Pain due to pulpitis: how to relieve pain before visiting the dentist?

Is it possible to tolerate toothache?

In case of short-term acute pain caused by sour or sweet food getting into the caries cavity, which goes away after rinsing and the irritant stops acting, a visit to the dentist can be postponed for a couple of days. This pain is typical for shallow caries and enamel erosion.

But it happens that the tooth hurts, and then it stops and the person does not seek medical help. In fact, the disease that provoked the appearance of unpleasant sensations becomes chronic, and the cessation of pain may indicate the death of the pulp, the transition of the pathological process beyond the boundaries of the tooth (asymptomatic process). Often the tooth subsequently has to be removed, and the inflammatory process spreads to other organs and tissues; in complex and advanced situations, conservative treatment is ineffective and surgical intervention is no longer possible.

Temporary relief of acute toothache is not a sign of recovery

Complications

By postponing an appointment with the dentist, you risk getting serious complications instead of one bad tooth:

• pulp necrosis – death and destruction of connective tissue cells filling the tooth cavity;
• periodontitis – after the death of the pulp, the process spreads beyond the tooth and inflammation of the tissues of the pulp chamber begins;
• abscess - a purulent process of the soft tissues of the oral cavity or the body of the jaw;
• phlegmon is a diffuse purulent process that spreads through the intercellular spaces of the soft tissues of the face, neck and chest.

When exactly do you need to see a doctor urgently?

A dental consultation is required if you have:

• pain does not go away within 24 hours (within 2 days if the pain appeared after removal, implantation, or surgical procedures);
• if pain of any intensity in the jaw is accompanied by fever and/or general malaise;
• an independent examination of the oral cavity revealed a gingival hood (redness, swelling of the gums) or purulent inflammation;
• the intensity of the pain syndrome gradually increases;
• bleeding gums and soreness.

Darkening of the tooth indicates destruction of its structure from the inside. Only a specialist can judge the true extent of the damage. The dental clinic “Yulistom” accepts patients seven days a week by appointment, and in case of acute toothache, emergency care is provided on the day of the call, we will accept you without a queue.

Why does a dead tooth hurt?

If you have a dead (pulpless) tooth immediately after the anesthetic wears off, this is normal. Pain of moderate to severe intensity can last from 1 to 4 days after removal of the nerve. Unpleasant symptoms can be relieved by taking a painkiller tablet. A competent doctor immediately warns the patient about possible pain and immediately recommends medications. As a rule, this is analgin, ibuprofen, ketorol.

Another reason is the severe stage of periodontitis, causing purulent tissue lesions. Painkillers help only temporarily, you will have to go to the doctor. But this situation also arises in the absence of hygiene and neglect of the disease.

In all other cases, pain in a dead tooth is a pathology caused by incomplete removal of the nerve, poor cleaning of the canals and errors associated with filling. It may manifest itself slightly when biting and pressing, or it may be an immediate shooting localized pain. In some cases, it occurs after a person is very cold or has a cold.

Important! There is only one way out - the sooner you get to the doctor, the better for you. To survive the time “before the doctor”, you can apply a cold object to your cheek. Tablets do not help much in this situation.

How to relieve acute toothache

To treat acute toothache at home, you can use the following groups of medications:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) – (Nimesil, Nise, Nimesulide, etc.). Can be taken no more than 2 times a day.
• Non-narcotic analgesics of central and peripheral action - (Analgin, Pentalgin, Paracetamol, Ketorol, Ketanov, etc.).
• Local anesthetics – (Lidocaine, Novocaine, etc.). They are considered the most powerful medicines for relieving toothache.

Tablets for acute toothache

The tablets quickly and for a relatively long time relieve acute toothache. Many such painkillers are available without a prescription and can be found in home medicine cabinets.

Nimesulide

Packaging of Nimesulide

Nimesulide is an NSAID, a subgroup of sulfonanilides. Has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic effect. Take with caution to persons with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

• How to take : 1 tablet after meals or dissolve the contents of 1 sachet in ½ glass of water, take after meals. No more than 2 times a day.
• Cost : from 40 rub. (10 tablets) and from 120 rub. (4 sachets).
• Manufacturer : Darnitsa, OZON Pharm, Akrikhin KhFK JSC, etc.
• Release form and dosage : tablets of 100 mg 10, 30 pcs. per package, granules for preparing a suspension 4, 10 and 30 bags of 2 g per package. For oral administration.
• Contraindications : allergic and other reactions to the drug in the past, inflammatory bowel diseases in the acute stage, concomitant use of other drugs from the NSAID group, a history of internal bleeding, blood clotting disorders, renal, hepatic, heart failure, children under 12 years of age, pregnancy and period lactation, intolerance to components.
• Dispensed : without a prescription.

