Common medicine for toothache

Toothache usually comes from inflammation of the pulp, tissues around the root, exposed dentine, or infected gum. Analgesics reduce pain signalling or inflammation in the body, but they do not seal decay, repair a fracture, remove infected pulp, or drain an abscess.

Use only the label directions for a medicine that a pharmacist has confirmed is suitable, and check combination cold or flu products for duplicate ingredients. Keep the area clean, avoid very hot or cold foods, and arrange dental assessment rather than repeatedly treating the symptom at home.

Seek dental care when pain lasts, returns, wakes you, or hurts when you bite. Get urgent help for facial swelling, fever, pus, a spreading infection, trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing.

Ask which structure is causing the pain, whether an examination or radiograph is needed, and whether the tooth needs a filling, crown, root canal treatment, drainage, or removal. Tell the dentist every medicine, allergy, pregnancy, kidney problem, stomach problem, or blood thinner that applies to you.