There’s nothing more painful than a toothache (except maybe childbirth!). It can come on without warning and knock you right off your feet. If you’ve ever had one, you know what I mean. While the best thing to do is get to a dentist immediately, I understand that’s not always possible.
So, instead of trying “home remedies” here are some tried and true temporary toothache pain relief solutions that have worked really well for many of my patients through the years. You can find most of them right in your local pharmacy.
5 Ways to Relieve a Toothache
1. Warm Salt Water: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water for soothing relief.
2. Dent’s Toothache Gum: This nifty remedy has been around for decades, (and no, you don’t chew it!) You simply press a piece on the affected tooth and it can relieve your pain.
3. Ambesol: Their motto is “Dentist Strong so the Pain is Gone!” Apply to your gums for temporary relief.
4. Sensodyne Toothpaste: Rub continually on the affected tooth.
5. Advil, Motrin, Aleve, or Tylenol (as long as you aren’t allergic) will help with the pain. (I have discovered that taking 2-3 Advils and 1 Extra-Strength Tylenol together can be very effective in providing pain relief for toothaches.)
Remember, a toothache is a sign of a problem that won’t go away by itself. It can be caused by tooth decay (a cavity), an infection, or even a cracked tooth. Please see a dentist as soon as you can.
Feel Better!
Dr. Michael Sinkin is a general dentist in New York City. He loves being a dentist and is known throughout the city for taking wonderful care of his patients and for his wicked sense of humor. For more about Dr. Sinkin, contact the office here.
Jenn says
question will u get a lot of pain if 2 of your back teeth fall out
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Jenn,
Teeth generally don’t just fall out unless there has been a long-standing problem of bone loss due to periodontal disease. In the situation in which someone’s tooth is so loose that the only thing holding it in place is a weak connection to the adjoining gum tissue, then the tooth is actually more out than in. In such a situation, when the tooth finally becomes “liberated”, you will probably experience some pain.
Please seek out a dentist to evaluate your dental situation as soon as possible.
Good Luck,
Dr. Sinkin
Jared says
I’m at work I have a toothache, what do recommend I do for relief?
Michael Sinkin says
Jared,
Most dentists recommend taken Advil or extra strength Tylenol. Then call the dentist for an appointment! Hope you feel better soon.
Dr. Sinkin
MIke says
I have a question, I am currently 46, and about 2 years ago, I had a baby tooth removed. All was fine until yesterday. There feels like a tooth coming through the gum line, and is really painful.
Is it possible that my adult tooth is coming out now, since the baby tooth is gone, or it it more likely a piece of bone? All I know is that it is very painful full if I’m laying down.
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Mike,
Unfortunately, you did not indicate which tooth was removed; so, I am going to assume it was one of your baby molars. It’s possible you’re feeling a fragment of the tooth’s root that was left behind when the tooth came out. A deciduous (baby) molar has thin roots that normally resorb as the permanent tooth makes ready to erupt (generally around the age of 11 or 12). The adult tooth is commonly missing and the resorption and loss of the baby tooth is delayed or entirely interrupted. I suspect that your permanent tooth is missing and your baby tooth’s roots began to dissolve leading to looseness and the need for extraction. It is possible that what feels like bone emerging from your gum is a remnant of the baby tooth. I suggest you visit your dentist to evaluate. You may have a localized infection so make a dental appointment.
Good luck and feel better.
Dr. Sinkin
P.S. without actually examining you I am only able to surmise what your actual problem is.
Jamie says
I want to go to the hospital its almost 3 am tooth pain but everyone has been bashing real pain medication they probably won’t give me any. If I stand up it sort of goes away then sit or even worse lay down it comes throbbing back. took all 4 advil Tablets two at the 7 11 store I went out for them sort of felt better lay down its back worse get up take third stand for a wile relief lay down hurts bad again take the 4th. Thats so bad doing that. Hurts top and bottom why ? I hope the enter e-mail auto fills I am just going to post this, Advil doesnt work when its bad took 4 of them damage my stomach this is horrible.
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Jamie,
Clearly you need to see a dentist. Even stronger pain meds will only address the symptoms (pain), but not the cause. Relief upon standing suggests either a very inflamed nerve in a tooth (which hurts more lying down because of increased blood circulation to the area) or possibly a sinus infection that may be the result of an ailing upper back tooth. Lying down increases pressure in the sinus.
