Many families keep various types of medicine to treat minor injuries or illnesses at home, such as fever or cough. But in fact, over-the-counter medications for toothache are often forgotten. Even though toothache can be very annoying, because the pain can appear suddenly and is unbearable.
Toothache treatment depends on the specific cause. Toothache can be caused by dental conditions or unhealthy gum conditions. Instead of going to the dentist, we often prefer to use over-the-counter medicines for toothaches to relieve complaints of pain and swollen gums. The question is whether these types of over-the-counter medicines are effective in treating toothache?
Guide to Taking Over-the-counter Medicines for Toothache
There is nothing wrong with taking medicines that are usually sold freely in pharmacies, but still pay attention to the dosage and conditions listed on the package. In general, these drugs are only pain relief, not to treat the cause of toothache.
Below are toothache medications that are sold over the counter and can be obtained without a doctor's prescription:
- Paracetamol. This over-the-counter medication can be used to relieve toothache. Make sure to choose paracetamol specifically for children if you want to give it to your little one who has a toothache.
- Clove oil can be applied several times a day to relieve pain. Another way is to moisten a cotton swab with clove oil and bite it near the problem tooth. Be careful not to sleep with cotton still in your mouth.
- Hydrogen peroxide which is specially used as a mouthwash can also be used to relieve pain in teeth and gums. But remember, this mouthwash is only used as an external medicine and should not be swallowed.
Although it is easy to obtain, but to avoid risks, there are still signs that must be obeyed when taking over-the-counter medicines for toothache, namely:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), namely anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid can indeed be obtained at pharmacies. However, this drug should be consumed after consulting a doctor.
- Especially adults who have toothaches can apply benzocaine gel or mouthwash that can be obtained at pharmacies. But keep in mind that this drug is only appropriate for short-term use. This drug aims to provide immunity to the tooth from pain. However, it is recommended not to give this drug to children under 2 years of age.
- Avoid taking more than the dose written on the drug packaging. Exaggerating a fixed dose will not make the pain go away faster or take longer to reduce the pain.
- Always read the instructions for use on the packaging.
- Do not take drugs that have caused you an allergy.
- Pregnant and lactating women are not advised to take drugs other than paracetamol, unless prescribed by a doctor.
Toothache Treatment at Home
In addition to using over-the-counter medicines for toothache above, there are also ways to treat toothaches that can be done yourself at home, namely:
- Avoid drinks or foods that are too cold, too hot, or too sweet.
- Compress the cheek on the area of the sore tooth with ice wrapped in a towel or cotton cloth. However, avoid applying ice directly to the sore tooth or gum.
- Gargle with salt water. This method can be used to treat mild toothache.
The thing to remember is that over-the-counter pain relievers are often only needed to relieve the pain while waiting for a scheduled doctor's visit. See your dentist if the toothache doesn't go away after two days or if the toothache gets worse. Likewise, when a toothache is accompanied by a fever. Fever can be a sign of a serious infection.
In the end, whether you are taking prescription or over-the-counter toothache medications, it is important to consult your dentist first. This is especially important if you have a drug allergy, are taking other medications at the same time, or have certain medical conditions. After the examination, the doctor will prescribe the right toothache prescription medication for you.
