Can Bonjela Help with Toothache?
Toothache rarely eases in gently. It barges in. Mid-meal. Late night. Right when you’re finally relaxing. And when that happens, most people do the same thing. Open the bathroom cabinet. Reach for Bonjela. Hope for the best.
So let’s slow this down and talk it through properly.
Yes, Bonjela can help with certain types of discomfort. But no, it isn’t a fix for toothache itself. And knowing the difference can save you a lot of frustration.
Where Bonjela helps and where it doesn’t
Bonjela is made for gums. Not teeth.
It works on surface irritation. Sore patches. Inflamed tissue. You apply a small amount, rub it in gently, and within minutes the area feels calmer. Less angry. That numbing sensation brings relief, even if it’s brief.
It works well when:
- A chipped or sharp tooth edge is rubbing the gum
- There’s a small gum injury near a tooth
- Dentures or braces are causing a tender spot
In those moments, Bonjela does its job. And that’s the best part, really. It gives your gums a break.
But here’s the honest bit most people don’t hear.
If the pain is coming from inside the tooth — decay, a crack, an infection — Bonjela can’t reach it. The relief feels shallow. Temporary. The ache creeps back. Often stronger. Often at night.
That pattern matters.
Two familiar situations
We see this contrast all the time.
Asha noticed soreness around a back tooth after biting something hard. The gum felt bruised. Tender. Bonjela helped almost immediately. By the time she saw us, the issue was minor — a rough edge irritating the gum. Once smoothed, the pain faded for good.
Now Daniel’s story.
He used Bonjela for days. Reapplied. Took painkillers. Still woke up at night. Deep throbbing. A bad taste he couldn’t ignore. By the time he came in, there was infection under the tooth.
Same product. Very different message from the body.
One needed soothing.
The other needed treatment.
Using Bonjela sensibly
If you do use Bonjela, keep it gentle. Simple things make a difference:
- A small, pea-sized amount is enough
- Rub it lightly onto the sore gum
- Don’t exceed the recommended frequency
- Adult Bonjela products aren’t for children unless clearly stated
Because it contains a salicylate (similar to aspirin), it’s also worth checking with a pharmacist if you take other medications.
You can usually use it alongside paracetamol or ibuprofen. But pain relief shouldn’t become a long-term plan.
Temporary comfort is fine. Ignoring the cause isn’t.
When Bonjela isn’t the answer anymore
There’s a moment when the body stops whispering and starts insisting.
Please seek dental help if:
- Pain lasts more than two days
- The ache is deep, pulsing, or wakes you at night
- You notice swelling in the face or jaw
- Swallowing feels uncomfortable
- You can see a crack, hole, or dark patch on the tooth
At that point, something underneath needs attention. A filling. A root canal. Sometimes more. Not pleasant to hear — but relief usually follows quickly once treated.
If you’re in or around Isleworth and toothache is affecting sleep, eating, or focus, booking an appointment with Bridge Dental and Cosmetic Studio is far kinder than continuing to rely on gels and painkillers.
That cycle wears people down.
Questions patients often ask
- Can Bonjela stop toothache completely?
It can ease mild discomfort from sore gums. It won’t fix decay, cracks, or infection. - Is it safe to use Bonjela for several days?
Short-term use is usually fine. Ongoing pain should always be checked. - Can adults use Bonjela for toothache?
Yes, adult-labelled products are suitable unless there’s a medical reason not to. - What else helps at home?
Painkillers, cold compresses, and saltwater rinses can help temporarily. They buy comfort, not solutions.
The honest takeaway
Bonjela has a role. A useful one. It soothes gums. Calms irritation. Takes the edge off.
But tooth pain that keeps returning usually means something deeper is going on. And that’s when seeing a dentist changes everything.
Does that sound like what you’re experiencing right now?