From the Research
Magnesium citrate is not recommended for dental pain relief. For dental pain, more appropriate medications include over-the-counter options like acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 650-1000mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 400-600mg every 6 hours, as supported by the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute 1.
Alternating Medications for Severe Dental Pain
For more severe dental pain, alternating these medications can be effective: take ibuprofen, then 3 hours later take acetaminophen, and continue this pattern. This approach is based on the principle that combining nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with acetaminophen can provide superior pain relief with a more favorable safety profile than opioids, as noted in the study by the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute 1.
Mechanism of Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is primarily a laxative used to relieve constipation and prepare the bowel for medical procedures, not a pain reliever. It works by drawing water into the intestines to stimulate bowel movements.
Causes of Dental Pain
Dental pain typically stems from inflammation, infection, or nerve irritation in the teeth or surrounding tissues, which require anti-inflammatory or analgesic medications. If dental pain persists, it's essential to see a dentist as soon as possible, as it may indicate a serious condition requiring professional treatment such as an infection, abscess, or damaged tooth, as advised in the Australian prescriber study 2.
Importance of Professional Dental Treatment
The use of opioids should be reserved for clinical situations when first-line therapy is insufficient to reduce pain or there is a contraindication of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as recommended by the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute 1. Clinicians should avoid the routine use of just-in-case prescribing of opioids and should exert extreme caution when prescribing opioids to adolescents and young adults.
Role of Magnesium in Dental Health
While magnesium has been studied for its potential role in preventing dental caries and its antibacterial properties, its use in dental pain management is not supported by the current evidence, as noted in the study published in Folia medica Cracoviensia 3. The efficacy and safety of magnesium for chronic pain management have also been examined, but the evidence is equivocal, and more definitive studies are needed, as reported in the Anesthesia and analgesia study 4.