I would suggest keeping your head elevated with extra pillows and cold compresses to the problematic side.I know its the holidays, but you need to see someone ASAP.
Happy New Year! And best of luck.
Dr. Sinkin
Sanndy says
Hi, I had a root canal done 3 yrs ago. Everythings been going great until 2 nites ago. Now the tooth where I had thr root canal hurts so bad and the tooth behind it is rooten. My new insurance doesnt kick in until 1/1/2020. Ive tried orajel and Tylenol, can’t take motrion. Any suggestions. Im not sure if I cracked the root canal or what but it hurts.
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Sandy,
Yours is not an uncommon situation and I am sorry for your insurance predicament, but you need to see a dentist ASAP. Dental (as well as medical) emergencies often rear their heads at the most undesirable, unexpected, and often inconvenient times. That’s why they are called emergencies and they need to be addressed immediately. You may have cracked your tooth and/or developed an abscess (infection.) A fractured tooth is likely especially if the tooth wasn’t properly restored with a protective crown. The rotten tooth behind it may be contributing to your pain if you are wedging food and bacteria between the two causing a gum problem which can be quite painful.
My only suggestion that makes sense is for you to see a dentist and see if there is some palliative care he can offer to tide you over until your insurance kicks in. Explain your situation to your dentist…..January 1 is only a few weeks away and he may be able to offer first aid care that will give you relief and buy you the time until more definitive treatment can be performed.
Good luck and I hope everything works out for you. Wishing you a pain-free holiday.
Dr. Sinkin
Samatha Musgrove says
Hi my name is Samantha and I have a very sore tooth I don’t have any decay in this one but there is one in the back that is decaying will that radiate To the front it hurts really bad I have tried everything as taking Motrin about eight each time and I’m taking Tylenol extra about 6 each time I’m on methadone for Drug replacement and is only 45 mg I don’t know what else to do I don’t want to get it pulled
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Samantha,
I am so sorry about your dental crisis. You are taking far too much Motrin and Tylenol. In fact, you are exceeding the daily maximum dose of each -not good for your liver, kidneys, and stomach. At most, 2-3 Advil and 1 Tylenol taken together every 4-6 hours. Some tips for getting relief are here: https://michaelsinkindds.com/5-ways-to-get-relief-for-a-toothache/. You can also go to the pharmacy and get over-the-counter dental temporary filling material that contains eugenol. Just apply it directly into the cavity. You need to see a dentist ASAP before you develop an infection. And yes, your decayed tooth can be referring pain to another tooth.You need professional care, even if it’s just first aid to stabilize the problem and give you relief. Methadone can make you more resistant to pain meds. Try warm salt water rinsing and moist warm compresses to that side of your face.
Wishing you better times,
Dr. Sinkin
sarah says
hello, im sarah. im 14 years old and have toothache in my upper left tooth. its the tooth thats right next to the really sharp one. it hurts every single day and my dentist already told me i need a root canal. i cant get an appointment until the end of january/beginning of february. i dont want to deal with the pain any longer and no Ibuprofen or Tylenol works to make the pain go away. what will?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Sarah,
I am so sorry to hear of your suffering. I don’t understand why your dentist can’t see you right away to render some first-aid/pain relief to tide you over until the root canal. As a 14 year old, you are legally a minor and your parents or guardian must consent for your care. My suggestion is to get them involved and see what influence they can exert on the dental office to get you the care you need. If your dentist is not responsive, ask him/her for a referral to a root canal specialist (endodontist) or another dentist.
Good luck and feel better.
Dr. Sinkin.
Brittney says
I’m calling the dr first thing I’ve already been prescribed antibiotics by the Er but what can I do to tell with the pain?!? Nothing is working I’m pregnant so there’s not much I can do medication wise elevation isn’t helping icing doesn’t help I’ve tried absenol or however it’s spelled basically everything you can find on google I’ve tried. I just want to get some sleep 😩
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Brittney,
So sorry to hear of your suffering. Home remedies can only go so far. I am glad you are going to see a dentist – relief is on its way! Wishing you and your baby-to-be the best.
