Toothache Pain Relief

• Keep your head elevated.
• Cold compresses and ice water may ease the pain of some toothaches.
• Pressure may also ease the pain of some toothaches. 
• Clove oil is a traditional home remedy for toochaches.
  

Toothaches are one of the most common and arguably most painful body breakdowns inherent to the human condition. They can come on seemingly out of nowhere and transform what was a perfectly pleasant day into a pain wracked hell. If you're suffering from a tooth ache, try the relief techniques below.

Pain Relief Drugs

Aspirin is an effective pain reliever. Do not rub it on the tooth as this is ineffective as a pain relief technique but may lead to chemical burns on your gums. Instead, ingest it as per the manufacturer's directions.

Ibuprofen, found in products such as Motrin, Advil and Neurofen helps reduce painful swelling. Please be aware that ibuprofen is not suitable for people who are sensitive to NSAIDS and may

Codeine is normally strictly regulated as the body metabolizes some of it into morphine, which is highly addictive. Codeine is a member of the opoid family and as such can become addictive. Generally speaking however, codeine will not be addictive if taken as directed by the prescribing doctor and if usage does not continue beyond a few days at a time.

Acetaminophen (Panadol or Tylenol) Depending on the type of pain, acetaminophen may do nothing at all, or it may be a life saver. Be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage as acetaminophen can cause liver damage if intake is not carefully regulated.

Codeine and Acetaminophen can be used together and together are more effective than either used separately. The normal dosage for an adult is 30mg of codeine and 1000 mg of aspirin every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 4 doses total in 24 hours.

Antibiotics

If you have an toothache that painkillers just cannot touch, it is probably because you have a raging infection which requires treatment. Infections can be accompanied by swelling and redness, or they may simply be represented by the unabated pain.

Amoxicillin is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for toothaches, normally taken in 500 mg doses every 8 hours for around 5 days. It is important to finish the course of antibiotics even if you feel better as the dregs of the infection may remain and either flare up again, or worse still, mutate into a strain unaffected by the antibiotic.

Dental Treatment

Of course, at the end of the day, most tooth aches will require treatment from a dentist. Extractions, fillings and root canals are all standard measures taken to remedy tooth infections. Even if the pain stops, you will eventually need to see the dentist as the cessation of pain normally simply means that the nerve has died, but the infection continues. In rare, extreme cases, tooth infections can lead to breathing difficulties and death, so it is essential that one seek treatment.