A toothache really needs to be checked out by a dentist, but you may need some pain relief before you can be seen. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help you manage tooth pain in the meantime. Show
Dentists recommend a few options when it comes to medicine for pain in your teeth. These options include:
But not all of these drugs are right for everyone. This article reviews OTC painkiller options, side effects and drug interactions to consider, and other ways you may be able to manage your toothache. AaronAmat / Getty Images What to ConsiderTo find the right pain reliever to ease your tooth pain, it helps to understand how these medications work to manage pain. But first, you need to know whether they're safe for you. Here are some things to consider when choosing an OTC pain reliever: Health ConditionsSome medical conditions (e.g., digestive problems, kidney or liver disease) make certain pain medications unsafe. The same goes for pregnancy. Ask your healthcare provider what's safe for you. Side EffectsThe fact that these drugs are widely used and easily accessible doesn't mean using them is risk-free. Some potential side effects of short-term use are outlined for each of the OTC drug options covered here. Think twice about those drugs that pose concerns that may be especially problematic for you. Drug InteractionsSome pain relievers may not be safe to take with other medications you may be on. Drugs that may be unsafe to mix with OTC pain relievers include:
These are just a few of the many possible drugs that may be dangerous to combine with pain relievers. Ask your dentist, healthcare provider, or pharmacist what OTC products are safe for you. Potential for Overdose If you take a pain reliever with an active ingredient that is also in another medication you are taking (like a multi-symptom cold medicine), you run the risk of overdosing, which can have harmful side effects. IbuprofenIbuprofen is one of the most-used OTC painkillers for tooth pain. It's sold under the popular brand names:
These medicines are available in tablets, liquid gel capsules, and oral suspensions. Ibuprofen is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works well for dental pain because it relieves pain and lowers inflammation—a cause of many mouth-related aches and pains. Side EffectsCommon side effects of ibuprofen include:
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience serious side effects such as:
NaproxenNaproxen is another NSAID frequently used for tooth pain. It comes in tablets, caplets, gelcaps, and liquid gels. Brand names include:
To give a sense of how effective the drug can be, research suggests naproxen may be as effective for post-surgical dental pain as the narcotic pain reliever Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen). While naproxen and ibuprofen are in the same drug class, one may work better for you than the other. Side EffectsCommon side effects of naproxen may be:
Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience:
Dosage instructions on naproxen are different from most OTC pain medications. That's because it continues working for longer. AspirinAn older pain reliever, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is also in the NSAID class. Studies suggest it's effective for pain from dental problems. Aspirin comes in many forms, such as chewable tablets, delayed-release and extended-release tablets, and suppositories. This medication is sold under dozens of brand names. Common ones include:
Don't Directly Apply AspirinAn old folk remedy suggests that placing aspirin on a tooth relieves pain. This is not only false, it can further damage your teeth. Swallow the pills as directed. Side EffectsAspirin can cause digestive side effects in some people. Watch for:
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop:
AcetaminophenAcetaminophen is a popular way to manage dental pain. However, it doesn't reduce inflammation like NSAIDs, so it may not be as effective for tooth pain. Acetaminophen is available under the brand names:
Acetaminophen is especially useful if you can't take NSAIDs. It is available in several forms that may work for toothache medicine, including:
Side EffectsAcetaminophen can cause side effects. Common ones include:
Large doses of acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Alcohol also damages the liver, so you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. If any of these serious side effects occur, call your healthcare provider right away:
Use As DirectedAny OTC pain medication you take for a toothache is meant for short-term relief until you can get your dental issue fixed. These drugs aren't meant to help you manage pain long-term so you can avoid going to the dentist. While your pain may be severe, using more of these drugs than directed can be dangerous. For example, taking too much acetaminophen over a short period can lead to liver failure, which can be fatal. And excessive or long-term use of NSAIDs can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. It can also irritate or damage your stomach, intestine, kidneys, or liver. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packing or given to you by a healthcare provider. Other Pain Relief OptionsYou have other options for relieving tooth pain until you can see your dentist. You can use these along with or instead of OTC pain relievers.
SummaryIbuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are NSAID pain relievers. Because they help reduce inflammation, they're common choices for dental pain. Acetaminophen may also help with your toothache, but it doesn't lower inflammation. Watch for side effects with OTC pain relievers, some of which can serious—especially if you take more than the recommended dose. Make sure you're not taking drugs that could badly interact with each other. Your dentist, healthcare provider, or pharmacist can help you choose the best one for you. A Word From VerywellDental pain can be intense and doesn't always come on during your dentist's regular hours. If that happens, give your dentist's office a call. They may have an on-call or emergency number on their voicemail recording. What painkiller is best for dental pain?Opioid analgesics can be used to treat moderate to severe acute pain and include drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine. These drugs are often prescribed as formulations that are combined with acetaminophen or aspirin (e.g., 5 mg hydrocodone/300 mg acetaminophen; 30 mg codeine/325 mg aspirin).
How much Tylenol and ibuprofen should I take for toothache?DENTIST: SUGGESTED REGIMEN Fill in the times the patient should take medicine. Take two 200 mg pills of ibuprofen (total dose of 400 mg) with one 500 mg pill of acetaminophen a.m. p.m.
Can I take 2 ibuprofen and 2 Tylenol together?Yes, you can safely take acetaminophen and ibuprofen together.
Does Tylenol get rid of tooth pain?Acetaminophen decreases acute dental pain[4–5] and is frequently used by patients who have toothaches.
|