If you’ve just left your dentist’s office, there’s a good chance your next stop is the nearest pharmacy. Whether you’ve just received emergency treatment or had your braces adjusted, over the counter (OTC) pain relievers are a good source of managing dental discomfort. But with an entire section of the store dedicated to them, how do you know in an ocean of options which medicine is best for you? The following options represent the OTC painkillers most recommended by dentists.
Ibuprofen
An oldie, but a goodie! Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), commonly known by brand names such as Advil and Motrin. It can reduce both pain and inflammation, making it particularly useful for many types of dental discomfort.
Dentists may recommend ibuprofen for toothaches or soreness following procedures when it is appropriate for the patient. However, NSAIDs aren’t right for everyone. People with certain medical conditions (heart disease, stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or asthma) or medication interactions (blood thinners) may need to avoid them or use them only with medical guidance.
Naproxen
Naproxen, more commonly known as Aleve, is another NSAID available without a prescription. Like ibuprofen, it works by reducing inflammation as well as pain.
But unlike ibuprofen, Naproxen can provide longer-lasting pain relief of up to 12 hours. If you want to sleep through the night uninterrupted, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle on your nightstand and take the recommended dosage before bedtime.
However, naproxen still carries NSAID-related risks. Always follow the product label and your dentist’s instructions rather than assuming that taking more will provide better relief.
Acetaminophen
You probably know it as Tylenol. Acetaminophen is another frequently used option for dental pain. But unlike naproxen and ibuprofen, it’s not an NSAID, so it doesn’t work primarily by reducing inflammation. Rather, acetaminophen’s effectiveness comes from blocking pain signals in the brain and reducing fever.
Acetaminophen can be combined with an NSAID for more effective pain relief, but it’s strongly advised that you first check with your dentist or doctor to know if it’s safe for you to take them together.
Also, note that acetaminophen should be avoided if you drink alcohol regularly or have liver disease.
Benzocaine
Think of it as an OTC Novocain. Benzocaine works similarly in that it’s directly applied to the source of pain in your mouth and provides relief by numbing it. It’s available in several forms – gels, creams, and sprays – but you likely recognize it best as Orajel, the tubes of gel people use for toothaches, irritated gums, and canker sores.
The pros? Quick, localized pain relief. The cons? Using too much can irritate the affected area and be counterproductive. Apply it with a cotton swab or clean finger.
With the right medication and professional guidance, OTC pain relievers can be an important part of managing short-term dental discomfort safely. Be sure to carefully read all medicine labels and dosage instructions before taking medication.
About the Practice
Weiss Dental Arts features the latest dental technology, a caring team dedicated to your comfort, and affordable financing so our patients can get the treatment they deserve. Drs. Brad Weiss and Emily Carley have a wealth of knowledge and experience between them and happily serve all the dental needs of their Skokie, IL community. Contact us online for further assistance or call (847) 864-0188.