Does your tooth hurts when you bite down on something or if you experience a jolt of pain every time you sip a cold beverage?
If so, you may reach for over-the-counter pain relievers to help reduce pain.
Check your medicine cabinet and you may find Tylenol®, a rapid-relief medicine that works wonders for tooth-related pain.
Understanding Tooth Pain
A toothache is a pain sensation felt inside or around a tooth due to the nerves becoming inflamed or irritated.
Pain of the tooth can range in severity from mild to severe and can be caused by anything from simple food lodgement within the gums to deep cavities or infection.
Therefore, it is crucial that you understand the type of pain you’re in and if they are preventable.
Symptoms And Causes Of Toothache
Improper dental health and hygiene can play a fundamental role in causing pain to the affected tooth or teeth.
Some common causes of pain in the tooth are:
- Tooth decay;
- Cracked or broken teeth;
- Grinding teeth;
- Clenching teeth or jaws;
- Abscesses (pain and swelling of the tissues);
- Gum disease or infection;
- Damage to the tooth caused by trauma (like getting hit on the side of your face);
- Loose or fractured filling.
Introducing Acetaminophen
What is it?
Paracetamol, widely known in the U.S. as acetaminophen is a non-opiod drug best known for its analgesic (pain relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. It has been known to work best for toothache as it can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
It is the most common active drug ingredient used in the U.S. and is a primary active ingredient in Tylenol® products. It can be sold over the counter or as a prescription medicine (Tylenol® with codeine). In Europe and many parts of the world, it is also known as Paracetamol (Panadol.)
What is it used for?
It is a safe drug that is used to reduce fever and alleviate mild to moderate pain. You may use Tylenol if you have minor tooth-related pain, colds or flu, headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, backaches, menstrual cramps, and fevers.
How does it relieve your dental pain?
Acetaminophen works similarly to NSAIDs (another type of pain medication) by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins (pain-inducing hormone). As a result, you feel less pain and your fever also lowers.
Proper Usage and Dosage for Adults and Children
You should always take paracetamol-containing medicines as directed on the label or as prescribed. Overdose can be fatal.
Recommended dose for adults
These tablets usually come in 500 mg. The recommended dosage of acetaminophen for adults is 4g (8 of 500mg tablets) a day. You should take no more than 1000 mg at one time and no more than 4g in 24 hours.
Recommended dose for children
It is typically given based on the child’s weight and age and should be used as prescribed. The usual recommended dose of acetaminophen for children is 10 to 15 mg per kg of weight.
How to take Tylenol for dental pain relief?
Adult medications with acetaminophen come in many forms such as liquid gels, tablets, capsules, and dissolve packs. For children, they can be available in liquids, chewable, and dissolve packs.
Simply swallow tablets with a glass of water. Chew or dissolve rapidly dissolving tablets on your tongue with or without water. For chewables, you can chew them thoroughly before swallowing.
It is important to follow the instructions as directed by the manufacturer (for OTC) and as instructed by the doctor or pharmacist (for prescription).
Safety precautions and warnings
This drug usually does not have any side effects. However, you should refrain from taking this medicine if you have any of the following conditions:
- Liver disease: Do not take this medicine if you have ever had liver disease (cirrhosis) caused by alcoholism.
- Allergies: If you experience severe skin reactions like reddening, blisters, or hives, seek medical help right away.
- Breastfeeding: Paracetamol can pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before use if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Home remedies for Toothache Pain
If you’re looking for more natural ways to manage dental pain, you can practice any of these methods at home:
- Rinse your mouth with salt water for 30 seconds. For this, mix 1 tablespoon of salt into half a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Mix hydrogen peroxide and water in a 50/50 mix. Swish it in your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds. Be careful not to swallow it.
- Put a cold compress on the side of your face (on the side with the pain) for 20 minutes. Repeat every few hours for best results.
- Use a peppermint tea bag and put it inside your mouth on the area that hurts.
- Apply a few drops of thyme oil to a cotton ball and apply to the painful area. You can also use clove oil as a substitute.
- Apply topical ointments like Orajel to numb the aching area. Only adults and children over the age of 12 should use this.
- Floss around the affected tooth to remove food particles lodged under the gums.
- Avoid very hot or cold beverages or foods.
- Avoid foods that contain high levels of sugar or acid.
When to Seek Professional Help
Now that you know what can cause toothaches and how acetaminophen products can help relieve your pain, you should still consult your dentist or pharmacist before taking them.
These drugs can only offer temporary relief. You may still require dental procedures to get to the root of your problems. Make an appointment with your dentist or seek emergency dental care for your dental-related pain.
FAQs
What are some other over-the-counter pain medications?
Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)
Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They can help reduce pain and reduce inflammation related to tooth-related ailments.
Naproxen (Aleve)
Naproxen is another NSAID that is frequently used for treating tooth-related pain.
Aspirin (Easprin or Bayer)
Aspirin is an older NSAID drug that is an effective alternative to paracetamol for tooth-related pains and problems.
