|
| |
The usual culprit in the toothache scenario is enclosed infection, or an abscess.
There is a limited amount the patient may do at this point. The key is to
treat the condition before it gets this severe by paying attention to other
warning signs (pain on chewing, strong temperature sensitivity, or mild swelling).
 | Over the Counter ("OTC") medications: most OTC pain
medications will help, but none will completely relieve the pain (also true of most
prescription medications). The best in my experience is ketoprofen (Orudis, etc)
12.5mg, which may be taken in a double dosage. For those sensitive to aspirin or
similar medications, acetaminophen is still the best choice. If the pain seems to be
in the gum tissue, a benzocaine preparation is best (Orajel, etc). Our suggestion is
to avoid the caustic preparations such as Anbesol and Red Cross Toothache Drops, as these
cause severe tissue irritation which may increase the pain later. |
| Heat/Cold Application: by applying an icebag or heat source to the
outside of the face over the offending tooth, it will sometimes alter the pain sensation.
This should be limited unless the patient has been advised exactly how to apply the
thermal treatment. For example, cold therapy may make swelling worse in cases of
severe infection. |
| Alternative Therapy: some remedies for toothaches come from a source
other than modern Western healthcare. The most effective I have found is the
"Haiku Point" pressure method. This involves a form of accupressure at a
point just to the finger direction of the joints of the thumb and forefinger on the hand opposite
the painful tooth. Holding pressure in this spot for a long period of time may
help. |
| DON"T'S: there are some remedies which should never be used
for tooth pain. We have had every one of these used by patients in the past, and
often with major complications. Do not apply aspirin to the gum tissue, it will burn
tissue severely with acid. Any improvement will be from the aspirin. Rinsing
with whiskey, kerosene, gasoline, campho-phenique, or any other strong chemical will also
burn tissue,and is toxic. Brainstorm - don't put anything in your mouth which is
labeled for external use only! |
|
