Which pain killers are most effective?

I have really bad toothache, what can I do about it?

The best thing to do is to get to the dentist to find out what the problem is, they will be able to identify the underlying factors and stop the toothache permanently. However, lots of people experience toothache as a result of dental surgery or some type of trauma, and even if you know what the problem is, there isn’t always a lasting solution – it may just be that your teeth are over sensitive. There are several ways you can alleviate the pain of toothache, and numerous remedies that can help with inflammation, you might choose to buy over-the-counter medications, or you can rely on homemade pain killers. It’s definitely worth trying some home remedies if you’re not keen on taking medication regularly, but remember that you’re always better off seeking a medical opinion in the long-run, it may be decay or gum disease that’s causing the pain, and only a dentist will be able to provide a long-term solution.

What are the best medications available for toothache?

There are countless different types of pain killers available to deal with toothache, some of which you would need a doctor’s prescription for, others which you can buy over the counter from a pharmacy or corner shop. Moderate bouts of toothache usually respond well to pain relief tablets, and there are some stronger ones available, but for the really heavy-duty pain killers, you will have to speak to your GP.

If you’re suffering from mild toothache and maybe some slight swelling, buy some anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin or Ibuprofen. Most people are familiar with these types of medication, but it’s still important to follow the recommended dosage throughout the day, don’t just swallow as many as you think will stop the pain, you could end up in hospital. The great thing about anti-inflammatories is that they calm the swollen nerve endings, rather than just closing them off to pain, this takes away the throbbing discomfort that is most associated with toothache. NSAID’s (Non-Steroid-Anti-Inflammatories) can also relieve any dizziness or fever you are experiencing; this is why they are used for colds and flu’s as well. However, if there is heavy bleeding anywhere in your mouth, you should avoid this type of pain relief, NSAID’s inhibit the clotting process and this will make it difficult to stem the bleeding.

For severe toothache, you can make an appointment with your GP and ask for some stronger painkillers. Prescriptions aren’t free for adults working in the UK, so it’s going to be more expensive than over the counter tablets, but they are generally much more effective with extreme pain. Always keep to the dosage instructions with strong pain pills, it’s easier than you think to go over the recommended amount, and you should be careful not to mix them with any other medications you might be on. With good care, prescription drugs could work well for you, just make sure you’re aware of the risks and take appropriate measures to avoid miss-haps.

Patients who have recently undergone surgery may be prescribed something stronger than your average pain killer, such as Percodan, or Hydrocodone, if the pain is preventing you from eating, sleeping, or functioning as normal. Toothache can be very stubborn, and it’s not generally a pain you can just ignore – although a lot of people probably try – it might be simpler to dismiss it, but it certainly won’t be easier, talk to your dentist or GP about some high strength pain relief if you’re experiencing extreme problems with toothache, don’t suffer in silence. Staff at the Pearl Dental Clinic in London are available for consultations and regular check-ups, give them a call, they may be able to provide permanent relief for dental pains.

What are the best home remedies for toothache?

Not everyone is keen on popping pills, and lots of people lean towards a more natural style of pain relief, these can have varying results from person to person, but they are generally less costly and don’t require a prescription, so it might be worth giving them a go. It’s a good idea to consult with your dentists before you try anything too drastic though, particularly if you regularly have toothache that you just can’t shift.

Most of the home remedies thought to help with toothache can be found in your kitchen cupboards, down at your local food shop, or from online health food retailers. They are relatively inexpensive and should last a while before you need to buy more.

Teabags – It’s quite a well-known theory that teabags can have a soothing effect on a swollen tooth. Wet the teabag and place gently over the area in question, then bite down gently to release the juices from the tea leaves inside the bag. If you suffer from mild toothache regularly, you might want to keep a few frozen ones in the freezer, for future use.

Salt water rinse – This is a good all-round cure for mild to moderate pain, its success lies in the cleansing properties of salt. If you have tooth decay or damage that’s causing you problems, rinse your mouth out with warm salt water, it helps to fight infection and sooth the inflammation.

Garlic and onion – These vegetable have long been known to be good for lots of parts of the human anatomy, ranging from strong teeth to a healthy heart. For toothache, press a slice of either garlic or onion (most people would probably recommend garlic as the most effective of the two) onto the painful tooth and gently bite down. The allicin contained in garlic juice is antimicrobial, so it’s great for fighting infection and relieving pain.

Ice – Numbing the area won’t get rid of the pain, it just means you won’t be able to feel it for the time being. Pressing an ice pack against the outside of the cheek should cool any inflammation, but if toothache is caused by bacterial problems, you need to try something that has antiseptic properties.