From the Guidelines
For dental pain treatment, start with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours), which can be alternated for better pain control. Apply a cold compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling. Clove oil applied directly to the painful tooth can provide temporary relief due to its natural anesthetic properties. Salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water) several times daily can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods that may trigger pain, and don't chew on the affected side. While these measures provide temporary relief, dental pain often indicates underlying problems like cavities, infections, or gum disease that require professional treatment. If pain persists beyond 1-2 days, is severe, accompanied by fever, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, seek immediate dental care. These symptoms may indicate an abscess or serious infection requiring antibiotics or dental procedures. Remember that pain management only addresses symptoms, not the underlying dental issue.
Some key points to consider in managing dental pain include:
- Accurate diagnosis of the cause of pain is crucial for effective management 1
- Dental and non-dental causes of facial pain can be difficult to distinguish, and referral to a specialist may be necessary 1
- Topical anesthetics, such as benzocaine or lidocaine, may be used for temporary pain relief, but their use should be limited and monitored closely 1
- Systemic pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are often effective for managing dental pain, but their use should be guided by the severity of pain and the patient's medical history 1
It's essential to note that the management of dental pain should prioritize the patient's overall health and well-being, and that professional dental care is often necessary to address underlying issues. As stated in a study on the management of acute otitis externa, pain relief is an essential component of managing the condition, and frequent use of appropriate analgesics at adequate doses is necessary to permit patients to achieve comfort, rest, and resume normal activities 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Controlled studies have demonstrated that ibuprofen tablets are a more effective analgesic than propoxyphene for the relief of episiotomy pain, pain following dental extraction procedures, and for the relief of the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea
Ibuprofen can be used for dental pain treatment, specifically for pain following dental extraction procedures. It has been shown to be a more effective analgesic than propoxyphene for this purpose 2.
From the Research
Dental Pain Treatment Options
- Topical analgesics can be used to manage acute and chronic pain, including dental pain, with minimal adverse systemic effects 3
- Topical NSAIDs, such as diclofenac and ibuprofen, have strong evidence for use in treating acute soft tissue injuries and chronic joint-related conditions, which may be applicable to dental pain management 3, 4
- Other topical analgesics, such as lidocaine, have evidence for use in treating postherpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy, but limited evidence for other types of pain 3
Pharmacologic Therapy for Acute Pain
- Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are first-line treatment options for most patients with acute mild to moderate pain, including dental pain 5
- Topical NSAIDs are recommended for non-low back, musculoskeletal injuries, which may include dental pain 5
- Adjunctive medications, such as muscle relaxants, may be added as appropriate for specific conditions, including dental pain 5
Topical Antibiotics in Dermatology
- Topical antibiotics are used for various purposes in dermatology, including treatment of acne, prevention of wound infections, and treatment of impetigo or other superinfected dermatitis 6, 7
- However, there is limited evidence to support the use of topical antibiotics in dental pain treatment, and their use may be associated with local delayed hypersensitivity reactions and antibiotic resistance 6, 7