Dental pain - pain relief suggestions please

[starfish4]

DH has had a painful tooth all week, he has been given an appointment on 18th Oct (NHS) and dental nurse said if it got bad before then, the would prescribe ABs in hope that helps. In the meantime, he's tried Codeine (prescribed to DD after an operation) which only takes the edge off it but make him feel awful, and he's also got two gum gels from the pharmacist this week. Also, he's bought some Cordosyl and is using Sensodyne.

He's woken up this morning and it feels even worse, he gave up trying to have breakfast and even his cup of tea. Dentist's answer machine referred him to 111, who can't do anything other than to tell him leave it seven days and contact his dentist.

Can anyone recommend anything that may help.

Paramol and ibuprofen are my go to for dental pain- got me through an abscess without feeling the need to chop my own head off!

Clove oil works well, give that a go.
Tooth pain is the worst

Has he tried paracetamol and ibuprofen? Your post doesn’t mention them.

Another vote for clove oil

Orajel - topical lidocaine, you can get it from Boots.

Thanks for your posts. The gels he's got contain Clove Oil and the other is Orajel. He thought codeine would hit the spot better than paracetamol and ibuprofen, but I've just told him it's got to be worth a try. I'm going past Boots later, so will also get the Clove Oil.

He's normally someone who battles through illness/pain (the last time I can remember him seeing a doctor was 15 years or so ago, other than a well man check up), so he must be in pain for him.

Yes try the paracetamol and ibuprofen combo. I usually take 1000mg paracetamol and 400mg ibuprofen at the same time, it usually takes all the pain away for a few hours. With my last flare up that’s what I did until I could get the antibiotics.

I hope you DH feels a lot better very very soon!

I saw something mentioned about rubbing the powder out of Benadryl capsules directly into the gums as it has a numbing effect. I bought some for DH but he never actually tried it. I'd see if you have an emergency dentist you can contact to get the antibiotics sooner rather than later.

If he suspects he has an abscess coming, warm (almost hot) salt water rinses will help draw it out. Alternating this with cold water should help relieve the pain a little. It is truly miserable, he has my sympathies.

Ice pack.

Paramol - it's dihydracodeine. Only thing that helps me cope with an abcess.

Buy it in a pharmacy.

Definitely clove oil ibuprofen and paracetamol combined, I found a warmed wheat bag or hot water bottle pressed against the painful area helped, if it's an abcess the pain will get worse when he lies down to sleep so propping himself up at night will help, I wouldn't wait for his appointment if it's that painful look up emergency dentists in your area. I hope he feels better soon dental pain is awful!

I am in same position until dentist appointment on Monday and agree with 1000 paracetamol and 400 Ibprofen. I also contacted my dentist who gave me antibiotic prescripton for Amoxocillin in case of abcess and this has definitely helped. He has all my sympathy as I could not concentrate on anything with the pain.

i put a whole clove in my mouth

Get the antibiotics. It was the only thing that helped me as it dealt with the problem, not the symptom. Nothing helps that degree of pain for long unless you get very serious painkillers.

Here in Scotland ( I'm a dentist) we have a policy/rule that registered patients to our practice must be seen within 24 hours if in pain. It's our duty of care. I would presume other parts of the UK were similar.
If the pain has got worse and he cannot function, phone 111 back and ask about their weekend emergency care facilities. Actually ask to be seen, and if not, why not?
The only reason an appointment would be refused of it was deemed a non emergency, such as a loose crown that wasn't painful, or a mildly sensitive tooth.
Explain again it's getting worse and insist that he is seen

Also it's unprofessional to prescribe antibiotics without actually assessing the patient first to confirm it's a spreading infection.
Giving antibiotics to tide someone over "just in case" is a huge part of why antibiotic resistance is becoming a seriously worrying issue

I've had the same sort of tooth pain since Monday, luckily I've got a dental appointment today. I've found a microwavable heat pad in a towel held against the painful area eases it somewhat plus ibuprofen for pain relief.
Anbesol gel on the tooth and gum gave me a blissful hour with no pain there whatsoever.

Paramol and ibuprofen. Sympathy to your husband, dental pain is the worst.

You need these

Get some hydrogen peroxide solution at boots and have him gargle with it. If it can get to the infection it will oxidise the bacteria and kill it so the swelling will go down and the pain subside. Amnesia teething liquid in the tiny bottle is good too. Completely numbs the area.

Turmeric paste (powder mixed with water) once helped when I had an abscess. Its messy but did work at easing off the pain. Apply to site of toothache. Also Myrrh essential oil works better for me than clove oil or indeed ibuprofen/paracetamol for dental pain.

@gurnnine in England there’s no rules about having to see patients in pain and unless they are in a course of treatment they are not officially registered

I would take 1000mg paracetamol and my doctor says for short term use I can up the dosage of ibuprofen to 600mg (they give out 600’s in Spain). DO NOT USE HEAT ON THE FACE like @Bullsh has advised. Heat can draw infection out into the facial tissue according to my dentist. Hot as you can stand water with salt swilled around every half hour and cold on the face if there is swelling.

Also stay propped up, sleep sitting up as much as possible.