Is Tylenol Or Ibuprofen Better For Tooth Pain

Ways To Get Relief For A Toothache

Ibuprofen vs. Aleve vs. Turmeric vs. Tylenol (Updated with Aspirin) Pharmacist Chris Explains

Sharing is caring!

Theres nothing more painful than a toothache . It can come on without warning and knock you right off your feet. If youve ever had one, you know what I mean. While the best thing to do is get to a dentist immediately, I understand thats not always possible.

So, instead of trying home remedies here are some tried and true temporary toothache pain relief solutions that have worked really well for many of my patients through the years. You can find most of them right in your local pharmacy.

When To See A Dentist

People with a toothache at night should see a dentist as soon as possible. Any home remedies are only for temporary relief.

If the toothache also comes with other signs of an infection, a person may need antibiotics to clear out the infection.

When a cracked or decaying tooth is causing the pain, a person should see their dentist. They will be able to find a permanent solution.

Ignoring the signs of tooth decay, such as an aching tooth, may lead to more serious issues, including abscesses, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Recommended Reading: Aleve D Sinus And Headache

Why Do Gums Hurt After Deep Cleaning Periodontal Treatment

In order to fully remove the calculus or tartar that has formed beneath the level of the gums, instruments must be inserted between the tooth and gum. There are small ulcerations in the gum tissues in these areas from the chronic inflammatory process the body has created to fight the bacteria. These areas can feel irritated after removal of the bacteria. The removal of this bacteria is essential in stopping the disease process from continuing. The gum tissues should feel much better a few days after treatment.

You May Like: Matress Topper For Back Pain

Can I Get A Cavity Under A New Filling

Unfortunately, very little of our dental work will last a lifetime. The mouth is exposed to strong chewing forces, temperature changes, bacteria, and acid from our diet. It is possible that cavities can form around the margins of fillings. In order to help your dental restorations last longer, it is a good idea to practice good oral hygiene, brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and using mouth rinse. Avoiding sugary or acidic drinks, grinding, or chewing ice can help prolong the life of your dental work as well.

Peppermint Tea Bag Or Oil

There is scientific evidence that peppermint can help relieve various types of pain. One in vitro study in the European Journal of Dentistry found that peppermint was one of three oils that worked as an effective intracanal antiseptic solution against oral pathogensmeaning it can effectively prevent the growth of bacteriaThosar N, Basak S, Bahadure RN, Rajurkar, M. Antimicrobial efficacy of five essential oils against oral pathogens: An in vitro study. European Journal of Dentistry. 2013:S71S77. .

If you have a toothache, Huang suggests applying a cold peppermint tea bag. Chill it and apply it in the area causing pain, she says. Alternatively, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a cotton ball and apply that directly against the affected tooth.

Read Also: Back Pain Spine Or Muscle

What Can I Do To Ease A Persistent Toothache After Recent Dental Work

Aching and temperature sensitivity are normal symptoms after receiving dental work. Your body is sending inflammatory cells to the area to help with the healing process. This discomfort is temporary and should subside over time. During this time, it is advisable to take Ibuprofen or Tylenol to manage the inflammation, along with using sensitivity toothpaste.

See A Dentist To Get Rid Of Toothache Pain Fast

Home remedies may help to temporarily relieve pain. The only way to really understand the root of your pain is to see a dentist.

Diseases that cause toothaches can turn into something more serious and higher risk if you leave it. Seeing a dentist is the best way to cure a toothache, prevent them, and prevent your toothache from turning into something more dangerous.

During your visit, X-Rays may be taken, alongside a physical examination of your teeth. If tooth decay or other dental issues are observed, you will be provided with a detailed treatment plan which usually involves the removal of decay followed by fillings or dental crowns, and/or a prescription for pain medication and antibiotics.

Not all toothaches are caused by tooth decay, but you should always play it safe and visit your dentist rather than hope the problem goes away on its own. Even if the pain subsides after a few days, there may be an underlying issue in need of addressing.

You May Like: Foods That Cause Chest Pain

Can I Take Tylenol For A Toothache

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

Don’t Get More Opioids Than Needed

Ibuprofen After Wisdom Tooth Surgery: Opioid-Free Pain Management | Penn Precision Medicine

For severe pain, which typically arises from more intensive procedures, such as bone removal, taking an opioid can provide additional relief if OTC pain medications are not enough, Dionne says. In that case, your dentist should prescribe only enough to cover the first two or three days after your procedure. After that, you should be able to comfortably transition to other forms of pain relief.

Dentists mostly prescribe drugs such as Percocet, Tylenol with Codeine , and Vicodin, all of which combine a low dose of an opioid with acetaminophen in one drug. Your dentist may recommend that you take an NSAID as well to treat inflammation. But never combine a prescription medication containing acetaminophen with an OTC product that also contains that drug, including pain relievers such as Tylenol and many cough and cold drugs. Doubling up on acetaminophen can damage the liver and can be fatal.

Also Check: Signs Of Abdominal Pain In Dogs

Aspirin Vs Ibuprofen For Toothache

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

How Nsaids Affect Tooth Movement

We all have our favorite go-to pain relievers. When you have a headache, maybe you reach for ibuprofen or naproxen . Since discomfort in the body is so often attributed to inflammation, it makes sense that these anti-inflammatories are so commonly used. But according to researchers, there are several medications that can actually slow tooth movement and NSAIDS are at the top of the list.

How exactly do NSAIDS slow tooth movement? Studies have confirmed that they reduce the amount of procollagen a substance that helps strengthen tissues. When mechanical pressure has been applied to the teeth, the bone and periodontal ligaments around the teeth immediately begin to restructure. NSAIDS interrupt this process.

Recommended Reading: Woke Up With Ankle Pain

Too Little Relief Too Many Side Effects

Its a myth that opioid pain relievers are more potent than OTC products, Dionne says. People can feel like they are not getting the most powerful pain reliever if they dont get something with an opiate, but it can be the opposite, he says.

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen and naproxen , work particularly well against dental pain because they block the enzyme that causes your gums to become red and swollen, says Paul A. Moore, PhD, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Acetaminophen works through a different mechanism to reduce your perception of pain, he says.

The combination of an NSAID and acetaminophen works well against even moderate to severe pain in people who have had their wisdom teeth removedbetter, in fact, than an opioid for most people. Thats according to a comprehensive research review by Moore and colleagues that was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association in 2018.

Another advantage to OTC pain relievers is that, in general, they cause far fewer side effects than narcotic pain meds. Prescription opioids commonly cause nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and a fuzzy-headed feeling. In addition, taking the drugs longer-term or in higher doses carries more serious risks, including addiction, overdose, and even death.

Common Symptoms Of Toothache

The experience of a toothache can vary from individual to individual. If you have a mild toothache with no swelling, you may wish to monitor the situation for about 2 days. If pain persists, itâs a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist so that they can inspect your teeth, determine the cause of your pain and provide appropriate treatment.

If you experience swelling, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately as this indicates the possibility of infection and will require immediate treatment.

Symptoms of toothache and swelling to be aware of include:

Throbbing sensation around your teeth or gums

Recommended Reading: Emotional Pain And Suffering Calculator

Medicines To Relieve Tooth Pain: Which One Is Better

Your tooth hurts but you cant get in to see the dentist right away. What can you do? One of the ways to find temporary relief is to use an over-the-counter pain reliever.

There are a few options that dentists recommend which are the most effective. However, there are also precautions that you need to take into account before you head to the drug store.

Other Pain Relief Options

You 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.

Avoid very cold or hot foods and drinks, as well as those that have a lot of sugar or acid .
Floss around the affected teeth to remove any food particles that may be irritating them.
Elevate your head while you sleep. This can relieve some pressure that may add to your pain.
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
For some types of toothaches, you may get relief from applying clove oil.

I Had A Dental Bridge Placed And Now I Have Sharp Pain Years Later Is It Normal To Have Pain/toothache Under My Dental Bridge

It is typically not a good sign if there is pain around older dental restorations years after they were placed. And, it is possible, that the supporting teeth around the bridge have decayed around the edges of the bridgework reaching the nerve, causing infection. So, its a good idea to call our Lincoln dentists and have one of them examine the area with x-rays to determine the cause of this pain.

Ive Had A Toothache For A Month And Nothing Is Working But The Pain Only Comes At Night When I Get Ready To Go To Bed What Can I Do To Make It Stop

Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen

First, see a dentist. Youre likely dealing with an abscessed tooth that needs medical attention. It wont heal on its own.

The pain is probably worse at night because youre laying down, which increases the blood pressure to your tooth since its at the same level as your heart.

You can try elevating your head and even your upper torso at night to relieve the pain, but that will only help relieve the pain a little. Ultimately, its important that you get treatment so your body can properly heal.

Don’t Miss: Knee Pain In Cold Weather

A List Of Painkillers Used By Dentists To Relieve Symptoms Of Toothache Gum Pain And Other Dental Conditions

Pain management in dentistry is of the utmost importance and can improve clinical outcomes. But it can also be a challenge. Work on the hard tooth structure does not usually result in excessive pain. Rather, the major cause of pain is often an inflammatory response which activates pain-producing mediators in the soft tissue. So the key lies in knowing if damage has already been done to the pulp and soft tissues, and whether or not treatment will create more of an inflammatory response. If so, the dentist must decide which analgesics to administer, either pre or postoperatively, to relieve pain. Here are a few painkillers the dentist might prescribe:

Acetylsalicylic Acid

This is one of the most well-known and most widely used pain killers in the world. In fact, it was the first nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory discovered. It reduces fever and works as an anti-inflammatory. It also reduces clotting, which is why many physicians prescribe it to help prevent strokes and heart attacks. For this reason, aspirin is not a good painkiller to use if you knock out a tooth or the dentist extracts it. Aspirin is not recommended for patients who are allergic to any NSAIDs, under the age of 16, or who have asthma or uncontrolled hypertension. Some side effects can include stomach irritation, indigestion, or nausea.

Ibuprofen or Ketoprofen

Acetaminophen or Paracetamol

Naproxen

Co-codamol

Diclofenac

Tramadol

Homeopathic options

Emergency Dentist

How Long Will My Tooth Hurt After A Filling

Every patient is different, and it can depend on the treatment performed. In most cases, symptoms will improve within a few days or weeks. It can take up to eight weeks for the acute inflammation to subside. If you are still experiencing symptoms months after the treatment, it is possible that the tooth was unable to recover properly and chronic inflammation set in, requiring further treatment.

Help Me Gainesville Dental Associates What Over

Dental professionals have a wealth of tools at their disposal in-office , and available from the pharmacy after the stroke of a pen, but your medicine cabinet is somewhat more limited. Within youve found ibuprofen, Motrin and acetaminophen, Tylenol. They each claim to relieve pain, and FAST, but which will work better and faster than the rest?

Safe Alternatives To Opioids For Acute Dental Pain Toothache Management

The two accepted good alternatives to opioids for acute dental pain management are Acetaminophen and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs .

Acetaminophen for Dental Pain, Toothache Management

Acetaminophen is a common over the counter pain reliever. Tylenol is the most well-known acetaminophen medication. Dentists often prescribe acetaminophen in tandem with opioids for a short period.

Like any medication, acetaminophen has its downsides. The main drawback is that acetaminophen is very hard on the liver. Because of that, it isnt recommended for anyone with liver disease.

Recommended Reading: Lyrica For Nerve Pain Reviews

Looking For Specific Info

Disclaimer: While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our Web site. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Amazon.com assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.

Damaged Or Lost Filling

If a dental filling falls out or becomes damaged, it may cause a toothache when sensitive dentin is exposed.

Schedule a dental appointment right away if this happens. As saliva remineralizes the newly exposed dentin, the pain may begin to subside. However, this is not a permanent fix and your tooth will still need repair.

Recommended Reading: St Luke’s Pain Clinic

Choosing The Right Otc Pain Reliever

Selecting an over-the-counter pain medication that is right for you involves understanding how each type manages pain. More importantly, you need to know whether or not they are safe for you

Taking certain pain medications with some medical conditions can cause serious problems. Also, if you are taking any prescription medications, you need to be aware of possible drug interactions.

Its best that you speak with your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist before taking any OTC pain relievers. Of equal importance is to follow the dosage recommendations on the label. Even though these medications are available without a prescription, they can cause serious side effects and it is possible to overdose.

Also, they should not be taken for an extended period of time. Its best to call your dentist about tooth pain as soon as possible.

Study: Ibuprofen Acetaminophen More Effective Than Opioids In Treating Dental Pain

Advil vs. Tylenol: Which is better?

Opioids are not among the most effectiveor longest lastingoptions available for relief from acute dental pain, a new examination of the results from more than 460 published studies has found.

Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone or in combination with acetaminophen are better at easing dental pain, according to new research conducted with the School of Dental Medicine at Case Western Reserve University.

The study examining relief of acute pain in dentistryrecently featured on the cover of The Journal of the American Dental Associationevaluated the safety and efficacy of dozens of pain-relief options.

What we know is that prescribing narcotics should be a last resort, said Anita Aminoshariae, an associate professor in the dental schools Department of Endodontics and one of the studys authors.

She cited the national opioid epidemic as one of many reasons why health-care providers should take note of the findings. Each day, more than 115 Americans die as a result of an opioid overdose, according to the National Institutes of Health.

No patient should go home in pain, Aminoshariae said. That means that opioids are sometimes the best option, but certainly should not be the first option.

Also Check: Back Pain When Looking Down