Sakit gigi (toothache) is most often caused by tooth decay (gigi berlubang), a dental abscess, a cracked tooth or filling, gum disease, or an infection around a wisdom tooth. While you wait to see a dentist, ibuprofen or paracetamol, a pain-relieving mouth gel, a warm salt water rinse and soft foods can ease the pain. But painkillers only treat the pain, not the cause: a hole in a tooth needs a filling, and an abscess needs a dentist to drain it. See a dentist if toothache lasts more than 2 days or does not settle with painkillers, and go to the emergency department if swelling makes it hard to breathe, swallow or speak.
Punca sakit gigi: what causes toothache?
According to the NHS, toothache can be caused by:
- tooth decay, which can form a hole (gigi berlubang);
- a dental abscess, a build-up of pus from an infection;
- a cracked or damaged tooth;
- a loose or broken filling;
- an infection around a wisdom tooth that has broken through the gum but does not have enough room to come through fully;
- problems with braces;
- gum disease;
- grinding your teeth;
- sensitive teeth.
Toothache can also be one of the symptoms of sinusitis; see our guide to sinus. Painful sores in the mouth are more likely to be ulcers; see our guide to ulser mulut.
Petua hilangkan sakit gigi: how to ease toothache at home
The NHS suggests these steps to ease toothache while you wait to see a dentist:
Do:
- take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 should not take aspirin);
- use a pain-relieving gel for the mouth, available from pharmacies;
- rinse your mouth with warm salt water: dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, rinse, then spit it out. Children should not do this in case they swallow it;
- eat soft foods such as yoghurt or scrambled eggs, and avoid chewing with the sore tooth;
- use a soft toothbrush, and avoid flossing around the sore tooth.
Don't:
- eat foods that are sweet, very hot or very cold;
- smoke, as it can make some dental problems worse.
Ubat tahan sakit gigi: which painkillers help?
The painkillers recommended by the NHS for toothache are ibuprofen and paracetamol. A pharmacist can advise which is right for you, for example if you have stomach problems, asthma or kidney problems, are pregnant, or take other medicines.
- Follow the dose on the packet. Taking more than the recommended dose will not work better and can be very dangerous.
- Do not give aspirin to children under 16.
- Painkillers ease the pain but do not treat the cause. If toothache lasts more than 2 days, or does not go away with painkillers, see a dentist.
Antibiotics do not replace dental treatment. A dentist may prescribe them for some infections, but an abscess usually needs to be drained and the tooth treated.
Sakit gigi berlubang: what are the signs of tooth decay?
Tooth decay is often caused by having too much sugary food and drink and not cleaning your teeth regularly. According to the NHS, bacteria form a sticky layer called plaque that damages the tooth surface over time. Decay may not cause symptoms at first, but it can lead to a hole (cavity) in the tooth. Signs include:
- toothache;
- sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet things;
- white, brown or black spots on the tooth.
Treatment depends on how severe it is:
| Stage | Usual treatment from a dentist |
|---|---|
| Early decay | Fluoride treatments, such as a fluoride mouthwash or varnish |
| A hole (cavity) | A filling |
| Decay reaching the soft centre (pulp) | Root canal treatment |
| Severe damage | Removing the tooth (extraction) |
No medicine can fill a hole in a tooth, so "ubat sakit gigi berlubang" can only ease the pain until you see a dentist.
Dental abscess: when toothache needs urgent care
A dental abscess is a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by an infection. According to the NHS, it needs urgent treatment by a dentist and will not go away on its own. Symptoms include:
- intense toothache or pain in the gums;
- redness inside the mouth, or on the face or jaw;
- sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink;
- a bad taste in the mouth, and difficulty opening your mouth or chewing;
- a swollen face or jaw, swollen glands in the neck, and a high temperature.
The dentist will drain the pus and may do root canal treatment or remove the tooth, usually under local anaesthetic. You may be given painkillers for a few days afterwards, and sometimes antibiotics. Like a boil on the skin, an abscess is a collection of pus from an infection; see our guide to bisul.
When should you see a dentist?
See a dentist, according to the NHS, if you have toothache:
- that lasts more than 2 days;
- that does not go away when you take painkillers;
- with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums or a bad taste in your mouth;
- with a swollen cheek or jaw.
A general doctor cannot usually give dental treatment, so go to a dentist (doktor gigi). Ask for an urgent appointment if you think you have an abscess.
Go to the emergency department if you have toothache and the area around your eye or your neck is swollen, or swelling in your mouth or neck makes it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak.
How can you prevent toothache?
The best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums healthy. The NHS recommends:
- brush your teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and spit after brushing rather than rinsing;
- clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes;
- cut down on sugary food and drinks, keeping them for occasional treats at mealtimes (see our guide to less sugary Malaysian drinks);
- use sugar-free medicines where possible;
- do not smoke, and keep alcohol within 14 units a week;
- have regular dental check-ups, even if you have no problems.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the best ubat sakit gigi?
For short-term relief, ibuprofen or paracetamol can ease toothache, and a pharmacist can advise which is suitable. A pain-relieving mouth gel and a warm salt water rinse may also help. But painkillers only ease the pain; they do not treat the cause, so see a dentist if toothache lasts more than 2 days.
What causes toothache?
Toothache can be caused by tooth decay (gigi berlubang), a dental abscess, a cracked or damaged tooth, a loose or broken filling, an infection around a wisdom tooth that has not fully come through, problems with braces, gum disease, grinding your teeth, or sensitive teeth.
How do I stop toothache fast at home (petua hilangkan sakit gigi)?
While you wait to see a dentist, take ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed, use a pain-relieving mouth gel, rinse with warm salt water (not for children), eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the sore tooth, and avoid sweet, very hot or very cold food and drink. Do not smoke.
Can medicine fix a tooth with a hole (ubat sakit gigi berlubang)?
No. Painkillers can ease the pain but cannot repair a hole (cavity) in a tooth. A dentist can treat early decay with fluoride, but a cavity usually needs a filling, and deeper decay may need root canal treatment or removal of the tooth.
Do I need antibiotics for toothache?
Usually not on their own. A dental abscess needs a dentist to drain the pus and treat the tooth, for example with root canal treatment or removal. A dentist may also give antibiotics, but an abscess will not go away on its own.
When is toothache an emergency?
Go to the emergency department if you have toothache with swelling around your eye or neck, or swelling in your mouth or neck that makes it hard to breathe, swallow or speak. See a dentist urgently if you have a high temperature, a swollen cheek or jaw, or you think you have an abscess.
How can I prevent toothache?
Brush twice a day for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste, spit rather than rinse after brushing, clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes, cut down on sugary food and drinks, avoid smoking, and have regular dental check-ups even when you have no problems.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a dentist, doctor or pharmacist. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
