Over-the-counter Options To Reduce Tooth Pain
Imagine a situation; On a pleasant Saturday evening, you’re sitting comfortably on a sofa at your home, reading a book - and suddenly, you feel sharp pain shooting through one of your teeth. It is out of business hours, and the dental office will not be open at this time. So, what should you do? Don’t worry; there are ways in which you can relieve a toothache at your home. In this article, Dr. Baker at Chandler Dentistry tells us about various over-the-counter options that you can take to manage toothache when it is not possible to see the dentist right away.
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen are commonly used over-the-counter medications for treating toothache. This medication not only alleviates dental pain but is also helpful in reducing inflammation.
Toothache Drops and Gels
If NSAIDs are not available, you may buy toothache drops and gels readily available at pharmacies and some supermarkets. These products typically contain benzocaine, a numbing agent that provides temporary pain relief. When purchasing these products, make sure they carry the seal of approval of ADA or your local dental regulatory authority.
Temporary Fillings
If you are experiencing toothache immediately after fracturing or chipping a tooth, it might be because of the exposure of the underlying dental pulp. You may buy quick dental filing kits to apply over the damaged tooth to reduce the pain as a temporary measure. However, please note that is a temporary measure - you must make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Clove Oil
Cannot find an open pharmacy to buy over-the-counter pain medication? Try using clove oil. Squeeze 2-3 drops out of a clove into a teaspoon containing olive oil. Soak a cotton swab in the solution and place it over the painful tooth for 5-10. The pain should go away within a few minutes.
Icepacks
Placing an icepack over the affected side’s skin helps relieve swelling or infection and helps with pain relief. Ice constricts blood vessels and has a soothing effect on the nerves, thereby reducing the pain.
Saltwater
Rinsing saltwater also provides pain relief and helps in subsiding inflammation.
The over-the-counter options mentioned in this article are temporary measures at best - you have to see your dentist as soon as possible to get the problem diagnosed and treated correctly. So, if you or a loved one has a toothache-related emergency, you should call us immediately to book an emergency appointment. In the meantime, you may use any pain relief options given in this article.