Swollen gums, sensitive teeth, and throbbing pain in your jaw, that can come with a dull ache — these are some of the signs of toothache or tooth pain. There are various reasons why these happen in the first place, like cavities, gum disease, damaged dental fillings or crowns, and cracked teeth.
Toothache relief is crucial not just to address the discomfort these symptoms may bring, but also to reduce your risk for potential complications. You read that right — something as “mundane” as a toothache can actually lead to serious consequences, some of which may even be life-threatening.
Stay vigilant once your teeth start to hurt and try to implement toothache pain relief strategies immediately. This way, you can prevent the following complications often associated with toothache.
1. Tooth Infection
This is caused by the entry of bacteria into the pulp, or the nerve or soft tissue of the tooth. Previous dental procedures, injuries, cracks in the tooth, and even tooth decay are possible causes of a tooth infection.
If a tooth infection is left unaddressed, it can spread to other parts of the body and even cause life-threatening events like sepsis (body’s severe reaction to the infection), necrotizing fasciitis (death of soft tissue), osteomyelitis (infection of bone tissue), or endocarditis (inflammation of the endocardium or the lining of the heart).
Aside from tooth pain, some of the many signs of a tooth infection can include:
| Discomfort in the jawbone, ear, or neck (usually on the same side as tooth pain) | Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks | Worsened pain upon lying down |
| Swollen or tender lymph nodes | Swollen cheeks | Flushed skin |
| Dizziness or lightheadedness | Sweating | Chills |
| Darker-colored urine | Dehydration | Rapid heart rate and breathing |
| Fever | Headache | Fatigue |
| Vomiting | Diarrhea |
2. Tooth Abscess
This is characterized by the buildup of pus inside the teeth or gums. A dental abscess looks like a red and swollen bump or pimple. It often appears because of an untreated tooth infection, which can develop because of an unaddressed toothache.
A dental abscess starts when bacteria enter the pulp and infect it. The resulting infection spreads up to the tip of the tooth’s root. Over time, the said infection can also move to the surrounding bone and form an abscess.
If still untreated, the abscess can move toward the jawbone, the soft tissues of the face and/or neck, and even beyond. Even worse, be warned that a dental abscess can also progress toward the heart or brain, although cases like these are known to be quite rare.
At-risk groups for a tooth abscess include smokers; people who do not practice good dental hygiene; people with tooth decay or gum disease; teeth, gum, or mouth injuries; people with impacted teeth; or those undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Early warning signs of a dental abscess include:
- Intense tooth or gum pain
- Redness present inside the mouth or on the face or jaw
- Swollen face or jaw
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
- Difficulties in opening the mouth and chewing food
- Presence of bad taste in the mouth
- High temperature
If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of the mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
What’s the Best Pain Relief Method for Toothache?
It is crucial to nip these complications in the bud before they even attempt to appear. Start by practicing good dental hygiene habits like frequent brushing and flossing of teeth, reducing consumption of sweet food, and avoiding smoking altogether.
It is also important to find the right tooth pain relief methods, especially if it is too late to prevent this health problem in the first place.
If you feel pain where your teeth are supposed to be, consider
Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal®) with Bilis-Relief na Subok na and can work in as fast as 15 minutes.
Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal®) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that alters how the body responds to pain, swelling, and fever. The end result is relief from pain and inflammation.
Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal®) does not just help relieve tooth pain, but also assists in relieving:
- Cases of mild to moderate pain that includes headaches, postoperative pain (usually after childbirth or surgery), primary dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia due to dysfunctional causes
- Pain linked to musculoskeletal and joint disorders like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Make sure you have all the tools you need in case of a toothache, so you can ease your worries about related complications. Choose Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal®) for added relief against tooth-related and other various types of pain.
Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal®) is available online and in leading drugstores nationwide at a suggested retail price (SRP) of Php16.75 per tablet.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Reference Code: U0195P112124D
References:
Toothache: Symptoms, Causes & Remedies
Toothache Complications: Here's What Tooth Pain Can Lead To
