Toothache Help?

[Jml813]

Do you happen to have access to telemedicine? You might be able to get a script for an antibiotic through the MD. I would definitely be insisting to be seen by the dentist ASAP or find one that can get you in. Tooth pain is awful!

I agree with the clove oil suggestion. Also, you can try grinding up an aspirin and applying it to the area. The mouthwash that somebody else recommended above is also very good.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Rinse with salt water. Try to keep your mouth clean but don’t irritate the soft tissue by brushing too much though. If you’re still in a lot of pain for over 24 hours, request antibiotic which usually takes away the source of pain within 48 hrs. The dentist or your doctor can prescribe. Hope you feel better soon!

This is what I used when I had a bad toothache three weeks ago. Use very warm water and 1/2 tsp salt in 1/2 cup water. Swish in your mouth for a few minutes. Also, sleep as close to sitting up as possible. I got to see the dentist after about 5 days. She gave me a course of antibiotics which took all the pain away. Finished my last antibiotic almost 2 weeks ago. No pain yet!

 

[cdh]

I just had an abscessed tooth a couple of months ago. The dentist told me to take 3 ibuprofen and 2 Tylenol together. This combination was much better than either of the two taken alone. She was the second dentist to suggest this combination. She also prescribed amoxicillin (which helped within a couple of days).

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I (and my whole family) left a dentist for a reason like this - and it wasn’t even a pain issue; a filling had fallen out and I was worried the tooth would break. But it was during a rough time (my Mom was sick and hospitalized and I was trying to deal with that and working, etc.). It just seemed like she didn’t care (by one of her own responses to me), so I got a new dentist and never looked back. (I/we really love the new one! I can’t imagine him or them making me wait a week with a pain issue.)

I would start calling around to other dentists and see if they can see you - before the weekend. Just explain you are in severe pain. There is also Aspen Dental. An ER isn’t a bad idea if it gets really bad, there is always a dentist on call (depending on where you go, I’m talking the big hospitals) but preferably a local dentist office is better prepared to fix the entire problem.

You can try heat, and if it helps, hey. But if you have an infection in a small space like a tooth socket, it can cause the gas to expand and make it worse. Cold should have the opposite effect but this is theory, and in reality, it’s whatever makes it feel better. I think your best bet is ibuprofen, but pay attention to dosing and schedule. You don’t want to wind up with another problem from so much medication (either ibuprofen OR tylenol or both). I had it happen when I was in severe pain before a surgery I had, my liver values shot up from all the tylenol I had to take. (You can get a GI Bleed from too much ibuprofen.)

I am on your behalf that they won’t see you for a week. When you talk to them again, ask them if your dentist knows you’re in this much pain. Good luck, BSH!

 

[DisneyOma]

I've had great success using a baby aspirin (or regular one) directly on the tooth area. Just let it sit there until it dissolves.

 

[Cadiewampus]

I have used this in the past for temporary relief. Works well.

 

[cvjw]

I just had to get a crown. My dentist told me to use the warm salt water rinses multiple times per day. The warm salt water helps to heal your mouth. I would be doing that in addition to pain medication until I could see a dentist.

 

[mumto3girls]

I don’t have much to add—I have used the warm salt water after procedures and had great results with that. I have also had what I thought was a major tooth issue be just related to a cold —tooth roots are right up against my sinuses. I have never though had a dentist that wasn’t able to see me quickly so I am frustrated for you. That stinks. I hope you find some relief. A week is a long time to suffer.

Do you know if you have any dental schools near you? Ours has an emergency walk in clinic, but I live near Pitt Dental School and I realize that not everyone is so fortunate. I have not used them, but know people who have and the care has been excellent and the cost very affordable.

 

[gmi3804]

I juggle three balls, do a tap dance, and sing the Catalina Magdalena Lupensteiner Wallabeiner song.

 

[monsterkitty]

Make an appointment with your regular doctor. If the tooth is infected you need an antibiotic asap.

I would then find a new dentist. If they can't squeeze you in for an appointment for a severe tooth ache that is probably infected to cause the pain, I'm not sure I would trust them with other issues.

 

[jo-jo]

As it's on the upper jaw, you also might want to try stong decongestant/sinus pain meds, and also steam.

Sometimes an infection in the sinuses can cause wicked upper tooth pain. A few years back I had what I *thought* was a raging toothache, but the dentist pointed out that I'd had a root canal & crown done on that tooth. Turned out it was a sinus infection that was affecting my upper jaw.

Years ago, I had "tooth" pain, upper jaw. Terrible. Had xrays, saw dentist , saw dr, couldn't find anything. Dr gave meds, thought it was nerve pain, was being sent to specialist. The morning of the appointment, my lower jaw was swelling. Yes lower jaw. Turns out there is a three branch nerve in face. An infection in the tooth that had a root canal in years ago, triggered pain but I felt it in an upper branch of same nerve. So glad everyone was wrong, The meds I was starting to take wasn't nice a med. I wouldn't want the issue they thought I had.

