{"id":629285,"date":"2024-08-08T10:39:26","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T14:39:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629285"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:48:53","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:48:53","slug":"best-painkiller-for-tooth-nerve-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-painkiller-for-tooth-nerve-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"The best painkillers for tooth nerve pain"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body—for good reason. It protects some extremely sensitive nerves. Even though enamel is a shield while eating, drinking, and brushing our teeth, it’s not completely impenetrable. Cavities, infections, chipped or fractured teeth, abscesses, gum disease, fillings, and bruxism can all cause pain in dental nerves.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it’s a dull ache or feels like shooting electricity, tooth nerve pain can send you to the pharmacy or dentist, looking for immediate relief. Fortunately, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and prescription painkillers that can help. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is the best painkiller for tooth nerve pain? <\/span><\/h2>\n

“Best” is subjective here since the best pain reliever typically depends on the individual and what’s causing their tooth pain. Treating the underlying condition is the only way to get rid of it for good, but in moments of discomfort, fast pain relief is the priority. Since they have anti-inflammatory effects, NSAIDs like ibuprofen can work well for irritated or exposed nerves. In fact, as of early 2024, guidelines by the <\/span>American Dental Association (ADA) <\/span><\/a>officially recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (<\/span>NSAIDs<\/span><\/a>) to manage dental pain. While OTC options are often effective, dentists may prescribe stronger medications for severe cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

OTC medications for toothache<\/span><\/h3>\n

“I usually start by recommending over-the-counter options like acetaminophen and ibuprofen for mild-to-moderate discomfort,” says <\/span>Dr. Jasveen Singh, DMD<\/span><\/a>, founder of <\/span>Pediatric Dentistry and Beyond<\/span><\/a>. “Alternating Motrin (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) every six hours is effective for dental pain because they work through different mechanisms: Ibuprofen reduces inflammation, while acetaminophen acts as an analgesic.”<\/span><\/p>\n

OTC pain relievers can be just as effective as opioids, according to an <\/span>overview of systematic reviews<\/span><\/a>. These are some of the most common.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n