Is there anything I can do about my toothache?

Discomfort that follows a filling is something to be expected, but if it becomes unbearable, you should return to the clinic for further instructions. A small amount of pain can be dealt with at home, but you should be aware of any serious symptoms developing; don’t just sit around hoping the pain will go away on its own. There’s no need to scare yourself silly, just make a mental note of the kind of pain you are experiencing and any other symptoms that could be related; educating and preparing yourself are the best ways to stop the problem escalating beyond your control. If the pain is on-going, it might be that your filling has been incorrectly fitted or has come loose; you need to speak to your dentist about how best to deal with this issue.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can alleviate the pain of toothache after a filling, using medication and some home remedies that might help.

What kinds of over-the-counter medication can help with toothache?

The great thing about pain relief tablets like Ibuprofen and Aspirin is that they can be purchased from your local pharmacy without the need for a prescription. Different strengths are available, but if you really start suffering with toothache, you might need something more heavy-duty, which can’t be bought over-the-counter. Fortunately, moderate pain can usually be relieved with general pain killers.

Toothaches are normally accompanied by an inflammation of the affected area, which is where most of the pain stems from, so the best option is Ibuprofen, or some other kind of NSAID – Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drug – which can help with the ache and also reduce the swelling. They are especially useful if you feel dizzy or feverish from the pain, but shouldn’t be taken if there is excessive bleeding (which is unlikely), as they inhibit the clotting process.

What sort of prescription medications are there?

There are numerous painkillers that your GP can prescribe for you if you have toothache after a filling, but they are usually more expensive than over-the-counter tablets – unless you are exempt from prescription costs. In addition, they come with strict dosage instructions, which shouldn’t be ignored, you need to be careful when taking any kind of prescription medication, they are very effective but can also be addictive. Speak to both your dentist and your physician about pain relief before you go for treatment, as there may be some prescription drugs that are better suited to your needs than others.

Are there any home remedies that can help relieve toothache?

Mild toothache can often be dealt with using simple remedies that are found in your kitchen or your local health food store. If you prefer a natural therapy to pain relief tablets, you can try out any one of the several home remedies listed here, and find out which one works for you. However, more stubborn toothache that re-occurs frequently is likely to need prescription pills or an appointment with a medical professional. Remember, just because you get rid of the pain doesn’t mean the problem is gone, these remedies can make you more comfortable before you can see the dentist, but they won’t cure the underlying issues.

Salt water rinse – For mild to moderate toothache, salt water is a cheap, easy to use alternative to tablets; just add some salt to lukewarm water and swill it around your mouth for a few moments, concentrating on the area that is causing you pain. Salt has great cleansing properties and can help sooth any inflamed nerve endings, dulling that throbbing ache that is associated with dental problems. The water rinse can also help fight infection and any hidden food particles that might have gathered around your new filling.

Garlic or onion – There are lots of good things in vegetables that can help with healing and cleansing, garlic and onion are particularly well known for their anti-bacterial ingredients, most famously the antimicrobial drug Allicin, which is utilised in other areas of medicine to fight infection and relieve pain. Simply cut a slice of either garlic or onion and place it over the tooth in question, bite down gently and allow the juices to flow out of the vegetable, you might be surprised how effective this is. Just make sure you rinse out your mouth afterwards, to clear any food debris that may have been left behind.

Clove oil – This is one of the most popular home remedies, and arguably the most effective. Like some other vegetables, cloves have strong cleansing properties and can significantly dull pain, as well as fighting infection. Using a cotton bud, apply a drop or two to the affected area, within a few minutes the natural pain killer Eugenol should begin to take effect. You should be able to find this product at the supermarket or your nearest health food shop, but you can find instructions online to make your own, if you can’t get hold of any.

Tea bags – Every home in the UK probably has some tea bags in the kitchen somewhere, so this one shouldn’t be too hard to find. Tea leaves have long been acclaimed for their many healing properties, when used both inside and outside the body, and they are tremendously effective with toothache. Wet a tea bag and place it over the aching tooth, then bite down gently to allow the juices to be strained from the bag.

Which type of pain killer is the best?

As far as cost goes, you’re much more likely to do better with the home remedies, but you can’t always go for the cheaper option if you’re really suffering. It all depends on how bad the toothache is and whether or not it is just a painful part of the healing process. If you’re worried about a recent filling or on-going toothache, speak to someone at the Pearl Dental Clinic to organise a consultation as soon as possible.