Dr. Sinkin
dandra reed says
I am having really bad tooth problem my back tooth is hurting really bad it hurts so bad that my ear hurts, I have been taking advil gels it is not working, I cannot get in a dentist until January.
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Dandra,
I empathise with your situation. I can only offer up a few suggestions that might help, but two weeks is a long time to hold off on needed care. I suspect that it is a lower tooth that is giving you the problem as lower teeth frequently refer pain to the ear. A therapeutic dose of Advil is 600-800mgs. every 6-8hours. Some of my patients feel relief if they take 500mgs of Tylenol at the same time. The two medications taken together offer much more effective pain control. But only try it if you are not allergic or have any side effects from Tylenol. Warm salt water rinsing may offer some relief and oil of cloves applied to your tooth may also help. You may find clove oil at a pharmacy with nutritional herbs and supplements or a health food store. Oil of cloves is also present in many dental temporary filling and cement materials offered in the dental section of your pharmacy. If you can’t find them, ask the pharmacist.
Also, try to avoid temperature extremes (such as really hot or cold drinks, ice cream, etc.). And avoid sweets because they may aggravate the situation. I know this is going to be tough during the holidays, but you’re mouth (and if you’re anything like me, your waistline) will thank you!
If you have a dentist but just can’t there anytime soon, I’d suggest calling them for some guidance.
Good luck,
Dr. Sinkin
liz says
So some top teeth of mine are rotten, and we had to wait a few weeks until I got referred and it turns out they gave us the WRONG PLACE and now my guardian has to re-schedule.
The rotten teeth HURT SO BAD and its making me cry, I already took painkillers but its not working and if I take anymore I’ll overdose.
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Liz,
I am so sorry for your suffering and I hope your guardian was able to get you an appointment very soon. When one’s teeth get to a such a serious state of deterioration, often professional dental care is the only means to get relief. Over-the-counter pain medication, and even prescription pain meds, have limitations….especially if there is an active infection or an acute pulpits (toothache stemming from the nerve of the tooth.)
Fro some patients, especially those who don’t have allergies, 600mgs of ibuprofen (advil) along with 500mg acetametaphen (Tylenol) every 4-6 hours cab be effective. But don’t try this without checking with your guardian first. Also warm salt water rinsing (Not too hot) and Sensodyne toothpaste can help. Some of the home remedies I offer also can help. Again make sure your guardian is included in your decision making. Feel better and good luck.
Dr. Sinkin
Alexus ponce says
There’s a hole in my tooth and every time I eat on my left side of my mouth it’s hurts painfully… painful where it sometimes make my head hurts and right now it just hurts bad i’ve tried advile asprin salt water and some other pills and they are just not working at all … The salt water is just making it hurt more …. Its bringing tears to my eyes., I hold my cheak , and it just doesn’t work …. Please help me
…
Betsy says
Dear Alexus,
I’m sorry for your troubles. You were very clear about the nature of your problem…..you have a hole in your tooth. You need to see a dentist! Some of my patients find that DentTemp helps until they can get to my office. It is an over-the-counter temporary and medicated material that you place in the hole and it can calm the tooth down temporarily. But it’s crucial that you make a dentist appointment now because even if your pain subsides, the tooth damage will continue to escalate.
Good luck,
Dr. Sinkin
Emily says
Right now my tooth is a bit in pain,and I’m about to take advil.What if for some reason,it doesn’t heal?
Betsy says
Hi Emily, Tooth pain is ALWAYS a sign that something’s not right. Teeth don’t heal on their own. Please see a dentist as soon as possible. Dr. S.
Chasityb says
Dr. Sinkin after having 2 teeth extracted when I was pregnant for my now 5 year old I have been terrified of the dentist. That dentist did not give me antibiotics before pulling my infected teeth and it was excruciating. Being pregnant 5 out of 7 years and not taking the best care of my teeth, they need to come out. I went and had all my top teeth except 3 pulled. It is now 5 days later and I still have a pounding headache that just won’t stop, ear ache, and slightly sore gums. Ibuprofen even in small doses make my heart feel as if it is working overtime and I am 16 weeks pregnant so I refuse to take opioids. Is it common to have such a severe headache 5 days after extraction? Or should I be worried. TIA
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Chasityb,
OH my!
