October 17

Why won’t my toothache go away with painkillers?

Here’s the short answer to why your persistent toothache won’t go away with painkillers

Painkillers can only provide relief for toothaches when the body has a chance to heal itself, such as with minor injuries. However, if a toothache is caused by issues like decay, an infection, or a crack, painkillers won’t resolve the pain because they don’t treat the root cause. Some dental problems simply won’t go away on their own; they need direct treatment from a dentist. Persistent pain often means there’s an underlying issue that will continue to worsen without professional care.

And here’s a more detailed overview of persistent toothache

Toothaches can range from mildly annoying to excruciatingly painful, and they’re often one of the most common reasons people seek dental care. Many people try to manage tooth pain with over-the-counter painkillers, but what if the pain doesn’t go away? This article explores why a toothache may persist despite pain medication and why it’s important to seek professional dental treatment.

Understanding Tooth Pain

Tooth pain is usually a symptom of an underlying issue. While painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol can help reduce discomfort, they don’t address the root cause of the problem. A toothache that doesn’t improve with pain relief is your body’s way of signalling that something more serious may be going on.

[Check out this article on Wikipedia for a very detailed description of toothache]

Common Causes of Persistent Tooth Pain

1. Tooth Decay

What It Is: Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of toothaches. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the tooth’s enamel, leading to cavities. These cavities expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, causing pain.

Why Painkillers Don’t Work: Painkillers can reduce inflammation but cannot address the infection inside a decayed tooth. As the decay worsens, the pain may intensify, becoming resistant to basic pain relief.

2. Dental Infection or Abscess

What It Is: An abscessed tooth is a pocket of infection that can form at the tooth’s root or in the gums. Abscesses can cause sharp, throbbing pain and may be accompanied by swelling, fever, and a foul taste in the mouth.

Why Painkillers Don’t Work: Painkillers may offer temporary relief, but they won’t stop the infection. Infections require professional intervention, such as draining the abscess or performing a root canal to remove infected tissue. Without proper treatment, the infection may spread, leading to more serious health issues.

3. Tooth Fracture or Crack

What It Is: A cracked or fractured tooth can occur from injury, biting down on something hard, or grinding your teeth. Even small fractures can expose the nerves within the tooth, causing sharp pain, especially when chewing or exposed to hot or cold temperatures.

Why Painkillers Don’t Work: Painkillers cannot repair a cracked tooth. Depending on the severity of the fracture, you may need a filling, crown, or even a root canal. The pain will continue as long as the fracture remains untreated.

4. Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

What It Is: Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, which can cause gums to become inflamed, recede, or even bleed. In severe cases, it can damage the bone supporting the teeth, leading to toothaches.

Why Painkillers Don’t Work: Painkillers can reduce discomfort but don’t address the root cause of gum disease. Deep cleaning or scaling and root planning are often necessary to remove plaque and tartar build-up that contribute to infection.

5. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

What It Is: Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that haven’t fully erupted and are stuck under the gum or pushing against adjacent teeth. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection if left untreated.

Why Painkillers Don’t Work: Painkillers may mask the pain temporarily, but the discomfort will return if the wisdom teeth remain impacted. Extraction is often the best solution to relieve pain permanently and prevent future complications.

Symptoms That Painkillers Can’t Treat

Persistent tooth pain is often accompanied by other symptoms that indicate a more serious problem. Here are signs that painkillers alone won’t resolve:

Swelling: Swelling around the gums, jaw, or face often indicates an infection or abscess. Painkillers won’t reduce swelling caused by infection, and delaying treatment can worsen the situation.
Fever: A fever signals that your body is fighting an infection. If your toothache is accompanied by fever, it’s essential to seek immediate dental care, as this could indicate a spreading infection.
Pus or Bad Taste: Pus, a foul taste, or bad breath are symptoms of an abscess or advanced gum disease. Painkillers won’t stop the infection or remove the pus; only professional treatment can address these issues.
Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: Sensitivity that lingers even after the source (such as hot or cold food) is removed may indicate tooth decay, exposed roots, or cracked teeth that require dental attention.

Risks of Ignoring Persistent Toothache

Ignoring a toothache that doesn’t respond to painkillers can lead to severe health consequences. Here are a few risks associated with delaying dental treatment:

Spread of Infection: Untreated dental infections can spread to other areas of the body, such as the jaw, neck, or even the brain. In rare cases, a tooth infection can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Tooth Loss: Issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and abscesses can lead to the eventual loss of a tooth if untreated. Replacing a missing tooth with a bridge or implant is costly and time-consuming.
Bone Loss: Advanced gum disease and untreated abscesses can cause bone loss in the jaw, which can weaken the support for other teeth and affect facial structure.
Chronic Pain: Persistent toothache can lead to chronic pain, which can interfere with daily activities, eating, and sleeping, impacting overall quality of life.

What to Do If Painkillers Aren’t Working

If you find that painkillers aren’t alleviating your toothache, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

Book an Appointment: The first and most important step is to schedule a visit with one of our incredible emergency dentists and specialists. Only a professional can diagnose the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment.
Use Cold Compresses: For immediate relief, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can reduce swelling and numb the area slightly.
Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages: Until you can see your dentist, try to avoid foods and drinks that can aggravate the pain, such as very hot, cold, or sugary items.
Rinse with Warm Salt Water: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and may provide temporary relief.

Why Professional Treatment Is Essential

While painkillers can be helpful for short-term relief, they are not a cure for the underlying cause of a toothache. Here’s why giving us a call (if you’re in London) is essential:

Targeted Diagnosis: A dentist can identify the exact cause of your pain and create a treatment plan specific to your needs, whether it’s a filling, root canal, or extraction.
Preventing Further Damage: Early treatment prevents more serious damage to your teeth, gums, and overall health.
Permanent Relief: Unlike painkillers, which only mask pain temporarily, professional treatment addresses the root of the problem, offering permanent relief.

Conclusion: Don’t Rely Solely on Painkillers

If your toothache persists even with painkillers, it’s a strong sign that something more serious is going on. Painkillers can only do so much, and relying solely on them could mean delaying necessary dental care. Whether your toothache is due to decay, infection, or an impacted tooth, professional dental treatment in London can provide effective solutions that painkillers alone cannot offer.

A lingering toothache is not something to ignore, and seeking dental advice sooner rather than later can save you from prolonged pain, health risks, and expensive treatments. If you’re dealing with persistent tooth pain, make an appointment with a dental professional and get the relief and care your smile deserves.