Paracetamol

Packaging of Paracetamol

Paracetamol is an analgesic-antipyretic. Has an analgesic and antipyretic effect.

• How to take : 1 tablet after meals, no more than 4 times a day.
• Cost : from 10 rubles (10 tablets).
• Manufacturer : PFC Update, Pharmstandard-Leksredstva, etc.
• Release form and doses : tablets of 500 mg 10, 12, 20 pcs. packaged.
• Contraindications : allergic and other reactions to the drug in the past, intolerance to components, children under 6 years of age, acute renal, liver failure.
• Dispensed : without a prescription.

Analgin

Analgin packaging

Analgin is a peripherally acting analgesic-antipyretic, a pyrazolone derivative. Has an analgesic and antipyretic effect.

• How to take : 1 tablet after meals, no more than 2-3 times a day.
• Cost : from 50 rubles (10 tablets) and from 100 rubles. (10 ampoules).
• Manufacturer : RENEWAL, Update PFK JSC, Avexima Siberia LLC, etc.
• Release form and dosage : 500 mg tablets 10, 12, 20, 30, 50 pcs. per package, ampoules of 2 ml 10 pcs. packaging.
• Contraindications : history of allergic reactions and other reactions to the drug, individual intolerance, hematopoietic disorders, pregnancy and lactation, children under 15 years of age, depending on the age category and route of administration, acute renal, liver failure.
• Dispensed : without a prescription.

Ketorol

Ketorol packaging

Ketorol is a centrally acting analgesic-antipyretic, a derivative of pyrrolysine-carboxylic acid. Has analgesic and antipyretic effects.

• How to take : 1-2 tablets after meals, no more than 3-4 times a day.
• Price : from 30 rub. (20 tablets) and from 90 rub. (10 ampoules).
• Manufacturer : MAKIZ-PHARMA LLC, Dr. Reddy, with Laboratories LTD (India), etc.
• Release form and dosage : coated tablets of 10 mg, 20 pcs. per package, 1 ml ampoules 10 pcs. packaging.
• Contraindications : allergic reactions and other reactions to the drug in the past, intolerance to components, hematopoietic disorders, pregnancy and lactation period, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage, children under 16 years of age, depending on the route of administration and age category, acute hepatic, renal failure.
• Dispensed : by prescription.

What else helps with acute toothache

For attacks of severe acute pain, you can take other potent medications in the form of a topical powder or spray.

Nimesil

Nimesil sachets

Nimesil is an NSAID, a subgroup of sulfonamides. Has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic effect. Take with caution to persons with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

• How to take : dissolve the contents of 1 sachet in half a glass of water, take after meals. No more than 2 times a day.
• Cost : from 700 rub. (30 packages), from 300 rub. (9 sachets).
• Manufacturer : BERLIN-CHEMIE.
• Release form and dosage : granules for preparing a suspension. For oral use. Package contains 9, 30 bags of 2 g.
• Contraindications : allergic reactions and other reactions to the drug in the past, inflammatory bowel diseases in the acute stage, concomitant use of other drugs from the NSAID group, a history of internal bleeding, blood clotting disorders, renal, hepatic, heart failure, children under 12 years of age, pregnancy and lactation period, intolerance to components.
• Dispensed : without a prescription.

Lidocaine

Spray Lidocaine

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic.

• How to take : 1 dose = 1 spray, locally no more than 1-2 sprays, or moisten a swab in a spray solution or ampoule and place it in the carious cavity. For children under 2 years of age, treat pain ONLY with a tampon!
• Price : from 20 rubles (ampoules) and from 300 rubles. (spray).
• Manufacturer : Egis Pharmaceutical Plant (Hungary), Ellara, Pharmasintez, etc.
• Release form and dosage : spray 50 ml for topical use, ampoules of 2 ml 10 pcs. packaging.
• Contraindications : allergic reactions and other reactions to the drug in the past, severe bleeding, individual intolerance, hypotension, bradycardia, pregnancy and lactation period, pathologies of the cardiovascular system, children under 16 years of age, depending on the route of administration and age category, older adults 65 years old.
• Dispensed : by prescription.

What pills should you not take?

Any medications should be taken strictly according to the instructions. Uncontrolled use of drugs can lead to complications such as stomach ulcers, gastritis, disorders of the liver, kidneys, and hematopoietic system. Before taking medications, you need to check their expiration date.

IMPORTANT! Do not take antibiotics for acute toothache without a doctor's prescription! Self-medication is dangerous!