You have had a rough go of it and I am,sorry to hear of your suffering. IMy,first concern is for your health and the health of your baby.Have you seen your physician/obstetrician because the first thing that comes to mind is your blood pressure. You have been under a great deal of stress i.e., the oral surgery itself and the physical and emotional toll of losing so many teeth, being pregnant and having so many small children to care for, I can’t help but think that possibly high blood pressure might be the cause of your persistent headache.
Please see your physician ASAP and rule out this as a possible cause. I also wonder about possible infection and sinus involvement. Are you wearing a new denture? If not, the lack of teeth may be contributing to muscular pain (especially in the area of the temples) as can a new denture that needs to be refined and adjusted.
Were you advised to take TYLENOL? Were you given Antibiotics? So many possibilities. See your medical doctor first…check your blood pressure and find out what medications you can take for pain and possible infection. Then see your dentist and make sure your doctor and dentist speak to each other about you.
Please let me know what happens. Feel better.
Dr. Sinkin
Marina Solonenko says
Dr. Sinkin,
Thank you for answering. Today, in addition to aching, my upper jaw has grown swollen. Probably infection?? This doesn’t seem like somethingi can wait out. Should I trust a doctor abroad, or just cut my vacation tion short and come home? Spain isn’t a third world country, but im not confident about their healthcare, doc training, ect.
Thank-you so much again,
Marina
Marina Solonenko says
Hello,
I’m on vacation right now, and all my teeth on the upper jaw in the back started hurting. This happened pretty suddenly last night and was painful to the point I woke up. I looked in to this on the web and found that it could be due to sinuses (I do have a stuffed nose which I’ve been blowing a lot) or this problem could stem from something more serious, like an infection. Which is it? Should i bother to spend a lot of money to see a dentist, or should I wait a week and see if it disappears? I haven’t had any tooth pain befote this. Since I have no sure access to a dentist for at least 2weeks (I’m in Spain) how do I deal with the pain until I get home?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Marina,
Very unfortunate timing. I can’t make a diagnosis based on your description. However, anatomically the roots of one’s upper molars can often be situated within or closely adjoining the maxillary sinuses. In such cases a sinus infection can refer pain to the upper teeth and biting pressure placed on the teeth (clenching or eating) can illicit pain. Whether this is what’s going on in your situation, I cannot say. If no abatement of symptoms occurs, you will need to seek professional help so you can enjoy the rest of your vacation.
Good luck.
Dr. Sinkin
Lucette Bailey says
Dr. Sinkin,
I am 66yrs old and got a impacted wisdom tooth removed 11 days ago. The surgeon told me that the tooth was easy to remove and that everything went well. It was very painful for the first few days but the pain diminished towards the end of the first week than it flared up pretty badly a week after the surgery. The surgeon told me to go back and see him. He got rid of the infection, put in a bandage that tasted strongly like clove and the pain subsidized quite a bit. I went back yesterday ; he removed the bandage and the leftover stitches and told me there were no more infection and that it was healing great and to continue rinsing with salt water, he has also given me a serynge to rinse the hole after eating and twice a day and to take Advil for the pain. I have followed all the instructions to a T.
Last night I didn’t sleep at all. Once again it was very painful. The pain goes all the way from my gum to my ear and in the back of my neck. Which medication would be better to take for the pain Aleve or Advil ? How long should I expect it to hurt ? It has been two weeks now. How long before it is all healed ? Some people have told me that a nerve might have been touched and this is what’s causing me the pain. If that is the case, I am worried the pain might not go away.
Thank you in advance for your input.
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Lucette,
Sorry for your troubles, but what you describe could possibly be what is commonly described as a “dry socket” (localized osteitis). You make no mention of antibiotics, so I think perhaps the surgeon’s use of the word infection may have been more generic than diagnostic. A dry socket is not an infection. It’s causes are poorly understood and it’s occurrence does not mean that something was done wrong. Simply put, a dry socket is when the blood clot in the extraction sight does not form properly leaving exposed nerve endings which are exquisitely painful.
If this is what you have, then take comfort in knowing that this will pass but you need to talk to your surgeon to make sure. He or she will tell you what to take for the pain. Feel better.
