The Pharmacy Care section is a sponsored resource, however, the sponsor has no influence over the content, which is editorially independent.
Pharmacy Care provides information about self-care, that is how to treat minor medical conditions with products available at the pharmacy. Find out how your pharmacist can help you to manage minor conditions yourself.
If you wish, myDr can notify you via email when this article is updated. Your notification settings can be changed at anytime by updating your member profile.
This feature can only be used when you register. Not a myDr member? Register now, it's free and takes only a minute!
Here you can increase the font to your preferred size. This setting will be saved temporarily, however if you are a registered member, this can be saved into your personalised profile.
Toothache is a common dental complaint. Pain may be felt in the affected tooth; however, in some people, the pain may feel like it is coming from your head, sinuses, jaw or ear. Most people describe the pain as throbbing and continuous. Sometimes pain and swelling in the jaw can be a sign of a tooth infection or abscess.
Toothache is usually caused by dental decay, which is in turn caused by acid-producing bacteria in your mouth. These acids break down sugars and attack tooth enamel. The corrosion of tooth enamel can mean exposure of the nerve endings in your teeth, which is why you feel pain. Toothache can also occur because of broken teeth, a lost filling, a recently restored tooth, or due to sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus cavities in the face).
Typically, you feel toothache when chewing and your teeth may be sensitive to hot or cold food. Depending on the severity, people may also develop bleeding around the tooth or gums. If pain improves, the nerve ending may have died. However, tooth decay does not go away and your tooth will continue decaying unless a dentist treats it. If pain intensifies or there is swelling, the tissues surrounding your tooth could be infected and require treatment.
Although good oral hygiene is important in preventing tooth decay, other reasons, such as hereditary factors and lack of saliva, can also cause it. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay because it neutralises acids and helps clear acids and bacteria from your mouth.
Regular dental check-ups can prevent dental decay and major dental surgery, such as root canal treatments.
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
if you have inflammation (redness), abscess or fever
if you feel generally unwell
if you have a swollen jaw or face
if you have an injury caused by trauma, such as a blow to the mouth
if you have other symptoms, such as dry eyes and dry mouth
if the person with tooth pain is elderly, or a child
if you take other medicines that cause a dry mouth
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as some medicines may not be suitable
Treatment Tips
Tips for healthy teeth and gums:
brush your teeth twice daily and gently brush your gums and tongue
fluoride in toothpaste and water can help prevent tooth decay
dental floss and interdental brushes help reduce tooth decay by removing food and plaque from between your teeth
mouthwashes containing antiseptics temporarily lower the number of bacteria in your saliva
people with sensitive teeth often have different reactions to toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth, and may have to try a number of products before they find one that suits them
use a soft toothbrush to prevent damaging your gums
chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production
limit sugary foods and drinks
do not smoke
visit a dentist regularly (every six months)
Treatment Options
use temporary pain relief until you visit a dentist
do not use aspirin for tooth pain as this can increase the risk of bleeding when your dentist treats you
always tell your dentist which pain reliever you have taken before they treat you
some pain relievers are not suitable for everyone; check with your pharmacist
apply a cold compress against the cheek to reduce swelling
avoid very hot or cold foods
Oral pain relievers (analgesics)
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g. paracetamol, packets of 24 or fewer (Panadol range)
[PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE]
e.g. diclofenac, stronger strengths (Voltaren 50 mg)
NSAIDs relieve pain and reduce inflammation (redness)
ibuprofen has been recommended for dental pain
paracetamol and NSAIDs can be used together as they work differently. They are usually given at different times; see your pharmacist for dosing advice
do not use aspirin for tooth pain as it can increase the risk of bleeding when your dentist treats you
NSAIDs are not suitable for everyone. Check with your pharmacist before taking NSAIDs if you:
have a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers or indigestion
have asthma; some people with asthma find their condition is made worse by these types of medicines
have kidney problems or a heart condition
take other medications (e.g. for blood pressure, arthritis or sports injuries; lithium or warfarin)
have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs
are pregnant or breastfeeding
are dehydrated
Sometimes NSAIDs can cause side effects. It is important to take these products with a glass of water and food to minimise heartburn. If you develop indigestion, or unusual or increased bleeding or bruising, stop taking them and talk to your pharmacist.
[PHARMACIST ONLY]
e.g. Fiorinal-Dental, Mersyndol, Panalgesic
these medicines are used for moderate pain and contain two or more ingredients that relieve pain in different ways
see the warnings above relating to individual ingredients, particularly for ibuprofen
codeine reduces perception of your pain by blocking pain signals from nerves in your body
products containing codeine may cause constipation
products containing a sedating antihistamine can make you drowsy; do not drive when taking them, and avoid alcohol. They may not be appropriate for people with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications
always follow the directions on the packet and do not take more than the recommended dose
This web site is intended for Australian residents and is not a sbstitute for independent professional advice. Information and interactions contained in ths Web site are for infomation purposes only and are not intended ot be used to diagnose,treat , cure or prevent any disease.Further , the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information available on this web site cannot be guaranteed. MIMS Australia Pty Ltd, its affiliates and their respective servants and agents do not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incured by use of or relance on the information made available via or throught myDr whether arising from negligence or otherwise.
See Privacy Policy and Disclaimer.
