Toothache Won’t Go Away with Painkillers: What to Do
If your toothache won’t go away with painkillers, it’s a clear sign that something more serious may be happening beneath the surface. Painkillers can temporarily relieve discomfort, but they don’t address the root cause — and when the pain persists, it’s your body’s way of telling you to seek professional help.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, we treat patients from Horley and Crawley who experience constant or recurring tooth pain, even after taking medication. In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why painkillers sometimes don’t work for dental pain.
- The most common causes of persistent toothache.
- What to do (and not do) when the pain doesn’t stop.
- How your dentist can safely relieve pain and treat the cause for good.
Why your toothache won’t go away with painkillers
When a toothache won’t go away with painkillers, it often means that the pain is being caused by an underlying infection or nerve inflammation that over-the-counter medication can’t resolve.
Painkillers only block pain signals temporarily — they don’t remove the source of the problem. In dentistry, the most common causes of persistent pain include:
- Tooth decay that has reached the nerve (pulp).
- Dental abscess or infection.
- Cracked or fractured tooth exposing the nerve.
- Gum infection or advanced periodontitis.
- Impacted wisdom teeth.
Because the nerve endings are involved, the pain can become throbbing, radiating, and resistant to pain relief. Only professional dental treatment can resolve it effectively.
→ Book an emergency dental visit in Horley if your pain persists beyond 24 hours.
What causes severe tooth pain that painkillers can’t relieve?
A severe toothache unresponsive to medication is usually linked to inflammation of the dental pulp — the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. This condition, known as pulpitis, occurs when bacteria enter through decay or cracks.
Other possible causes include:
- Abscess formation, where pus builds up due to infection.
- Trauma or grinding, causing nerve damage.
- Gum recession, exposing sensitive roots.
- Failed dental work, such as an old filling or crown.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, our dentists in Horley and Crawley use digital radiography and intraoral cameras to accurately identify the cause of your pain and provide targeted relief.
→ Learn more about diagnosing the source of toothache pain.
Can I take more painkillers for a toothache?
It may be tempting to increase your dose when pain persists, but this can be dangerous. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol should only be taken within the recommended dosage. Overuse can cause serious side effects including stomach irritation, kidney damage, or liver toxicity.
If standard doses aren’t helping, it means the problem isn’t pain intensity — it’s the infection or inflammation beneath it.
Painkillers mask symptoms temporarily, but the condition may worsen without treatment.
Our dentists in Horley and Crawley advise contacting a dental professional as soon as painkillers stop being effective, rather than taking additional medication.
→ Call us for urgent dental advice before taking more painkillers.
What to do if painkillers don’t work for your toothache
If your toothache won’t go away with painkillers, follow these steps while waiting to see your dentist:
- Rinse with warm saltwater – this helps reduce bacteria and swelling.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to ease inflammation.
- Keep your head elevated – lying flat can increase pressure and pain.
- Avoid hot or cold foods – they can trigger sensitivity.
- Do not apply aspirin directly to your tooth or gums – it can cause burns.
Most importantly, book an emergency appointment. The sooner the infection is treated, the less invasive the treatment will be.
→ Contact our emergency dentist in Horley and Crawley for same-day care.
Common dental conditions linked to persistent toothache
There are several conditions that can cause ongoing tooth pain that doesn’t respond to medication. These include:
- Dental abscess: A bacterial infection causing pus buildup and severe throbbing.
- Cracked tooth syndrome: Pain when biting or chewing, often intermittent but intense.
- Infected nerve (pulpitis): Deep, lingering pain that radiates to the jaw or ear.
- Gum infection (periodontal abscess): Swelling and tenderness near the gum line.
- Impacted wisdom tooth: Pain radiating to neighbouring teeth or the jaw.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, we treat all of these conditions with a focus on comfort, precision, and long-term relief.
→ Learn more about our emergency dental treatments.
When should you see a dentist for a toothache?
You should seek professional help immediately if your toothache lasts longer than 24 hours or doesn’t improve with painkillers.
Other red flags include:
- Swelling around your face or jaw.
- Fever or general malaise.
- Pain that worsens when lying down.
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth.
- Pus or foul taste from the tooth.
These symptoms often indicate infection that requires antibiotics or drainage. Our emergency dentists in Horley and Crawley prioritise these cases with same-day appointments to stop the pain and prevent complications.