You should not take any painkillers before visiting a doctor, because the medicine will change your symptoms and make it difficult to make a correct diagnosis.

Do not take painkillers before seeing a doctor!

Unconventional ways to relieve pain

It will be possible to enhance the analgesic effect of drugs and alternative remedies through Japanese massage. Dentalgia will decrease or be eliminated if you do the following:

1. Massage vigorously the space between the nose and upper lip.
2. First, apply a little pressure on the earlobe, then run your fingers along the edge of the ear. Repeat several times.
3. Using light movements, massage the carotid artery located on the side of the problematic tooth.

To reduce dentalgia, regular chewing helps - use mint leaves, plantain leaves, and a piece of peeled ginger.

Treatment of acute toothache at home

It is undesirable to self-medicate and use traditional medicine methods to relieve even severe tooth pain, since they do more harm than good. The use of some techniques may cause complications. A striking example is the appearance of an abscess and phlegmon after the use of heat (“warming up” a sore spot) during an inflammatory process.

The best way out of the situation is to visit the dentist as soon as possible; as a last resort, take medication to relieve pain and then consult a doctor.

Some traditional methods that can be used:

• applying a cold compress to the cheek or a piece of ice to the sore tooth for a short time will somewhat reduce the pain (cold will constrict the blood vessels and slow down the rate of spread of inflammation). Be careful: do not allow cold to come into contact with the skin, especially for a long time, to avoid frostbite;
• rinsing with a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water effectively fights pathogenic microflora and helps remove plaque, softening it. For the same purpose, rinsing with a solution of chlorhexidine and miramistin is effective;
• An alcohol compress on the tooth cavity somewhat reduces pain for a short time due to its analgesic effect and disinfection. Place a piece of cotton wool soaked in alcohol or vodka inside the carious cavity;
• rinsing with a solution of soda (1 tsp per glass of water) and/or salt (1 tsp per glass of water) reduces swelling and nerve compression by reducing osmotic pressure in the tissues. Effective for discomfort caused by eating. Rinse for 5-10 minutes;
• rinsing with infusion of chamomile and sage reduces inflammation and swelling of the gums. 2 tbsp. pour 1 cup of boiling water over the herbs and leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm infusion 4-6 times a day.

What to do if only cold water helps with pain

At a certain stage of the disease (in particular, with gangrenous pulpitis), rinsing with cold water can help. Please note, under no circumstances is it icy. Rather, we are talking about water at room temperature, which is perceived by our body as cold.

It will not be possible to completely remove toothache, but it is quite possible to alleviate your condition a little. When cooled, tissue swelling decreases slightly and the feeling of fullness goes away. When heated, the pain occurs again, some feel it with a vengeance. Regular rinsing every 5-10 minutes will help you get to the doctor, but will not remove the cause.

It is not recommended to use ice water for such purposes, since with a large temperature difference, cracking of the enamel is possible. This effect is especially unfavorable in cases of hypersensitivity. You can try to apply any cold object to the cheek on the sore side, but, again, not for long, to avoid possible inflammation of the trigeminal nerve (and this is another and also not a very funny story).

Important! Do not heat your cheek on the sore side and do not rinse your mouth with hot water. It's not guaranteed to help, and it's sure to make things worse.

Acute toothache due to diseases

Pain syndrome can appear against the background of diseases. If left untreated, they will lead to complications. The most common diseases that cause pain:

1. Caries . With deep damage, acute pain appears when exposed to hot, cold food or water. Painful sensations when exposed to temperature indicate thinning of the wall of the caries cavity and the possible development of pulpitis.
2. Pulpitis . Severe acute pain often intensifies in the evening and at night, has a pulsating character without clear localization, radiating to the temple or ear.
3. Periodontitis . Acute pain when biting often indicates the development of this disease. Medications and folk remedies will not help with this pathology. Treatment will be long, labor-intensive and take place in several stages.
4. Flux or abscess . They are characterized by acute throbbing pain, indicating the development of a purulent process. There is swelling in the oral cavity; in severe cases, the cheek may be swollen.

Sometimes there are situations when the teeth are healthy, but continue to “hurt”. This is possible in the presence of pathological conditions not related to the oral cavity:

• Oncological diseases of the maxillofacial region . The pain is tingling, with possible numbness and muscle weakness.
• ENT diseases . The pain radiates to the back of the upper and lower jaw.
• Maxillofacial neuralgia .
• Pathologies of the cardiovascular system (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction). The pain radiates to the angle of the lower jaw on the left.
• Migrenous , cluster and other types of headaches . Acute paroxysmal pain in the upper jaw on one side, behind the orbit, is often provoked by drinking alcohol.
• Patology of the temporomandibular joint . The mouth does not open completely; when moving the jaw, clicking, creaking sounds are heard, pain in front of the tragus of the ear.

