A toothache can put an individual in a distressing state since it can affect his/her daily routine at home or at work. There are measures that can be used to alleviate the discomfort including pain-relief gels.
These pain-relief gels are topical anesthetics with numbing effects. Unlike ibuprofen, acetaminophen and other pain medications that take up to 30 minutes to work, the pain-relief gels provide rapid relief for a toothache. It is important that you aware of the effects and restrictions of the gels for tooth pain to get the most out of the product.
Ingredients in pain-relief gels
Most of the pain-relief gels for toothache in the market contain the active ingredient benzocaine while others include other components such as clove or eucalyptus oil that also generate minimal numbing effects.
The inactive constituents that are commonly used in pain-relief gels include coloring agents, polyethylene glycol, flavor additives and glycerin.
How pain-relief gels work
Benzocaine works by preventing sodium from entering the nerve endings, thus stopping the pain sensations from being transmitted to the central nervous system. The ingredient alleviates a toothache in most cases and has low risk for side effects.
The effects of benzocaine and other gels usually occur within 3-5 minutes, unlike with the systemic pain medications that take 30 minutes to work. Relief from the pain can last for 2-4 hours depending on the strength of the medication and severity of the toothache.
Potential side effects
If used as directed, benzocaine and other pain-relief gels for toothache are unlikely to trigger side effects. The highest risk linked with benzocaine includes swallowing more than the normal amount used for pain relief.
One way to prevent swallowing is to follow the directions and avoid drinking or eating for an hour after applying the medication. It is vital to seek medical care if substantial amounts of benzocaine are ingested. In case of exposure to the eyes, rinse the affected area using cool running water.
In rare circumstances, an allergic reaction to the gel can occur. The symptoms include hives, swollen face or throat and difficulty breathing. Without prompt treatment, the reactions can be fatal. Individuals who have known allergies to the ingredients in pain-relief gels should avoid the product.
Dosage
Ensure the safe use of the pain-relief gels for toothache by carefully following the dosage instructions on the packaging. The individual should wash hands using water and soap before application. Use a clean fingertip or cotton swab to apply the gel on the affected area.
The individual should avoid drinking or eating for an hour after the application of the gel and do not exceed the daily limits for re-application.
Considerations to bear in mind
Even though effective in managing mild to moderate cases of toothache, the pain-relief gels do not treat the underlying cause. In some circumstances, the toothache can indicate a serious condition such as an abscess or tooth decay.
If the individual experiences an increase in his/her heartbeat, dizziness, severe allergy symptoms or indications of infection while using the gels, stop use and seek medical care as soon as possible.