 

[Kimkimba]

Clove oil is the best!

 

[disneyfanatic.60]

A dentist once recommended this to me for my daughter who was in considerable pain. 400 mg ibuprofen along with 1000 mg tylenol/tylenol PM.

It really does work and many people in my family have tried it and it works beautifully with no stomach upset. It worked so well, I kept the information stored at home.

 

[BlueStarryHat]

Okay, guys. I bought some clove oil-turns out RiteAid had it in stock. I rinsed my mouth with warm salt water, and applied it to where it hurts. I also took 3 ibuprofen and 2 Tylenol. Right now the pain has lessened so that I feel as if I can function. Called the dentist and was told the same as yesterday; they can't fit me in right now. They're dealing with other emergency patients. I should add that I just switched from a dentist that was terrible, and am basically happy with this new office. Also, these are the only two dentists in my area and this new office is very busy because of that. So I do get it although I don't like it.

Called my doctor's office and explained the situation. I'm waiting for a call back from the doctor himself, so hopefully I can get some relief soon.

Last night was awful, hardly any sleep. I'll repeat the medicine every six hours and the clove oil and salt water as needed. Thanks again for all the great suggestions and commiserations. It means a lot.

 

[Genie+]

Okay, guys. I bought some clove oil-turns out RiteAid had it in stock. I rinsed my mouth with warm salt water, and applied it to where it hurts. I also took 3 ibuprofen and 2 Tylenol. Right now the pain has lessened so that I feel as if I can function. Called the dentist and was told the same as yesterday; they can't fit me in right now. They're dealing with other emergency patients. I should add that I just switched from a dentist that was terrible, and am basically happy with this new office. Also, these are the only two dentists in my area and this new office is very busy because of that. So I do get it although I don't like it.

Called my doctor's office and explained the situation. I'm waiting for a call back from the doctor himself, so hopefully I can get some relief soon.

Last night was awful, hardly any sleep. I'll repeat the medicine every six hours and the clove oil and salt water as needed. Thanks again for all the great suggestions and commiserations. It means a lot.

Sending hugs Toothaches Can be awful.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Extra BlueStarryHat, please get yourself taken care of. Don't continue to be in pain! I truly pray your doctor can be of service to you today. I would suggest asking him for an emergency dentist recommendation. Often times physicians and dentists can be a great source for colleague or other healthcare recommendations. My last dentist, who I loved, (he sadly retired a couple years ago) was recommended by my church pastor and friend. Please get do get seen today! Know we all care

 

[megsters]

do you have pressure/pain when chewing or when having something SUPER cold?

do you have a local endodontist ?

my endo is my best friend for tooth pain.

unfortunately, we are on a first name basis

 

[Dan Murphy]

Okay, guys. I bought some clove oil-turns out RiteAid had it in stock. I rinsed my mouth with warm salt water, and applied it to where it hurts. I also took 3 ibuprofen and 2 Tylenol. Right now the pain has lessened so that I feel as if I can function. Called the dentist and was told the same as yesterday; they can't fit me in right now. They're dealing with other emergency patients. I should add that I just switched from a dentist that was terrible, and am basically happy with this new office. Also, these are the only two dentists in my area and this new office is very busy because of that. So I do get it although I don't like it.

Called my doctor's office and explained the situation. I'm waiting for a call back from the doctor himself, so hopefully I can get some relief soon.

Last night was awful, hardly any sleep. I'll repeat the medicine every six hours and the clove oil and salt water as needed. Thanks again for all the great suggestions and commiserations. It means a lot.

Continue to wish you welt, BSH. 's

 

[BlueStarryHat]

do you have pressure/pain when chewing or when having something SUPER cold?

do you have a local endodontist ?

my endo is my best friend for tooth pain.

unfortunately, we are on a first name basis

I don't have a local endodontist. I just looked and there's one in the next town over, but I'd need to see my dentist and get a referral first. Super cold foods have always bothered my teeth, yep. Ever since I was a kid. It's gotten worse lately, but I don't know that it's related to this.

Still waiting for the doctor to call me back. I smell like a spice cake from the clove oil, but it does seem to be helping.

 

[TheIncredibles!]

Not much OTC stuff will touch nerve pain. I specifically medicate for nerve pain and nothing I have touched the tooth I just had to have a root canal on. THANKFULLY the tooth died before I got in for my root canal so I had relief after several days.. LOL

It's brutal. Try mixing advil/tylenol every 4/6 hours like you would with a baby with a fever. It's the only way. FEEL BETTER!!!