What toothache medicine is effective for you?

Toothache discomfort can be treated with toothache medication. Toothache medication also consists of drugs that can be found in pharmacies and antibiotics that require a prescription from a doctor.

Various choices of toothache drugs in pharmacies

Most toothache medicines you can buy at the nearest pharmacy without needing to redeem a doctor's prescription. However, you should still consult your dentist first to find out which drug is most suitable for you.

Here are some toothache medication options that can be found in pharmacies:

1. 3% hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a liquid antiseptic that is often used as a mouthwash to kill bacteria and germs that cause tooth and gum problems, including canker sores and inflammation of the gums.

Simply dissolve hydrogen peroxide with water and then rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. After that immediately throw it away and rinse again with clean water. Remember, the hydrogen peroxide solution must be dissolved first because its pure form can injure the mouth and gums.

2. Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a class of drugs including NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Quoting the results of a study in the journal Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery, this drug can also help relieve toothache, especially for pain that occurs after removing a tooth.

Paracetamol works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the brain so that it can stop pain. Paracetamol can also reduce fever and relieve headaches that often arise due to toothaches.

This drug is available in Indonesia in various brands such as Panadol, Biogesic, Sumagesic, Bodrex, and so on.

Following is the paracetamol dosage for treating toothache:

• Adults: 1000 mg every 6-8 hours or 2 500 mg tablets taken every 4-6 hours.
• Children who are 12 or older: 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours or 1000 mg 3-4 times a day. Maximum daily dose: 4000 mg / day
• Children older than 6 months to 12 years: 10-15 mg / kg / dose every 4-6 hours as needed and do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours. Maximum total daily dose: 75 mg / kg / day not to exceed 3750 mg / day.

However, if you have allergies or serious liver problems, you are not recommended to take this paracetamol. Make sure you read the instructions on the packaging label first.

3. Ibuprofen

Just like paracetamol, ibuprofen is also classified as an NSAID which can be a way to treat toothaches and other comorbidities. However, avoid taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach as it will injure the stomach.

Ibuprofen as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is claimed to work well for toothaches because it can reduce inflammation problems. This is common when there is pain in your teeth.

Ibuprofen is a generic drug available in various brands, such as Brufen, Proris, Arfen, Advil, Motrin, and many more.

The dosage of ibuprofen for toothache is:

• Adults and teenagers: About 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours, depending on the need and the pain you feel. The highest dose limit is 3200 mg / day (if you get it by prescription).
• Children over 6 months: The dosage is adjusted for body weight. This dose is usually determined by your doctor, but is usually 10 mg / kg every 6-8 hours or 40 mg / kg per day. Giving ibuprofen to children should be under the supervision of a doctor.

This medication can have mild to severe side effects. Some of the mild side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, flatulence, nervousness, headache, ringing in the ears, and indigestion such as constipation or diarrhea.

Meanwhile, the side effects are quite serious to watch out for are chest pain, shortness of breath, black / bloody stools, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. If the pain is gone, stop using this drug immediately. Because, ibuprofen should not be consumed in the long term.

Make sure you always read the instructions for using the drug and the recommended dosage. If you experience side effects, stop using this drug immediately and contact your doctor.

4. Naproxen

Naproxen is a pain reliever drug that is also often used to treat toothaches. This toothache medicine is available in tablet form with a dosage of 220 mg. An example of a brand of naproxen is Xenifar.

The dosage of naproxen toothache medication are:

• Adults: 550 mg naproxen sodium taken once, followed by 550 mg naproxen sodium every 12 hours, or 275 mg (naproxen sodium) / 250 mg (naproxen) every 6-8 hours as needed.
• Children older than 2 years: 2.5-10 mg / kg / dose. The maximum daily dose is 10 mg / kg, given every 8 to 12 hours.

However, you should be aware of the side effects of this drug. Some of the common side effects that often occur when taking this medicine are stomach pain, light heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, headaches, itchy and red skin, and blurred vision.

If you are going to have surgery, including dental surgery, you should tell your doctor if you will be using this medicine. You also need to consult a doctor first if you have a history of kidney and liver disease, or are taking certain drugs related to vascular disease.

5. Benzocaine

Actually benzocaine is a local anesthetic drug that works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

There is also topical benzocaine which is useful for reducing pain or discomfort so that the skin or surface in the mouth becomes numb.

Reporting from Drugs.com, side effects that may arise due to the drug benzocaine include:

• Lips, nails, and palms turn bluish in color
• Dark urine
• It's hard to breathe
• Dizzy
• Headache
• High fever
• Nausea
• Pale skin
• Fast heart rate
• Sore throat
• An unusual wound
• Unusual fatigue
• Gag
• The condition gets worse, there is irritation, swelling, or the mouth area turns red

Not everyone experiences the side effects mentioned above. Consult with your doctor first, before using this type of drug.

6. Decongestants

Not only because of tooth decay, toothache can also be caused by other health conditions such as sinusitis. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with treating the infection as well as possible.

One way is to use decongestants such as nasal sprays, drops, or even in tablet form. This method can help relieve nasal congestion because the way it works is to limit blood flow to the sinus cavities so that the sinuses shrink.

However, if your sinuses have healed and you still have a toothache, see a doctor immediately for treatment.

Choice of toothache medication that is safe for pregnant women

Every pregnant woman who has a toothache is obliged to avoid NSAID painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen. The American Pregnancy Association has warned globally against using these drugs during pregnancy.

