitting it out.

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How Do I Treat A Toothache At Home

For temporary relief of a toothache, you can do the following:

• Rinse with warm saltwater. Saltwater can loosen debris between your teeth, act as a disinfectant and reduce inflammation. Stir a ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
• Rinse with hydrogen peroxide. A hydrogen peroxide helps to reduce inflammation and pain. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and rinse thoroughly. Dont swallow it.
• Cold compress. For swelling and pain hold a cold compress of ice wrapped in a towel to the painful area for 20-minute periods. Repeat every few hours.
• Pain medications. Over-the-counter pain medications can reduce pain and inflammation. NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can be used, or take acetaminophen if you cant take NSAIDs. Dont give a child under the age of 16 aspirin use Tylenol instead.

Natural or herbal treatments

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. Available over the counter and a staple in most Americans first aid kit, ibuprofen is considered most useful when treating mild to moderate tooth pain.

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I Have A Toothache After A Dental Filling Do I Need A Root Canal

It is common to experience some discomfort for a few weeks or months after a filling. This is a normal part of the healing process. If this discomfort does not subside over time, it is possible that the nerve did not normally respond to the treatment and may have developed chronic inflammation. When this happens, sometimes a root canal is the best option to save the tooth.

How To Get Rid Of A Toothache

While home remedies might reduce the intensity of a toothache, they wont eliminate the underlying cause. If your toothache is caused by a dental problem, forget the home remedies and visit your local dentist. If it is the result of a dental procedure, call your dentist if the pain intensifies or persists for more than two days.

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When Making Your Dental Appointment:

• DO let them know if you are having any severe pain or facial swelling. It may be critical to diagnose and treat right away to avoid serious health issues.
• DO ask the office if theres anything they recommend to deal with the pain in the meantime.
• DO record your pain and what youve been doing to alleviate that pain
• DONT put off your appointment as you may be ignoring a problem that needs treatment

Ive Had A Toothache For A Month And Nothing Is Working But The Pain Only Comes At Night When I Get Ready To Go To Bed What Can I Do To Make It Stop

First, see a dentist. Youre likely dealing with an abscessed tooth that needs medical attention. It wont heal on its own.

The pain is probably worse at night because youre laying down, which increases the blood pressure to your tooth since its at the same level as your heart.

You can try elevating your head and even your upper torso at night to relieve the pain, but that will only help relieve the pain a little. Ultimately, its important that you get treatment so your body can properly heal.

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How To Sleep With A Toothache

Other home remedies for toothache may help reduce the more extreme pain of a toothache at night so you can still sleep well:

• Pain relievers: Ibuprofen can both reduce painful tooth symptoms by reducing inflammation temporarily.
• Topical numbing agents: You can use topical gels or pastes to numb the tooth if your pain is related to an exposed nerve. These are usually products that use benzocaine, such as Orajel. These are not safe for children under the age of 2.
• Elevation: If you elevate your head higher than the rest of your body, your toothache may not be as severe. Lying flat can often worsen tooth pain caused by cavities or dental abscesses.
• Avoid triggering foods: Hard/sharp foods , acidic, or very cold foods can irritate or worsen tooth pain. Stay away from these foods, especially in the evening.
• Use an ice pack: Before you go to sleep, use a cold compress wrapped in a cloth on the outside of whichever side your tooth pain is worst to dull the ache. It works by shrinking the blood vessels that add to the inflammatory response.

Advil + Tylenol Better Than Opioids For Oral Pain

HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, April 25, 2018 — Over-the-counter ibuprofen and acetaminophen provide better relief for dental pain than prescription opioids and are less likely to cause side effects, researchers say.

“What we know is that prescribing narcotics should be a last resort,” said study co-author Anita Aminoshariae, an associate professor at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Dental Medicine, in Cleveland.

In the study, Aminoshariae’s team reviewed more than 460 published studies and found that a combination of 400 milligrams of ibuprofen and 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen was more effective than opioid medications for adults.

The investigators also found that opioids or drug combinations that included opioids caused the greatest number of side effects — including drowsiness, respiratory problems, nausea/vomiting and constipation — in both children and adults.

