Strong medicine for toothache

Toothache can come from inflamed pulp inside the tooth, infection around the root, exposed dentine, a crack, or inflamed gum. A medicine suitable for one person can be inappropriate with stomach ulcers, kidney disease, liver disease, pregnancy, blood thinners, or another medicine containing the same ingredient.

Follow the label or a clinician's instructions, never combine products with duplicate ingredients, and do not place aspirin or tablets on the gum. Rinse gently with warm water, clean around the tooth, avoid very hot or cold foods, and arrange an examination so the cause can be treated.

Seek prompt dental care for pain that persists, returns, or prevents sleep, especially with swelling, fever, a bad taste, pain on biting, or difficulty opening the mouth. Facial or neck swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or rapidly worsening illness needs emergency assessment.

Ask whether the pain is from decay, pulp inflammation, a crack, gum disease, or an abscess, and which pain reliever fits your medical history. Ask whether you need a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, extraction, or another procedure and how quickly it should be done.