Dental TipToothache Tips
Toothache Tips
- Take regular painkillers if you need them. Ibuprofen is the drug of choice for toothache as it is an anti-inflammatory drug as well and is generally very effective. Not everyone can tolerate it though so be careful if you take other medications or have health conditions that prevent you taking it. Take 400mg four times a day (preferably after food)
- Paracetamol is the other frequently used analgesia. Take 500mg four times daily – beware not to exceed the maximum dose of 4g in 24 hours
- If your toothache is severe you could take Ibuprofen regularly and then up to two hours later take Paracetamol 500mg four times a day
- A stronger form of both Ibuprofen and Paracetamol exists when codeine is added, Nurofen Plus and Dihydrocodeine are available from your pharmacy
- With any of these preparations if you are not sure if it is safe for you to take them PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHARMACIST.
- If a child has toothache then there are preparations of both Paracetamol and Nurofen available which have the maximum dose for each age group clearly stated on the bottles
- Don’t forget that good oral hygiene with fluoride toothpaste and reducing your intake of sugary foods will help delay any tooth decay getting worse.
A Little Reminder
Lastly a little reminder of a few things that will make the coming weeks kinder on your teeth and gums:
- Make sure you brush twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Ensure you don’t rinse out the toothpaste after brushing as it has much more of a beneficial effect if it is left on the teeth
- Clean in between your teeth EVERY day with either floss, TePes or other cleaning aids that you have been shown by your dentist or hygienist
- Reduce sugar intake in food or drink to just 4 times a day. Your teeth should be able to cope with that. Any more frequent and your risk of developing tooth decay increases dramatically. If you allow tooth decay to develop, it can lead to problems including toothache! The effect of any sugary food and drink on your teeth lasts for up to an hour so be careful and look out for hidden sugars
- Bleeding from your mouth when you brush your teeth is usually because your gums are inflamed – you need to try and determine where the bleeding is coming from and clean more in that area not less.
We hope that you find these tips helpful. Let’s hope that you don’t need to use any of them. If you do, don’t forget that we are on the other end of the phone to give you further advice on 01293 782772 where you will be directed to your dentist for a telephone consultation.