Dr. Sinkin
Lucette Bailey says
Dr. Sinkin,
I am 66yrs old and got a impacted wisdom tooth removed 11 days ago. The surgeon told me that the tooth was easy to remove and that everything went well. It was very painful for the first few days but the pain diminished towards the end of the first week than it flared up pretty badly a week after the surgery. The surgeon told me to go back and see him. He got rid of the infection, put in a bandage that tasted strongly like clove and the pain subsidized quite a bit. I went back yesterday ; he removed the bandage and the leftover stitches and told me there were no more infection and that it was healing great and to continue rinsing with salt water, he has also given me a serynge to rinse the hole after eating and twice a day and to take Advil for the pain. I have followed all the instructions to a T.
Last night I didn’t sleep at all. Once again it was very painful. The pain goes all the way from my gum to my ear and in the back of my neck. Which medication would be better to take for the pain Aleve or Advil ? How long should I expect it to hurt ? How long before it is all healed ? Some people have told me that a nerve might have been touched and this is what’s causing me the pain. If that is the case, I am worried the pain might not go away.
Thank you in advance for your input.
JenniferLopez says
I have an abscesses tooth and have to decide if I want to pull it or have a root canal. Which one is better?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Jennifer,
Your question is an excellent one that is asked nearly every day by both patients and dentist’s alike. The answer in 2 words – it depends. Clearly, it is best (at least in principle) to save and keep one’s natural tooth as opposed to removing and replacing it. In the case of a tooth that is abcessed and in need of root canal, the real questions are: what is the prognosis of the health of the tooth after treatment (what is the likelihood of success)? How extensive is the infection/ how sound is the tooth (is the tooth badly broken down, is there extensive decay, does the tooth have healthy gums and supporting bone…)? After the root canal is complete, will the tooth need a post/core and crown?
The greatest cause of failure for a tooth treated with root canal is not properly restoring it which leada to fracture and extraction.
If you are unable to properly restore the tooth because of limited finances, for example, extraction might be the proper course of treatment. Here are the questions in this case: if the tooth is extracted, will it need to be replaced? If so, how will that be accomplished (permanent bridge, implant, etc.)? Has the tooth been previously treated with root canal? And if so, why did the first go around fail?
Bottom line is: you need to ask your dentist. All treatment options, likely outcomes and costs must be fully explained to you before proceeding with any treatment. Saving teeth is what dentists aspire to do, but preserving the patient’s dentiton (the arrangement of your teeth in your mouth). I hope you found this answer helpful.
Good luck!
Dr. Sinkin
Adrienne says
Hello Dr. Sinkin,
I have an INTENSE fear of the dentist, but recently put my big girl pants on and started routine visits to correct years of neglect. I have three children and my childrens’ needs came first — common story!! We have taken baby steps to correct some of the simpler problems and get me used to the chair and drills. I have one more small filling to go before deciding whether two of my teeth will be pulled or received root canals/crowns. Just yesterday, I started to experience some pain in/around one of those teeth AND on an upper tooth on the same side. This would be a wisdom tooth that he also has recommended I have pulled. The pain seems to happen when I breathe in so I suspect it is a result of cold/hot air hitting them. I would not say the pain is severe, but it did keep me up last night (or I allowed my anxiety to do that). I have sinus tachycardia and I am also breastfeeding a 7-month old. I want to keep up the momentum and take care of all of this, but I am now terrified!! I see the dentist tomorrow at noon to evaluate, but in the meantime, I’m so scared something could happen overnight and one of those horror stories about people waiting too long and losing their minds will happen to me. Is it safe to have teeth extracted/receive Novocaine (up until this point, I have received no Novocaine for any of my visits, at my request), and undergo these procedures while breastfeeding? And will I be alright waiting until tomorrow?? Thanks … wish you were in the area!
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Adrienne,
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to answer your questions until now.
I so empathize with your anxiety and salute you for your resolve. In as much as you have been seeing a dentist, he/she must be aware of your dental needs and would not let things get to a crisis situation. Since you are breastfeeding, Tylenol would be your safest choice for pain relief tonight (assuming you aren’t allergic to it).
Most dentists believe that local anesthetics can and should be used when you are being treated without concern about breastfeeding. If antibiotics or stronger pain medication is needed, consult your pediatrician if you are worried about which ones are least likely to pass into your breast milk.
