Can I use lidocaine for toothache? Understanding the Risks and Benefits

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to dental professionals, the pain from a toothache often originates deep within the tooth's structure, in the pulp, not just on the surface. This anatomical fact is crucial to understanding why you can use lidocaine for toothache, but why it is often ineffective for deep, internal pain and can even pose significant risks by masking serious underlying issues. This temporary relief should never replace a professional dental diagnosis.

Quick Summary

Topical lidocaine provides brief surface numbing for oral pain but cannot address the deep cause of a toothache. Relying on this temporary fix delays necessary dental treatment, which is crucial for preventing more serious complications. This article explores the proper and improper uses of lidocaine for toothaches and reviews safer, more effective alternatives.

Key Points

Limited Effectiveness: Topical lidocaine only numbs the surface and cannot reach the deep nerve pulp where most toothache pain originates.
Masks Serious Problems: Using lidocaine can dangerously mask symptoms of serious issues like infections or abscesses, delaying essential dental treatment.
Risk of Toxicity: Overuse or swallowing viscous lidocaine can lead to toxic absorption, causing side effects like seizures and heart problems.
Not for Children: The FDA has issued a strong warning against using lidocaine for teething pain in infants and young children due to life-threatening risks.
Requires Professional Diagnosis: A persistent toothache requires a dentist's diagnosis and treatment, as lidocaine is only a temporary and often ineffective fix.
Temporary Alternatives Exist: Safer temporary remedies include OTC painkillers like ibuprofen, saltwater rinses, or clove oil.
Potential for Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to lidocaine, including skin rashes or swelling.

How Topical Lidocaine Works and Its Limitations

Topical lidocaine is a local anesthetic that numbs nerve endings in a specific area when applied. It is widely used in dental offices to prepare gum tissue for injections and is available over-the-counter for minor oral irritations like canker sores. Its effectiveness for a toothache is significantly limited, as it is designed for surface application only.

The effectiveness of lidocaine depends heavily on the source of the pain. For toothaches, the pain often comes from the dental pulp deep inside the tooth, which topical applications cannot reach. While applying lidocaine to the gums around an aching tooth might provide a fleeting sense of relief, it does not solve the underlying problem, which could be a serious infection or decay. Delaying professional dental care can lead to worsening conditions, potentially resulting in more complex and expensive procedures, or even life-threatening systemic infections.

Proper Application and Crucial Precautions

For those instances where minor, superficial oral pain justifies its use, proper application is essential to minimize risks. For oral solutions or gels, a common application method is to use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply a small amount directly to the painful gum area. It is important to avoid swallowing the medication, especially with viscous solutions, as it can cause serious side effects if too much is absorbed.

For products like sprays, one might spray the painful area for a few seconds and wait for the numbing effect. Regardless of the form, always read the product label and follow the specific instructions regarding dosage and frequency. Overuse or improper use can lead to toxicity and severe side effects. Wait at least an hour after application before eating or drinking, as the numbing effect can hinder your ability to swallow properly, increasing the risk of choking or biting your tongue.

The Dangers of Masking a Serious Problem

Using a topical anesthetic like lidocaine for a persistent toothache is akin to putting a bandage on a deep wound; it hides the problem without treating it. A severe, throbbing toothache with swelling or fever can indicate a serious dental infection or abscess. These conditions require immediate professional treatment, often involving antibiotics and root canal therapy or extraction, not just temporary pain relief. Masking these symptoms with lidocaine can be dangerous and could allow an infection to spread, leading to life-threatening complications.

Comparison of Toothache Remedies


Remedy	Mechanism of Action	Effectiveness for Toothache	Key Risks & Considerations
Topical Lidocaine	Blocks nerve signals on surface	Temporary, surface-level relief only	Choking risk, methemoglobinemia (rare), toxicity from overuse
OTC Oral Painkillers (e.g., Ibuprofen)	Reduces inflammation and pain systemically	Effective for mild to moderate pain	Stomach irritation, should not be taken on an empty stomach
Saltwater Rinse	Cleanses area and reduces inflammation	Soothes minor irritation temporarily	Temporary solution, does not address root cause
Clove Oil	Contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic	Temporarily numbs the area	Only for temporary use; strong taste, requires careful application
Cold Compress	Constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling	Effective for reducing external swelling and pain	Offers external relief only, not for internal pain

Special Warning for Children and Infants

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued specific warnings against using oral viscous lidocaine for teething pain in infants and young children. This is because it is not an approved treatment and can lead to serious, life-threatening side effects, including seizures and death, particularly if too much is accidentally swallowed. The FDA recommends using a chilled teething ring or gently massaging the gums with a clean finger instead.

Conclusion: A Temporary Fix, Not a Cure

While the answer to "Can I use lidocaine for toothache?" is technically yes for temporary surface numbing, it comes with significant caveats and risks. Topical lidocaine offers only short-term, superficial relief and does not treat the underlying cause of a toothache. Relying on it can lead to dangerous delays in seeking professional dental care, potentially worsening a serious condition. For persistent or severe pain, the wisest course of action is to see a dentist for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan. In the interim, safer temporary options like OTC painkillers, saltwater rinses, or clove oil may be considered for symptom management.

For more information on dental health, you can visit the American Dental Association's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topical lidocaine gel can provide temporary numbing relief for minor, superficial oral irritations. However, for a genuine toothache that originates deep within the tooth's nerve, topical lidocaine is largely ineffective and only masks the pain, which can delay proper dental care.

You can use over-the-counter topical lidocaine products for temporary, superficial pain relief, but they will not address the root cause of a toothache. It is important to see a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment if the pain persists or worsens.

Serious risks of using lidocaine for toothaches include masking a deep-seated infection, accidental swallowing leading to toxicity, and potential choking due to a numb throat. A rare but dangerous blood condition called methemoglobinemia is also a risk.

No, the FDA strongly warns against using lidocaine for teething pain in infants and young children due to the risk of seizures and heart problems from accidental overdose. Consult a pediatrician or dentist for appropriate remedies.

Safer alternatives include OTC oral painkillers like ibuprofen (for inflammation) or acetaminophen (for pain), rinsing with warm salt water, applying a cold compress to the cheek, or using clove oil for its numbing properties.

You should see a dentist if you experience a severe or throbbing toothache, swelling, fever, or pain that persists beyond temporary relief. These symptoms often indicate an infection that requires professional medical intervention.

Topical lidocaine typically provides relief for only a short period, often lasting 15 to 30 minutes, and the effectiveness can be limited when dealing with deep tooth pain.