Research shows that consumption of aspirin and ibuprofen during pregnancy is associated with the risk of birth defects, problems with the heart and digestive system. In fact, using ibuprofen during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage.

Consumption of NSAID drugs during pregnancy is generally associated with closing the ductus arteriosus (vessels from the heart to the lungs), kidney poisoning in the fetus, and preventing labor.

Then, what drugs can be consumed by pregnant women? The following toothache medications are safe for pregnant women.

1. Paracetamol

Almost the same as other drugs that are taken during pregnancy, take paracetamol with the lowest dose and only for a short time.

2. Antibiotics

Antibiotics can be a toothache medicine that is safe for pregnant women to take. Because, this type of drug is a common thing that doctors give during pregnancy.

Here are some types of antibiotics that are classified as safe as toothache medications for pregnant women, such as:

• Penicillin
• Erythromycin
• Clindamycin

If an antibiotic has been prescribed, take it until it runs out according to the dosage and the time period set by the doctor. Do not add, reduce, stop, or extend your dose without your doctor knowing.

Antibiotic toothache medication from a doctor's prescription

If taking regular toothache medication doesn't work, you may want to try antibiotics to treat your toothache. However, your doctor will only prescribe antibiotics if your toothache is caused by an infection. Signs of infection in the teeth are swollen gums that are inflamed and a pocket of pus (abscess) appears.

Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. In general, antibiotics work against, slow down, and kill the growth of bad bacteria in the body.

These drugs are divided into several groups that have different ways of working to fight infection-causing bacteria. What are the most commonly prescribed antibiotic options for toothaches?

1. Amoxicillin

One of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics to treat toothache or infection is amoxicillin. Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin group. These drugs work to kill infection-causing bacteria in the body or prevent their growth.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to penicillin or other types of drugs.

2. Metronidazole

Metronidazole belongs to the class of nitroimidazole antibiotics that are prescribed for certain classes of bacteria. This drug is sometimes given with penicillin class antibiotics to treat toothaches.

Antibiotics for toothache will work optimally if used regularly as recommended by a doctor. Therefore, take this medicine at the same time every day.

If you feel nauseous, you can take this medicine with food or a glass of milk. Do not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole because it can cause stomach problems.

3. Erythromycin

Erythromycin (erythromycin) can be prescribed by a doctor if you have an allergy to penicillin class antibiotics. This drug is included in the macrolide antibiotic class.

Just like other antibiotic drugs for toothaches, erythromycin works against and stops the growth of bacteria in the mouth that causes toothache.

This medicine should be taken before meals because it is easier to absorb when the stomach is empty.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the equivalent of the POM in Indonesia. Category B shows this drug is not a risk in several studies of pregnant women.

However, do not hesitate to consult a doctor to ensure the safety of taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

4. Clindamycin

If the penicillin or erythromycin class of antibiotics are not effective for treating your toothache, your doctor can prescribe clindamycin.

Clindamycin is a drug that belongs to the lincomycin antibiotic class. This drug is often used to treat acne. However, doctors can also prescribe this drug to treat toothaches. This drug is available in many forms, such as capsules, syrups, gels, and lotions.

Take this medicine with a measuring spoon that is available in the box packaging if your doctor prescribes this drug in syrup form. Avoid using regular tablespoons to take this medicine, huh!

Stop using this drug and see a doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects such as bloody diarrhea, yellowing of the eyes or skin, difficulty urinating, and severe allergic reactions.

5. Tetracycline

The antibiotic tetracycline can also be used to treat toothaches due to gum disease (periodontitis). This drug works optimally when taken on an empty stomach.

Take this medication until it runs out according to the consumption period your doctor has prescribed. Stopping medication without your doctor's permission can make your infection worse.

If you forget a dose and the time interval for taking the next drug is still long, take this medicine as soon as possible. However, when it is near the time of your next dose, you can skip the missed dose and return to your regular medication schedule.

6. Azithromycin

This type of antibiotic for toothache has a way of working that can fight various kinds of bacteria while stopping their growth. Azithromycin may be effective for treating some dental infections.

However, doctors usually will prescribe this type of drug when you have an allergy to penicillin and clindamycin type antibiotics. The dose of each azithromycin is 500 mg every 24 hours and should be taken for 3 consecutive days.

Not everyone needs antibiotics for toothaches

You shouldn't just take antibiotics to treat toothaches. Instead of getting better quickly, using inappropriate antibiotics will actually make your condition worse.

It is important to understand that not all oral and dental problems require antibiotic treatment. Generally, antibiotics are needed when:

• You show signs of gum or tooth infection. Includes high fever, swelling, inflammation, and an abscess appears in the problematic tooth.
• The infection has spread to other parts of the body.
• You have a weak immune system. Either because of age or have a certain medical history. For example cancer, AIDS / HIV, diabetes, and so on.

Make sure you tell your doctor about any medical history you have. One of them is if you have a history of allergies to certain types of antibiotics.

In addition, tell the doctor about any medications that are routinely taken every day, including vitamins, dietary supplements, prescription drugs from doctors, over-the-counter medicines, to herbal medicines.

Take antibiotics as directed by your doctor. In order for the medicine to work more optimally, take the medicine at the same time every day.

You should not add or reduce the dose of medication without your doctor's approval. So, don't stop taking antibiotics even though your symptoms have disappeared or your condition starts to improve.

It should be noted, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance. If you have this, the disease you are experiencing will be more difficult to treat. If you experience certain complaints, report it to your doctor immediately.