Your sinus tachycardia may require some precautions in terms of which anesthetics to use, but your dentist should factor it in when delivering care to you. Anxiety and pain can trigger tachycardia, so your comfort is a must. Extracting a wisdom tooth doesn’t have to be a white knuckle experience.
I know you are scared but 21st century dentistry, including extractions and root canal, are not the horror show you envision. Your dentist will help you make the right choice.
Good luck and feel better.
Dr, Sinkin
Rebecca says
Thank you so much. When I came across your blog and you suggested the toothpaste I immediately went and bought a tube. It is a complete life saver. I couldn’t sleep and did nothing but cry. I highly suggest it. It burns for a second but the relief is worth it. I cannot wait to see my dentist Monday. Too bad you’re not closer, I’d definitely give you my business.
Looking forward to reading more of your blog post and once again, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
You rock!
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Rebecca,
I’m so glad you discovered my blog AND that I was able to help you in your time of need. Your feedback is much appreciated and motivates me to continue in kind.Be well.
Dr. Sinkin
Rebecca says
I’ve been using sensodyne toothpaste on a broken tooth that has been causing excruciating pain for two days. It has helped so much, my concern is the fluoride in it and acute fluoride poisoning. Is using the toothpaste safe or should I be concerned. (I can’t go to the dentist till monday.)
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Rebecca,
Do not worry! As long as you apply the Sensodyne topically in small pea-sized increments and do not consume cases of toothpaste at a time (or use it as a sandwich spread) you won’t ingest enough in four days to warrant concern about fluoride toxicity. In fact, toothpaste contains miniscule quantities of fluoride. Continue to use it to feel better. I’m glad to know you will see your dentist on Monday.
Best of luck!
Dr. Sinkin
Qbert says
Hi,
Last week my last bottom wisdom tooth starting hurting (it had a filling from 15 years ago). At one point at night time my tooth and my right jaw hurt so much I had trouble sleeping. Now one week later the pain has subsided but I am noticing muscle tension and stiffness around my ear and lower jaw and neck area, is this a sign of infection spreading down my neck? The toothache is barely bothering me but now but the neck pain is more of an issue . I can’t see a dentist until later this week but in the meantime I am taking Advil to relieve some pain. What’s your advice? Thanks in advance.
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Mr. Wung,
I believe that it is entirely possible that the pain in your neck and ear is “referred pain” from your tooth. Please try to see your dentist immediately. Hope you feel better soon.
Dr. Sinkin
danielle says
I have pain on the bottom left second to the last tooth. I had a filling that fell out about 4 yrs ago. I went to have it fixed and the dentist started the root canal before getting rid of the infection. After drilling my jaw swelled up to the point where i had to be hospitalized for a week. Now its bothering me again. I saw a dentist and he suggested a surgical extraction. What do you think ? I was told a root canal would be pointless because the tooth would just end up getting infected again down the road.
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Danielle,
How terrible! I don’t hear of many people ending up in a hospital for what would be considered routine dental care (and yes, root canal is considered routine.) I really can’t offer you much in the way of advice. I can’t help but wonder if you have some medical condition that would lead to such a dramatic infection requiring hospitalization. Also, if the tooth was the source of that infection, why wasn’t the treatment completed 4 years ago? There seems to be more to this than meets the eye.That said, I can’t imagine a tooth with a lost filling and an incomplete root canal from 4 years ago having a very good prognosis. Needing a surgical extraction suggests alot of lost and compromised tooth structure. I suggest you see an oral surgeon for an evaluation and probable extraction. I wouldn’t want you to end up in the hospital again. You may be able to have a dental implant to replace the tooth, once you have healed. Good luck.
Dr. Sinkin
Kristy Pederson says
Hi, I have a Vitamin D deficency thats causing severe hair loss and alot of my lower back teeth have broken at the gumline. Some split in half, the first tooth to break was a root canal that the dental school didnt cap. The master posts are sticking out. I havent had any serious discomfort until another part of a tooth broke 3 days ago, and the jagged edges have shredded the side of my tongue, salt water burns the broken tooth areas (i didnt have a sore tongue when I used warm salt water) and OTC pain relief last about 3 hours. I already take alot of OTC for migraines, and Im concerned about upping the dose to cope with this horrible pain. No swelling, no drainage, nothing yet. 2 weeks until my insurance kicks in, and I was thinking about going to the dentist to get an exam and xrays and pay cash….just to start….just to make sure no infection and if I need a 800mg motrin or something more, he can prescribe it. What can I do to chill out for this 2 weeks, without going to this cash pay dr…..or do you think I should just go to cash pay Dentist to be safe??
