What should I do if my tooth is inflamed and painful?

Jun 17, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My husband has developed tooth inflammation accompanied by pain. What should be done for a painful, inflamed tooth?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
When tooth inflammation causes pain, the following measures can be taken to relieve discomfort: 1. Ice application: Apply a cold compress by wrapping ice in a towel and placing it on the outside of the cheek corresponding to the painful tooth. Apply for 10–15 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and pain. 2. Oral hygiene: Rinse the mouth with saline solution to help remove food debris and bacteria, reducing irritation from inflammation. 3. Medication: If the pain is severe, take anti-inflammatory medications orally under a doctor's guidance, such as amoxicillin capsules or metronidazole tablets, to eliminate inflammation. Additionally, for intense pain, nonsteroidal analgesics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be taken to relieve discomfort. 4. Seek medical treatment: If the above measures fail to alleviate pain, or if other serious symptoms such as fever or swelling occur, seek prompt medical attention for professional treatment, such as root canal therapy. Immediate medical consultation is recommended if symptoms are severe or persistent.