Toothache and Immediate Treatment
A toothache is one of the most common and distressing types of pain. It can range from mild sensitivity to severe throbbing that disrupts daily activities. Toothaches are usually caused by dental decay, gum infection, cracked teeth, or dental abscesses.
Common Causes of Toothache:
- Dental cavities (tooth decay)
- Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
- Tooth fractures
- Dental abscess (infection)
- Impacted wisdom teeth
Immediate Treatment for Toothache:
While waiting to see a dentist, several immediate measures can help relieve the pain:
- Over-the-counter painkillers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can significantly reduce pain and inflammation.
- Cold compress: Applying an ice pack to the outside of the cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area.
- Saltwater rinse: Rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater helps cleanse the affected area and may provide temporary relief.
- Avoid certain foods: Stay away from very hot, cold, sugary, or hard foods that could aggravate the pain.
⚠️ Important: Temporary relief measures do not replace professional dental care. Persistent toothache often indicates an underlying issue that requires urgent treatment by a dentist.
At dr-abdurrahmanozturk clinic, we offer prompt and comprehensive dental services to diagnose and treat toothaches effectively, ensuring your comfort and oral health are restored as quickly as possible.
Understanding Toothache: Causes and Symptoms
At dr-abdurrahmanozturk clinic, we believe that understanding the different types of analgesics and their proper use is crucial to providing the best possible care for our patients. Whether you’re managing temporary pain after a procedure or dealing with chronic discomfort, here’s a concise guide to the most commonly used pain relievers, how they work, and their contraindications.
1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Analgesics
| Drug Name | Key Facts | Contraindications |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) | ● Irreversible COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor ● Inhibits platelet aggregation ● Antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory ● Classified as an NSAID |
● Peptic ulcers ● Kidney failure or liver disease ● Bleeding disorders ● Children (due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome) |
| Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) | ● Reversible COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor ● Antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory ● Maximum daily dose: 3200 mg |
● Peptic ulcers ● Kidney failure or liver disease ● Bleeding disorders |
| Naproxen (Aleve®) | ● Reversible COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor ● Antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory |
● Peptic ulcers ● Kidney failure or liver disease ● Bleeding disorders |
| Celecoxib (Celebrex®) | ● Selective COX-2 inhibitor ● NSAID ● May increase the risk of thrombosis |
● Kidney failure ● Allergy to sulfonamides |
| Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) | ● Exact mechanism of action is unknown ● Acts centrally in the nervous system ● Antipyretic and analgesic, but not anti-inflammatory ● Side effects may include hepatotoxicity ● Maximum daily dose: 4000 mg ● For liver disease patients: 2000 mg maximum daily dose |
● Patients with active liver disease or alcohol abuse
|
2. Opioids (DEA Schedule II)
| Drug Name | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Morphine | ● Naturally occurring opioid |
| Codeine | ● Naturally occurring opioid ● Prodrug converted to morphine in the liver ● About 0.1x as potent as morphine |
| Oxycodone | ● Semi-synthetic opioid ● 1.5x as potent as morphine |
| Fentanyl | ● Fully synthetic opioid ● 100x as potent as morphine |
| Methadone | ● Fully synthetic opioid ● Commonly used as a maintenance therapy for substance use disorders |
| Hydrocodone + Acetaminophen (Vicodin®) | ● Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid |
| Oxycodone + Acetaminophen (Percocet®) | ● Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid |
| Codeine + Acetaminophen | ● Tylenol® #1: 7.5 mg codeine + 300 mg acetaminophen ● Tylenol® #2: 15 mg codeine + 300 mg acetaminophen ● Tylenol® #3: 30 mg codeine + 300 mg acetaminophen ● Tylenol® #4: 60 mg codeine + 300 mg acetaminophen |
Important Note:
While these medications play a critical role in effective pain management, they must be used under careful medical supervision to prevent potential side effects and complications. At dr-abdurrahmanozturk clinic, we are committed to designing individualized treatment plans that ensure maximum safety and effectiveness based on the latest clinical protocols.