Michael Sinkin says
Dear James,
You have quite a bit of activity going on in your mouth. With a severe Vitamin D deficiency and exfoliating hair, I am concerned about your overall health and its implications on your dental state. Your broken teeth and multiple lost restorations have less to do with your systemic problems as they do with much needed dental care that seems to have been avoided for quite some time. I’m not making any judgments and perhaps there’s more to your story, but teeth don’t normally break at the gum-line because of a vitamin D deficiency. Certainly I am concerned about your periodontal (gum) health because vitamin D is critical for maintaining good bone homeostasis.
My suggestion is that you make haste to the dentist you plan on seeing when the insurance coverage kicks in. Let him evaluate the most immediate problem (2 weeks is a long time to wait considering the condition of your post baring tooth.) You don’t want to split the tooth or develop an infection. Explain to the dentist that you will be back in two weeks for a complete exam and x-rays but would like the current problem to be addressed in the mean time. Good luck.
Dr. Sinkin
angel wright says
Hi my name is ángel and ur blog helped me out alot. My problem is that my insurance dosnt Pau for dental visite and I have 4 wisdom Terry and 2 ole Root Canals that Ness to b pulled. Its been hurting now for over 2months and im getting to the point Where I just want to pull it my self. Ive tired everything from pills evn mixing them, jells,salt water that Sesma to hurt jus to swish around my mouth and nothing is working. The pills take affect for only 1hr. I cant sleep or nothing. Is there any other Medicine i can try? One that Sesma to work great? Ive found out that 100% Vanilla extract works but I got used to it.please help me.thanks alot.
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Angel,
I’m truly sorry to hear of the severity of your dental woes. Home remedies are intended to give relief from pain due to minor dental or oral maladies until they either resolve by themselves (as in the case of an apthous ulcer) or you can get to a dentist for proper evaluation and treatment. The problems you describe sound severe and no self-administered first aid is going to resolve them. YOU MUST SEE A DENTIST ASAP. I fear you are at risk of serious infection which could very well endanger your health. Severe oral infections can be life threatening. Ludwig’s angina is one example of an oral infection gone awry compromising one’s ability to breathe. Bacteria causing infection don’t care about it’s “victim’s ” insurance status. Please seek out professional care.
Jamie says
Thanks! I called the Dentist again to tell him my tooth was hurting he just said ohh its a nerve just come to my office. The last time I went my tooth was hurting he tapped on it 6 times and told me it was a nerve. He didn’t take a X-ray. He just gave me medicine for it. The next day it was swollen. It looked like a baseball was in my jaw. I called him and asked him why it was swollen he just told me to start taking 2 doses of my medicine. So I’m just thinking about going to another Dentist
Jamie says
Hi I’m Jamie Guthrie! I went to the Dentist to get my cavity fixed and the Dentist fixed it but it started hurting so I went back to him. He told me it was just a nerve! He gave me medicine for it! Then after all that it started hurting again! This is my 5 toothache this year idk what it could be! Please help me with things I can do for it! Thanks
Michael Sinkin says
Hi Jamie,
Thanks so much for reading my blog.
I’m sorry for your dental woes. 5 toothaches in a year?! Something sounds amiss. Have you had a thorough exam by your dentist and have been under treatment or have you been dealing with emergencies as they develop? If it’s the latter situation, you need to have a complete evaluation and treatment plan. It’s easier and more economical to prevent a crisis before it happens. If you have multiple problems and limited finances, there are ways to stabilize your teeth and stage your treatment over time to ma age costs. If you have been going for regular dental care and are having these problems, maybe a second opinion is a good idea. A tooth that hurts before and after treatment sounds like a situation that warrants further care-most likely root canal. Just the nerve? That’s what brought you to the dentist in the first place. It sounds to me that a change is in order.
Hope this was of some help. -Dr. Sinkin