What are the treatment options for a toothache?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am currently having sharp pain due to tooth cavities. I really want to go to a dentist, but my parents do not allow me to go until it stops hurting (like more than a day). They claim that the anesthesia would not work due to toothache. Is this true? My current medication include Salonpas (menthol patches). What cost-effective remedies can I have at home to ease cavity pain? Unless I get a concrete answer against their claim, they will not agree to send me to a dentist.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The toothache can be due to dental caries, gum infection, abscess, or tooth eruption. I advise you to take antibiotics and painkillers for three days and do saltwater gargling at night. Brush your teeth twice a day, but brush softly near the site of pain and avoid chewing from that side. Avoid hot and cold food. Follow this for three days, and the pain will reduce.

After this, you can take an X-ray and continue with the treatment. If the pain is tolerable and no swelling is visible extra orally, you can visit the dentist and continue with the treatment. In case of severe and intolerable pain, it is advised to take medicine for three days before starting with the procedure, but remember, the medicines are only a temporary solution to your toothache. The treatment of the teeth involves filling or root canal treatment. I advise you to take an intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPA) and consult me for further details.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.