Dental diseases are known to cause pain. At one point or another, you might suffer from a toothache. One sure thing is that the pain you experience is excruciating. Then the first thing you would definitely want to do is to get treatment as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are many painkillers that can help you ease the pain. Read on and get to know the best painkiller for toothache.

Best Painkillers for Toothache

Toothaches are caused by a number of reasons like dental decay, broken or cracked tooth, abscess, inflamed tooth nerve, pericoronitis, sinusitis, acute gingivitis and so on. Treatment will depend on the cause of the pain and how serious the damage is. However, whatever the cause is, you will definitely need painkillers to relieve the pain.

In general, painkillers work by deceiving your brain that the pain is no longer there through your nerves, or by decreasing the inflammation. When you combine 2 types of painkillers together, you will definitely get the best results, but you should pick those that will not give you outrageous side effects. Below are some best painkillers for toothache.

1. Ibuprofen or Ketoprofen

This is the best painkiller for toothache that you can get over the counter, and it is an anti-inflammatory that contains no steroids. The common version is the ibuprofen, which is either found under many brand names or its generic version that is cheaper. Nurofen (UK), Motrin and Advil (US) are the most common brands. Ketoprofen is sold under several trade names or its real name. You can ask your pharmacist for ketoprofen. If you are asthmatic, however, you should not take it. Make sure you read the label for any other contradictions.

2. Aspirin

It is the most commonly used and best known salicylate, and it is also an anti-inflammatory and reduces fever. Aspirin can be considered the best painkiller for toothache, but if you are getting a tooth removed, it will reduce clotting or blood thinning. For this reason, it is not advisable to take aspirin after you have had your tooth removed or after surgery.

3. Acetaminophen/Paracetamol

Though they do not act on the inflammation, paracetamols will hinder transmission of pain messages to the brain. They work well for those who are not able to take aspirin. You can combine paracetamol with aspirin or any non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, i.e., NSAIDs. In this way, it will work well for toothaches. Though it is rare for toothaches, you can add opioid to your dose of paracetamol and/or NSAID.Generally, a dose of 400-500mg is enough for a toothache, but it can go up to 1000mg. However, you should note that excessive use of paracetamols can lead to liver damage, more so when it is combined with two or three painkillers.

4. Over-the-Counter Gels, Pastes or Luquids

OTC dental anesthetic gels, pastes or liquids like Orajel, DenTek Stix and Anbesol can also be helpful. These products have received positive reviews for reliving toothaches. The only problem there is with such products is that the pain is alleviated only for a short period of time.

5. Opioid

This is a narcotic that is extracted from opium and is very strong. An example of this kind of product is morphine. The more you use, the more the pain disappears, but it comes with a set of dangerous side effects. For this reason, they are used for only a short period of time. For dental problem, they are rarely used.

Apart from the drugs that have been mentioned above here is a list of 20 best painkillers for toothaches. Be sure to read the side effects and contradictions on the leaflets.

5 Best Natural Painkillers for Toothache

When you get a toothache, consult your dentist so that you can know the root cause of the pain and find the best painkiller for it. But in the meantime, you can try these natural but temporary toothache relief methods for the pain.

1. Salt and Pepper

When you have an extremely sensitive tooth, salt and pepper can help as they contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and painkilling properties. Just mix salt and pepper in equal proportions and add drops of water to form a paste. Apply on the affected tooth and let it rest for a while.

2. Garlic

Garlic can serve as a painkiller for toothache. It is an antibiotic and contains other medical properties. You can use garlic powder or crush a clove with black pepper or salt, and then apply it on the affected area. You can also chew a clove or two to help reduce the pain.

3. Cloves

Cloves contain anesthetic, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it possible to relieve toothache and combat infections. You can mix clove oil with water, then use it as a mouth wash, or soak cotton wool in clove oil and then rub on the affected tooth. You can also grind cloves, mix them with vegetable or olive oil and apply it on the affected tooth.

4. Onion

Onions contain antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities that help control tooth pain. It kills the germs and relieves you of the pain. When you experience pain, chew an onion. If you are not able to, place it on the ailing tooth.

5. Warm Salty Water

A mixture of warm water and half a spoon of salt will help relieve a toothache. Rinse your mouth with the mixture and any inflammation or swelling will reduce. If there is presence of bacteria or germs, they will also be killed.