→ Don’t wait for the pain to worsen — contact our team now.
How dentists treat toothaches that don’t go away
When you visit Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, we follow a clear, step-by-step approach to treating persistent tooth pain:
- Diagnosis: Using X-rays and clinical examination to identify the exact cause.
- Immediate pain relief: Local anaesthetic or anti-inflammatory treatment.
- Definitive care: Depending on the diagnosis, this may include:
- Root canal treatment to remove infected pulp.
- Drainage of an abscess.
- Filling or crown to repair decay.
- Tooth extraction, only if necessary.
- Follow-up: Ongoing care to ensure full healing.
We combine gentle techniques, advanced technology, and a compassionate approach to restore comfort quickly and effectively.
→ Learn about root canal and infection treatments in Horley.
Why antibiotics alone won’t cure toothache
Antibiotics can help control bacterial infections temporarily, but they don’t remove the source of infection inside the tooth. The infection often returns once the medication wears off.
Only dental treatment can eliminate the bacteria completely. That’s why antibiotics should always be seen as supportive, not curative, for toothache.
Our dentists in Horley and Crawley prescribe antibiotics when necessary — for instance, if there’s swelling or systemic infection — but always in combination with definitive dental care like cleaning or root canal therapy.
→ Learn why prompt dental intervention is key to lasting relief.
Can stress or grinding cause tooth pain?
Yes. Many patients experience chronic toothache or jaw discomfort due to bruxism — involuntary teeth grinding, often linked to stress or sleep disorders. Over time, this wears down enamel and strains jaw muscles, creating persistent pain that painkillers can’t resolve.
We can provide custom nightguards to protect your teeth and relax your jaw during sleep. Addressing lifestyle stressors and practising relaxation techniques also helps reduce grinding.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, we regularly help patients in Horley and Crawley manage stress-related dental pain through personalised treatment plans.
→ Ask about nightguard options to relieve tooth and jaw pain.
Can sinus infections cause toothache that painkillers don’t stop
Yes — a sinus infection can create referred pain that feels like a toothache, especially in the upper molars. The sinuses sit close to the roots of these teeth, and inflammation can cause a dull, persistent ache.
If your toothache won’t go away with painkillers and you also have congestion, sinus pressure, or postnasal drip, it might be sinus-related. However, it’s always best to rule out dental causes first.
Our dentists in Horley and Crawley work closely with medical professionals to determine whether your pain stems from your teeth, gums, or sinuses — ensuring you receive the right treatment.
What not to do when painkillers don’t stop your toothache
When pain becomes unbearable, it’s natural to look for quick fixes — but some home remedies can actually make things worse. Avoid:
- Applying aspirin or alcohol directly to the tooth (it burns gum tissue).
- Using sharp objects to “poke” or clean the tooth.
- Ignoring pain for days — infections can spread quickly.
- Overusing painkillers or antibiotics without prescription.
The safest and most effective solution is professional dental evaluation and treatment. The sooner you act, the easier and faster your recovery will be.
→ Contact our clinic today for same-day pain relief.
Preventing future toothaches
Once the immediate pain is gone, it’s essential to prevent future problems. Maintaining strong teeth and gums involves:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing or using interdental brushes daily.
- Visiting your dentist every six months for check-ups.
- Limiting sugary foods and acidic drinks.
- Using a mouthguard if you grind your teeth.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, we combine preventive care with patient education to help our Horley and Crawley community enjoy long-term oral health.
→ Schedule your next dental check-up and keep your smile pain-free.
Conclusion on toothache that won’t go away with painkillers
If your toothache won’t go away with painkillers, it’s your body’s way of signalling a deeper dental problem that needs professional attention. Temporary relief can only go so far — but prompt diagnosis and treatment can stop the pain for good.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, our experienced dentists in Horley and Crawley provide compassionate emergency care, advanced diagnostic technology, and lasting solutions to dental pain. Whether it’s infection, nerve damage, or an abscess, we’ll treat the root cause safely and effectively.
Don’t wait in pain — book your emergency appointment today.
📍 Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre
33 Massetts Road, Horley RH6 7DQ, UK
📞 (+44 1293 781 200) | ✉️ reception@horleyandgatwickdental.com
💻 horleyandgatwickdental.com
