Toothache

Toothache&

OTC Products fortoothache pain relief

By: I-Kuan (Eric) Hsu

What causes toothache?

• Likely causes:– Dental cavities/abscess, gum disease, irritation of

tooth root, cracked tooth, impaction, eruption.• Less likely causes:– Temporomandibular disease, heart disease, inner

ear infection, sinus infections.

*Toothache not necessarily confined to tooth only!

Quick tooth anatomy & cavity

• The two exterior layers of the tooth (enamel/ dentin) are non-living.

• The pulp below is the living tissue with blood supply and nerves.

*Cavity caused by bacteria. Bac metabolism of sugars produce acid.

Most common pain relief med is…?

• 20% Benzocaine.– *-caine family of drugs (Lidocaine, Novocaine)– Local anesthetic

• Most OTC drugs use 20% benzocaine, but with one major difference – dosage form.

Liquids, Gels, Gums, Swabs, Pellets

• Main differences between each:

– Physical properties– Rate of onset/action– Duration of effect– Ease of use

*Gel vs Liquid?

Active Ingredient: 20% benzocaineForm: Liquid Cost: $7.99

Liquid, Gel, Gum

AI: 20% benzocaineForm: Gel Cost: $5.99

AI: 20% benzocaineForm: Gum Cost: $3.99(aka “medicated wax”)

AI: 20% benzocaineForm: Liquid Cost: $5.99

AI: 20% benzocaineForm: Gel Cost: $8.99

Other preparations

AI: 20% benzocaineForm: Gel Cost: $7.99

AI: 20% benzocaineForm: Liquid Cost: $7.49 AI: 85% Eugenol

Form: Pellet Cost: $6.99

Other brands obviously exists

• Differences with theCVS brand?

• Nobody knows,most likely nodifference at all.

AI: 20% benzocaineForm: Liquid Cost: $5.99

Pain relief is not treatment

• One thing is common across all toothache pain relief products:

“Warning: this preparation is intended for use in cases of toothache, only as a temporary expedient until dentist can be consulted. Do not use continuously.”

Off-label treatment also exist…

• Kills bacteria• Numbs the pain (and the rest of your body)• Sedating properties (pass out eventually)• Depression of CNS

• Research found on the net supports this:

one of them being alcohol.

The End

Please disregard the last evidence,Drink responsibly.