What to Do When Painkillers Can't Soothe a Toothache

Imagine you wake up in the middle of the night, feeling a deep aching sensation in your teeth. You get up to take painkillers and hope that it will be enough to let you fall back asleep. Only the pain doesn't go away. 

This scenario is all too common. In fact, we often hear people say, "Painkillers aren't working for my toothache." 

So, what can you do? These tips will help you find relief. 

General Dentistry 101: Causes for Tooth Pain

Understanding the cause of the pain can help you to find relief. There are several reasons why you might experience an aching sensation in your teeth. These include the following: 

• Dental caries (tooth decay)
• Dental abscess 
• Pulpitis
• Cracked teeth
• Pericoronitis
• Periodontitis
• Pain from surrounding areas

Dental caries, for instance, are extremely common. Nearly 90% of adults between the ages of 20-64 have experienced dental decay. 

Some signs are easily identifiable, such as a chipped or cracked tooth. However, you may not recognize signs of pulpitis (an inflammation of the tooth pulp) or other dental problems that can cause sensitivity and pain. 

If you know what may be the cause behind your tooth pain, it might help your dentist treat you. For example, if you were in an accident and hurt your jaw or neck, it could be referred pain. 

Painkillers Aren't Working for My Toothache! 

Even if you know what causes toothaches, taking an OTC painkiller may not provide the relief you need. In this case, you should contact your dentist.

Scheduling an appointment with your dentist is the best way to fix the problem. They can extract a problem tooth, prevent infection, and help you find relief from the pain. 

However, what do you do if you can't get in to see the dentist right away? There are a few toothache remedies at home you can try. 

Try Combining Certain Medicines

If you take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) alone, it may not be enough to dull the pain. If you need stronger relief, you can combine acetaminophen and ibuprofen as long as you don't go over the recommended dose. 



It's best to try taking ibuprofen first to see if it helps. If not, you can take acetaminophen a few hours later. 

Keep in mind that some people experience stomach pain when combining these medications. Always take it slow at first and monitor your pain levels. If you're concerned about drug reactions or how to safely combine painkillers, you can contact your local dentist, pharmacist, or doctor for advice. 

Another common remedy is to use a cold compress to numb the pain and reduce swelling. This is often best used when combined with painkillers. 

Find Relief for Tooth Pain

"Help, painkillers aren't working for my toothache!" If this sounds like your situation, you can try these remedies for temporary toothache relief. 

Remember, you should always contact your dentist when experiencing tooth pain. They have the tools and expertise needed to help you get to the root of the problem. 

Are you looking for a dentist in Miami Beach, FL? Our team at Miami Beach Dental Solutions is here for you. Contact us to book an appointment for dental treatment and find the pain relief you deserve.