Toothache is one of the most intense pains you can experience. While you wait for a dentist appointment, some things help and others should be avoided. Here is the calm, sensible guide.

What to take to calm it (in preference order)

1. Ibuprofen : the best for dental pain

Ibuprofen (400 mg every 6-8 hours) is usually the most effective because it combines two effects :

  • Analgesic (calms pain).
  • Anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation often causing the pain).

Hence it typically works better than paracetamol for dental issues. Respect the dose and do not exceed 1200 mg per day without prescription.

Do not take ibuprofen if :

  • You have stomach ulcers.
  • You take blood thinners.
  • You are pregnant (consult first).
  • You have significant kidney or heart issues.

2. Paracetamol : the safe alternative

If you cannot take ibuprofen, paracetamol (1 g every 8 hours, max 3 g per day) is the safest alternative. Calms pain without acting on inflammation.

It can be combined with ibuprofen alternating every 4 hours if pain is very intense (provided no contraindication). This classic combination works better than each separately.

3. What NOT to take

  • Aspirin directly on the gum : burns the tissue. Dangerous myth.
  • Antibiotics on your own : do not relieve acute pain and need prescription.
  • Opioids without prescription.
  • Very concentrated “natural remedies” (pure essential oil on the gum, etc.) : can burn.

Helpful gestures (while waiting for the appointment)

Cold on the cheek

A cold compress or ice bag wrapped in cloth, applied to the cheek from outside, in 10-15 minute intervals every hour. Reduces inflammation and numbs the area.

Never heat. Heat worsens possible infection and can accelerate an abscess.

Warm salt water rinse

A teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Rinse gently. Mildly relieves and cleans the area.

Careful cleaning

If food is trapped between teeth (very frequent cause of pain), gently use floss to remove it. Normal brushing of the rest, avoiding the area if very sensitive.

Sleep with head elevated

Sleeping semi-upright (with an extra pillow) reduces blood pressure in the head and can relieve.

Avoid what makes it worse

  • Very cold or hot drinks.
  • Chewing on the sore side.
  • Lying flat.
  • Applying heat.

When toothache is a real EMERGENCY

Call emergency dental same day if :

  • Pain does not respond to standard painkillers and keeps you from sleeping.
  • Significant swelling of the face or gum.
  • Fever appears.
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
  • Pain started after a blow to the mouth.
  • You lost a tooth or fragment.

If symptoms are severe (breathing difficulty, high fever), go directly to hospital A&E.

The most frequent cause of toothache

By frequency :

  1. Deep cavity affecting the nerve.
  2. Pulp inflammation (pulpitis) from cavity or trauma.
  3. Dental abscess (pus accumulation).
  4. Advanced periodontal disease.
  5. Fractured tooth.
  6. Bruxism (teeth grinding) with referred pain.
  7. Sinusitis mistaken for dental pain.

Whatever the cause, painkiller relief is only temporary. The real treatment depends on diagnosis, and only a dentist can do it.

For travellers in Spain

If you are visiting Spain and develop toothache :

  • Spanish pharmacies (farmacias, green cross sign) sell ibuprofen 400 mg over the counter.
  • Look for an English-speaking dental clinic in tourist areas like Costa Blanca.
  • Travel insurance usually covers emergency dental relief (keep receipts).

How to avoid the next one

  • Dental check-up every 6-12 months.
  • Careful daily hygiene (brush + floss).
  • Address small cavities as they appear (much easier and cheaper than waiting).
  • Night guard if you grind your teeth.

Have toothache right now in Torrevieja ? We call you back in 15 minutes and give you an appointment the same day whenever possible.