“The best available data suggests that the use of nonsteroidal medications , with or without acetaminophen, offers the most favorable balance between benefits and harms, optimizing efficacy while minimizing acute adverse events,” Aminoshariae added.

“No patient should go home in pain. That means that opioids are sometimes the best option, but certainly should not be the first option,” Aminoshariae said in a Case Western news release.

The study was published recently in The Journal of the American Dental Association.

Show Sources

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My Tooth Did Not Hurt Before Fixing Cavities But After My Dental Work I Have A Severe Toothache

Usually, small to medium-sized cavities do not hurt. After the tooth has been treated with a filling, the body responds by creating short-term inflammation as an effort to heal the area. This is true of any part of the body after an operation. If this discomfort does not eventually subside, the tooth may not have responded normally to the treatment. In cases where the tooth responds by creating chronic inflammation over a long period of time, it is possible that the tooth was unable to heal and will require a root canal. If this occurs, it is important to call us to examine the area and help you determine if further treatment is necessary.

Why Do Some Toothaches Hurt More At Night

Toothaches can be painful in the day, but they may seem to get worse at night.

One reason that this may occur is because when a person is lying down, blood rushes to the head. This extra blood in the area may increase the pain and pressure that people feel from a toothache.

Another reason why many aches feel worse at night is because there are fewer distractions. With little else to focus on but the toothache, a person may find it difficult to fall asleep.

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Can My Toothache Go Away On Its Own

Some toothaches that come from pain around your tooth can get better without a trip to the dentist. Pain from a temporary irritation in the gum can be resolved within a few days. During this time try not to chew around the affected area. Eat soft foods, like eggs and yogurt, and avoid sweets and very hot or very cold foods if teeth are sensitive.

Best Painkillers That Help Toothache

Dental diseases are known to cause pain. At one point or another, you might suffer from a toothache. One sure thing is that the pain you experience is excruciating. Then the first thing you would definitely want to do is to get treatment as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are many painkillers that can help you ease the pain. Read on and get to know the best painkiller for toothache.

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Ways To Get Relief For A Toothache

Theres nothing more painful than a toothache . It can come on without warning and knock you right off your feet. If youve ever had one, you know what I mean. While the best thing to do is get to a dentist immediately, I understand thats not always possible.

So, instead of trying home remedies here are some tried and true temporary toothache pain relief solutions that have worked really well for many of my patients through the years. You can find most of them right in your local pharmacy.

Brush And Floss Your Teeth

Though this might seem a bit obvious, this step can be easily forgotten when you have a toothache. And though we are listing it last, this is actually one of the first things you should do if you are experiencing tooth pain. Food particles can easily get stuck between your teeth and gums, causing discomfort. So grab that soft-bristled toothbrush and give your teeth a gentle two-minute brushing. Follow up with a good flossing between all teeth to remove anything that might be trapped.

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Tips For Relieving Your Childs Toothache

Sure your child can tell you they have a toothache, but can they tell you why? Most likely, they arent sure whats causing the pain and discomfort theyve been experiencing.

While this experience is new to them, for some parents, it might be new to you as well. Thats why its important to understand the stages of tooth development and how they can cause toothaches.

Here is everything you need to know:

Managing the teething process Most babies get their first tooth at 6 months. While this can certainly be a painful process, each individual experience is different. Some infants experience a high level of distress, excessive drooling, discomfort, swollen gums and irritability, while others show no signs at all.

Its very common for baby teeth to emerge in pairs. Usually, the two front teeth on the bottom of the mouth will make their appearance first, followed by the two teeth directly above on the top.1

TIPS:For relief, offer your baby any of the following: a cold or damp washcloth , frozen snacks, or a teething ring.

General toothaches in children Toothaches can be stressful for children and parents because it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of the pain. When your child complains of any type of discomfort, its best to look inside their mouth and see if any problems can be identified first-hand.

Frequent causes of a toothache include: tooth decay, previously pulling or forcing a baby tooth to come out of the mouth, or chipping a tooth. 2