What Could Cause A Dull, Pressure-like Ache In My Upper Teeth With Mild Gum Redness, And What Home Remedies Might Help Relieve The Pain?

Posted on Sat, 9 May 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 9 May 2020 Answered on

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 44 year old female. For the past day I have been experiencing a dull ache upper teeth. Around one tooth gum lining seems to be a bit red but not very inflamed. The pain feels almost like a deep pressure what can this be what home remedies can reduce the pain

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Gum infcetion, medictaion, saline gargling.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thanks for asking your query at 'Ask a Doctor' service. I have gone through your query.

As far as the pain in teeth is concerned, it can because of the gum infection secondary to deposits. Nothing to be panic.
The diagnosis has to be confirmed after clinical examination and you need to get an X-ray done to rule out any tooth infection resulting from decay.

Since there is a COIVD-19 outbreak and you cannot consult dentist now, I am advising you to take a course of antibiotics like Doxycycline 100 mg once daily for 5 days and analgesics like diclofenac 50mg twice daily for 5 days (if you are not allergic). once the infection subsides you can get the treatment done by consulting a dentist.

You might require scaling if it is gum infection or root canal treatment if it is tooth infection. Do warm saline gargling.

I hope I have answered your query. if you have any queries reply me back. Take care.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (14 hours later)

Thanks so very much for the response. I called my dentist today he was not able to prescribe over the phone but did give me an emergency appointment for next Thursday. If this is some sort of infection is it safe to wait until next Thursday to be seen. Also I'm very hesitant to go into the office due to coronavirus do you think the constant salt rinses and ice packs over the weekend can calm down the inflammation and hold of the office visit for two or three weeks- Thanks again for all of your help!

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue the saline gargling and maintain oral hygiene

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thanks for your reply. I can understand the situation.

You can continue to do warm saline gargling and maintain oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and rinse your mouth soon after eating anything. This can reduce the pain for time being. Once everything settles down, you can consult the dentist and get the treatment done.

I hope I have answered your query. Take care.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (2 days later)

I was able to get a teledentiist through my insurance he pretty much said what you did he prescribed me 875 mg twice a day if amoxicillin for five days to buy time until dentist reopen does that sound like a standard amount and if tooth is not infected will I be harmed by unnecessary antibiotics

Also how long for antibiotics to take effect

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue the medication

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thanks for your reply.

There is no other option than taking antibiotics. Taking antibiotics for 5days will not harm you. Without any infection in the tooth or gums, you will not get pain. So continue the medication and take treatment once the pandemic subsides. Antibiotic starts working after a day course. You will start experiencing the relief after completing one day course of antibiotics.

I hope I have answered your query. Take care.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj