Non-opioid pain relievers include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as acetaminophen. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib and aspirin. Each of them works through slightly different mechanisms, but in general they inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which mediate inflammation, fever and pain 4, 5 The mechanism by which acetaminophen provides pain relief is less clear. but there is some evidence to suggest that it involves the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system, 4, 6.Ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are pain relievers in NSAIDs.
Because they help reduce inflammation, they are common options for dental pain. Acetaminophen can also help with toothache, but it doesn't reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB and generic) and naproxen (Aleve and generic), work particularly well against dental pain because they block the enzyme that causes gums to turn red and swollen, says Paul A. The oil can be compared to benzocaine, the numbing ingredient in many dental gels.
People undergoing any type of dental surgery should ask what treatments are available and communicate their preferences for pain management when making a plan with their dentist or oral surgeon, Dionne says. These types of medications are generally safe if used for a short period of time as prescribed by a health professional to relieve short-term oral pain that can result from injury or some dental procedures. It works well for dental pain because it relieves pain and reduces inflammation, a cause of many mouth-related aches and pains. While you may be able to manage dental pain at home, you should always call your dentist as soon as possible to get treatment and avoid potential complications.
Clove oil, an active ingredient in many dental products, is the best home remedy for toothache, according to Huang. Overdose rates were two and a half times higher in people who filled an opioid prescription after a dental procedure than in those who didn't, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. To ease the discomfort that may result from some dental procedures, such as tooth extraction, gums and other dental surgeries, or placement of dental implants, dentists can prescribe medications to relieve pain, including opioids. It starts with steps to reduce dental pain right after the procedure, when it's likely to be most severe, Dionne says.
Any OTC pain reliever you take for toothache is intended for short-term relief until you can fix your dental problem. Opioid prescribing by dentists has declined dramatically over the past two decades, including in the three years since the most recent data from the University of Michigan study, says Raymond Dionne, PhD, member of the Scientific Affairs Council of the American Dental Association. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB and generic) and naproxen (Aleve and generic), work particularly well against dental pain because they reduce inflammation in traumatized areas of the mouth.
