27 Jul Painkillers in Dentistry: A Panoramic Guide to Prescription and Use
Dental painkillers are used to treat toothache, inflammation and soreness after treatment, but not the cause. In the UK, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and other mild-to-moderate pain relievers are often used before stronger medications. If your toothache is severe, persists beyond two days, doesn’t improve after taking pain relievers, has swelling, fever, a bad smell, or lasts longer than two, then you should consult a dental professional. NHS advises seeking urgent treatment if swelling causes difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing.
Why painkillers used in dental care
Pain in the mouth can be caused by a variety of things, including tooth decay, gum disease, cracked or wisdom teeth, abscesses (ulcers), extractions, root-canal treatment, and surgery. Analgesics or painkillers are used while the actual dental problem is being diagnosed and treated.
It is a point that many patients forget. The use of painkillers is not a treatment. They can ease pain but not remove decay, drain abscesses, repair broken teeth or treat gum diseases. Pain may worsen or return if you do not treat the cause.
Common Dental Painkillers
Ibuprofen, and paracetamol are the most commonly prescribed painkillers in dentistry. Paracetamol is used to reduce fever and pain. Ibuprofen (also known as NSAID) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication that can be used when pain is related to inflammation.
Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme guidelines state that paracetamol, or ibuprofen, alone are not effective. Both can be used alternately within the normal daily dosage. This is useful for toothaches or after dental work. Patients should read the label to avoid taking more than the recommended dose.
Ibuprofen for Dental Pain
Ibuprofen helps relieve dental pain when inflammation is involved. SDCEP suggests ibuprofen at 400mg, four times a day after meals for mild-to-moderate odontogenic or postoperative pain.
However, ibuprofen does not suit everyone. If you have stomach ulcers or severe asthma triggered from NSAIDs as well as kidney disease, certain heart problems, blood-thinning medications, later pregnancy, or regular use of low-doses of Aspirin, seek medical advice before using it. SDCEP warns NSAIDs could increase gastrointestinal symptoms in patients taking low-dose aspirin daily.
Paracetamol for Dental Pain
Paracetamol, when taken properly, is safe for most patients. SDCEP suggests that adult paracetamol be taken in doses of two 500mg tablets, up to four times per day, for mild or moderate post-operative dental pain.
Accidental overdose is the biggest risk. Many cold, influenza and combination pain medications already contain paracetamol. If taken in combination with paracetamol, the daily safe limit can be exceeded and liver damage may occur. It is important that patients read all labels.
What are the Opioids needed for dental pain?
Most routine dental pain is not treated with opioids. The American Dental Association states that NSAIDs were shown to be more efficient than opioid analgesics in reducing acute dental discomfort and are recommended first-line therapy.
Stronger does not always mean more effective. Opioids, such as codeine, can cause drowsiness and nausea. They may also lead to dependence or unsafe interactions with alcohol. Dentists can consider stronger alternatives in certain cases. However, they will only do so after carefully assessing the medical history and patient.
Antibiotics Are Not Painkillers
People often ask for antibiotics if they have a toothache. While antibiotics can be necessary for certain dental infections which spread quickly, they don’t relieve pain the same way painkillers do. Dental treatment is usually required for a painful tooth, including a filling or extraction, if necessary, and root canal treatment if needed. Taking antibiotics for which they are not required can lead to resistance and delay treatment. A dentist must decide whether antibiotics will be appropriate.
When Painkillers Don’t Work
The NHS recommends that you see a dental professional if your toothache is more than 2 days old, doesn’t go away after taking painkillers or comes along with other symptoms like a high fever, pain when biting, a red gum, a bad taste, swelling of the jaw or cheek, or a reddened gum.
Seek urgent medical help if the swelling is spreading near your eye or neck or if it makes it difficult to speak, breathe or swallow. These signs can indicate an infection, and painkillers should not be used to treat them.
Salisbury Dental Services
Salisbury dental care can help you manage your toothache safely, by treating the underlying cause. The dentist will inspect your teeth to check for signs of decay or infection, cracked wisdom teeth and gum problems. The dentist will then be able to determine the source of your pain, prescribe treatment and provide relief. Professional dental care provides better pain relief than painkillers.
Final Thoughts
In dentistry, painkillers are important but should be used with care. Paracetamol, ibuprofen and other common pain relievers are the first choices. Stronger prescription drugs are suitable only in specific cases. To control pain, it is best to take a short-term approach. Follow the instructions for dosage and visit a dental professional if symptoms persist. Pain in the mouth is your body’s alarm system. Dental treatment is the only way to solve this problem.
FAQs
- What is the best toothache painkiller?
Paracetamol, or ibuprofen, are the most common medications used. Ibuprofen is useful for inflammation, but not everyone can take it. But self medication is not recommended
- Can I take paracetamol with ibuprofen?
Some people can alternate between the two, while still maintaining normal daily dosages. However, always adhere to the label or professional advice.
- Why don’t painkillers relieve my toothache?
Dental treatment may be required if there is decay, infection or an abscess. There could also be cracked teeth, nerve inflammation, or an abscess.
- Do antibiotics stop dental pain?
Not directly. Antibiotics can treat certain infections. However, they do not relieve pain and aren’t always necessary.
- Is codeine good for dental pain?
Codeine can be prescribed for certain cases. However, NSAIDs have a greater effect on acute dental pain.
- Can I take an ibuprofen pill after having a tooth extracted?
It is often a yes if it suits you. But always follow the advice of your dentist. Avoid NSAIDs if you suffer from medical conditions that prevent you from taking them.
- When is dental pain an urgent situation?
Urgent medical care is needed if there’s swelling around the eyes or neck area, or if you have difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking.
- Can children take dental painkillers?
Children can be given pain relief that is age-appropriate. However, the dosage must be based upon age and product instructions. In case you’re unsure, consult a pharmacist or a dentist. Self medication should be avoided.
No Comments