If false, radiating pain is detected, we refer the patient to the appropriate related specialist who, after examination, will determine further treatment tactics.

Vitamins for tooth enamel

Calcium is the main element of the skeletal system. However, the body does not fully absorb it: it is necessary to supplement calcium with vitamins D and E.

Acute toothache in pregnant women

Due to increased levels of acidity in the mouth and lack of nutrients, teeth are more susceptible to decay during pregnancy and lactation. But during such periods, when acute pain appears, it is extremely undesirable to take medications due to their toxic effects on the body of the fetus or child, including developmental defects. An urgent visit to a doctor is necessary to make a diagnosis and choose treatment tactics. To alleviate the painful condition, it is possible to use traditional methods of treatment.

IMPORTANT! St. John's wort herb should not be used due to its negative effect on the fetus and child!

When is it okay to use painkillers?

All situations in which it is permissible to combat painful symptoms with the help of NSAIDs can be divided into two large groups:

• recovery period after dental treatment;
• the time before visiting the dentist.

In the first case, you need to take the drug for as long as the doctor said. The dosage and frequency of its use cannot be exceeded. If the composition does not help, you need to consult a dentist about replacing it.

In the second case, a one-time use of an over-the-counter product is allowed. This can be done if it is not possible to get to a doctor today, and the destroyed unit aches very much. But constantly drinking analgesics or NSAIDs, postponing a visit to the dental center, is unacceptable.

Acute toothache in children

The cause of acute toothache in a child can be simply a reaction to sweet, sour, cold and hot foods, or pulpitis or caries. An urgent visit to a doctor is necessary. To alleviate the condition, you can give your child Paracetamol or Ibuprofen in a dosage corresponding to the age norm, or children's Nurofen. Taking other painkillers is highly undesirable due to the large number of side effects.

Acute toothache worsens at night

Children and pregnant women

During pregnancy and childhood, dentalgia occurs no less frequently than in representatives of other social groups. Considering the characteristics of both cases, the selection of an analgesic presents certain difficulties. The active components of painkillers are absorbed into the blood of the fetus - they can harm it, cause developmental defects, and fading.

The first dental problems are caused by the growth of teeth. The phenomenon is observed at the age of 4-6 months. For a child, the physiological process during which bone tissue cuts through the gums causes pain and stress. Then it is advisable to apply applications of gels or medicinal pastes to problem areas. They will reduce pain, relieve swelling, inflammation - the child will be able to calm down, fall asleep, and his appetite will normalize.

Acute pain in children occurs in response to a food particle entering the cavity of a carious tooth. A pulsating sensation occurs, which is often confused with inflammation of the ear. Dentalgia is also caused by food getting into a healthy tooth - the foreign body compresses and irritates the enamel. Feeling better is facilitated by the evacuation of the trapped substance - this is easier to achieve by rinsing the mouth. It is advisable to use a baking soda solution.

Dentalgia in pregnant women is treated with gels intended for children - so as not to harm the developing child in utero. They do not contain harmful components and are safe for the fetus. Particular care should be taken during pregnancy in the 1st and 3rd trimesters.

To normalize the well-being of children and expectant mothers, the following remedies are suitable:

• Clove oil.
• Liniment “Star” (the drug needs to be lubricated on the problematic gum).
• Herbal remedies – chamomile, calendula, sage. Use as a decoction for rinsing the mouth.
• It is permissible for children to take Nurofen (the manufacturer indicated the permissible dosage in the instructions).
• Rinse with a solution of baking soda and sea salt.

After you feel better from taking the above remedies, you should rush to the dentist to receive qualified medical care.

Prevention of acute toothache

To prevent the occurrence of acute toothache, preventive measures are required, and if the first signs of discomfort or visible changes in the appearance of the tooth or oral mucosa appear, you should consult a doctor.

Preventive measures include:

• brushing teeth twice a day;
• using dental floss, brush or irrigator;
• preventive visit to the dentist every six months. This will allow you to cure caries at the initial stage and prevent the development of complications;
• quitting smoking – tobacco smoke changes the biochemical composition of saliva and promotes the formation of dental plaque;
• refusal of sweet and soft foods: sugar is a substrate for feeding microorganisms, and when eating soft foods, natural teeth cleansing does not occur.

