Toothache Medicines

When toothache strikes, our day-to-day routine can go haywire. Toothache causes may vary from a blow to the face to poor oral hygiene. Whatever may be the reason, the resultant pain in mouth can occur occasionally or remain persistent.

In case, treatment to the underlying cause is neglected, the pain may worsen and the affected tooth is likely to suffer from a bacterial infection, eventually causing tooth decay. So, how to get rid of toothache? Taking the right toothache medicine can provide a considerable amount of relief, thus making it easier to deal with dental pain.

Medicines over the counter are those that can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. These medications do help to relieve pain, especially when the cause for toothache is not a serious issue. People subjected to a trauma such as a face punch often complain about pain of varying intensity around the teeth.

In such circumstances, one can use over the counter medicines. These oral medications come in different strengths and so initially one can have a lower strength tablet. If that doesn't work, one will have to take a higher strength tablet for effective pain management.

Following are some of toothache medications that do not require a doctor's recommendation to purchase these pain killers:

• Aspirin
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

Oxycodone: This is a prescription medicine and regarded as an effective pain reliever. People after a dental surgery are likely to have unbearable pain. For post surgical care, doctors prescribe a stronger medicine like oxycodone. However, for best results along with oxycodone, acetaminophen is recommended. Depending upon the severity of toothache, the dosage of oxycodone might be increased.

Percocet: Percocet combines the pain relieving effects of acetaminophen and oxycodone. This powerful combination works to subside moderate to severe toothache. Generally, the prescribed percocet tablets contain 5 mg of oxycodone and acetaminophen content varies between 325 and 500 mg.

Also, many people ask, is it safe to give toothache medicine for pregnant women. Studies show that oral medicines like oxycodone and percocet can produce birth defects. However, acetaminophen during pregnancy can be taken, provided it is taken in the recommended dose under medical supervision.

Percodan: Percodan is also considered to be a powerful remedy to relieve pain. Percodan is made up of two potent painkillers; aspirin and oxycodone. Studies show that its capability to alleviate severe toothache is remarkable.

Hydrocodone: This pain relieving drug is much more strong and effective than other medicines. Tooth infections are usually treated with hydrocodone tablets. As it is more powerful and stronger than other dental pain medications, it is prescribed in smaller doses (approximately 10 mg). For better pain relief, hydrocodone is combined with acetaminophen.

Vicodin ES: Vicodin ES is a powerful combination of over the counter painkiller and a prescription dental medicine (Hydrocodone). A tablet of Vicodin ES usually has 7 mg of hydrocodone and 750 mg of acetaminophen. A variant of Vicodin ES, is Vicodin which contains less amount of hydrocodone (5 mg) and acetaminophen (500 mg). The doctor may recommend either one of them, depending upon the intensity of the pain.

Endocet: This FDA approved drug is a mix of acetaminophen and oxycodone and is found to be effective in reducing toothache. Endocet (a narcotic pain-killer) that is usually prescribed has 5 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen.

Roxicet: This medicine is a combination of narcotic and non-narcotic pain-killer and is equally effective in minimizing moderate to severe pain resulting from dental problems. The narcotic found in roxicet is oxycodone and the other drug is acetaminophen. Roxicet generally contains 325 mg of acetaminophen but higher strength tablets may contain 500 mg of acetaminophen and 5 mg of oxycodone.

Painkillers like acetaminophen can be given to kids but it is necessary to consult a dentist to know the exact dosage. The doctor will decide acetaminophen dose after considering the weight of the child.

Medications such as OraMed that are available in liquid form can also help to relieve toothache. These liquid medications come with a soft brush for easy application. All one has to do is immerse the brush in the medicated liquid and then apply it on the site causing pain.

A bacterial infection of the tooth such as in case of abscessed tooth cannot be treated only with painkiller. The patient will also have to take antibiotics to get rid of the infection. In other words, toothache treatment for infections is a combination of antibiotics and pain relievers.

Following are the medications:

• Amoxicillin
• Clindamycin
• Metronidazole
• Erythromycin

Clove Oil: One can always rely on clove oil when it comes to dental pain relief. It is especially useful to relieve toothaches resulting from bacterial infections. This is because, it acts as a natural antibiotic and moreover it displays pain-relieving properties.

Eugenol, an active ingredient found in clove oil is a natural pain-killer. Thus, clove oil does the twin task of getting rid of infection and the pain. In order to use its medicinal properties, one should hold small cotton ball soaked in clove oil around the infected tooth. Another way involves using a cotton swab to apply the clove oil at the painful site.

A point to note that although clove oil is effective, one should not use it in large amounts as it can cause difficulty breathing. Applying it in small quantity is enough to experience its desire effect. Also, use it during the day and do not apply it just before going to bed.

Salt Water: Swishing with warm salt water several times can also help to ease the toothache. The pain sensation is likely to reduce substantially within a minute or two after rinsing the mouth. So, be it moderate or excruciating pain, rinsing your mouth with warm water can work wonders to alleviate discomfort. An antibacterial mouthwash can provide similar effect when used correctly.

Ice Therapy: We all know how painful it is to hold an ice-cube inside the mouth even when the teeth are healthy. So relax, you won't be advised to keep an ice-cube in the mouth to cure toothache. Instead, just apply an ice pack on the jaw line or the cheek. This may help to numb the toothache.

Alcohol: Alcohol acts as a numbing agent and so keeping a cotton ball ( that was immersed in brandy or whiskey) around the sore tooth can numb the pain, in turn providing relief from the discomfort. Swishing the mouth repeatedly with the aforementioned alcoholic drinks can also relieve toothache.

On the whole, which medicine to take will depend on the cause of toothache. Non prescription medicines work when the underlying cause is not a major issue. Otherwise, visiting the dentist becomes imperative to know about strong prescription medications to tackle the pain effectively.