Following these simple rules and promptly contacting the doctors of our clinic will preserve your health and save your budget. After all, it is easier and more financially profitable to prevent a disease than to treat it later! And the question of how to relieve acute toothache will no longer arise.

How to strengthen tooth enamel

Fluoridation

Fluoridation is the most common and only proven effective way to strengthen enamel. It involves applying fluoride-containing compounds to the surface of the teeth.

Penetrating into tooth enamel, fluoride accelerates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, strengthening and restoring the tooth surface.
It happens like this: fluorine molecules combine with hydroxyapatite, forming hydroxyfluorapatite, a mineral that is resistant to acids. Learn more about the benefits of fluoride
For home care and caries prevention, you can use fluoride toothpastes. The most effective are those containing sodium fluoride and amino fluorides. The higher the fluoride content, the stronger the remineralizing property of the paste and the protection against caries.

The fluoride concentration in toothpaste is measured in ppm or percentage. If the tube says that it contains 900 ppm fluoride, then a kilogram of paste will contain 900 mg of this element.

Toothpastes with fluoride

Toothpaste CURAPROX Enzycal 1450

ApaCare Remineralizing Toothpaste

Colgate Elmex Toothpaste Caries Protection

Elgidium toothpaste Protection against caries

Nanohydroxyapatite

Medical nanohydroxyapatite is no different in composition from natural one. Thanks to this, it is easily integrated into the crystal lattice of enamel and solves the following problems.

• Seals microcracks.

• Reduces tooth sensitivity.

• Eliminates caries at the white spot stage.

Toothpastes with hydroxyapatite

Biorepair Total Protection toothpaste 75 ml

miradent mirasensitive hap+ toothpaste for sensitive teeth

Vivax toothpaste. Remineralization.

Dentissimo Complete care toothpaste Complete care

Amorphous calcium phosphate

When in contact with saliva and hydroxyapatite, this element forms a special biofilm on the surface of the teeth, which:

• protects enamel from the harmful effects of acids;

• ensures the connection of bioavailable calcium with enamel, accelerating its remineralization.

Important! Since the active substance is obtained from cow's milk casein, this method of strengthening enamel is not suitable for people with allergies to milk protein.

Gels and toothpastes with amorphous calcium phosphate

Tooth gel GC MI Paste Plus Mint

Tooth gel GC Tooth Mousse Strawberry

Toothpaste Apagard Premio 100 ml

Theobromine

This is the youngest, most innovative way to strengthen enamel using cocoa bean extract. Theobromine stimulates the formation of its own hydroxyapatite crystals in the enamel. Theobromine pastes are produced by Theodent brand.

The remedies listed above can be used at home to prevent and treat minor oral problems.

FAQ

1. Does it make sense to put a tablet on a tooth? No. Analgesics and NSAIDs in tablet form have a central and peripheral effect, reaching the site of application through the bloodstream.

2. What to do if you take a pill and the pain does not go away? How many tablets can I take? If the maximum permissible dose indicated in the instructions does not help, you should immediately consult a doctor.

3. What to do with acute toothache that appears at night? To relieve acute toothache at night, it is recommended to contact a 24-hour dental clinic. Of course, it will not be possible to carry out full treatment at night, but you will receive palliative care to relieve pain. In the absence of a 24-hour clinic, you need to take a minimum dose of pain medication, and be sure to consult a doctor in the morning.

4. What pills or folk remedies will cope with acute toothache faster? Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets and analgesics will help quickly cope with toothache (Analgin, Tempalgin, Nise, Baralgin). Traditional methods can only act as an aid to combat pain, but according to reviews, rinsing with a solution of soda and salt helps the most.

Remember that pain medications do not eliminate the cause of acute pain.
They relieve the symptom. To eliminate the cause of the pain, a visit to the doctor and proper treatment are necessary. Contact our specialists! Moscow metro station Zvezdnaya, Danube Avenue, 23

General recommendations for pain relief

The following tips will help relieve tooth pain:

• Do not concentrate on feeling unwell, try to distract your thoughts from it.
• Make sure that the disturbing part of the mouth is not clogged with food fragments. In addition to putting pressure on the inflamed area, pieces of food create a favorable environment for the life of pathogenic microflora. It is advisable to use a toothpick.
• The horizontal position aggravates the condition due to increased blood flow to the jaw. For dental problems, it is better to minimize bed rest (with the exception of high body temperature).
• Limit contact of food with the inflamed area of ​​the mouth. When chewing food, try to use the healthy side.
• It is equally important to abandon the idea of ​​using heat sources. High temperatures relieve discomfort for a short time. Heat can aggravate the inflammatory process if it is accompanied by the formation of a purulent focus.