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You just finished your dental visit and are enjoying your fresh, clean smile, but you need a little help easing the tenderness. There’s good news! If you look in your medicine cabinet, you’ll probably find some over-the-counter pain relievers that can help. But what if they aren’t the right ones? How can you know? Don’t worry; these 4 options will get your mouth feeling better in no time.
Ibuprofen
Need help to reduce swelling and pain? Grab a bottle of Advil, Motrin, or Ibuprofen. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication helps with throbbing toothaches and discomfort after a dental procedure (root canal or tooth extraction). It is safe to use as directed, but if you have a stomach ulcer, kidney problems, or asthma, take it with food. Also, if you’re on blood thinners or have a heart problem, talk to your doctor first.
Acetaminophen
This is a staple in most homes, but if you don’t have it, you can buy a bottle of Tylenol at your local drugstore. It blocks pain signals, so no matter what your dental visit included, you’ll experience relief soon after ingesting it. Tylenol is great if you can’t take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen) because of stomach problems, but you should avoid it if you have liver disease. Consuming alcohol regularly can also make this medicine a poor choice.
Naproxen Sodium
Aleve, as it’s more commonly known, is another NSAID that can help you feel better if you have persistent dental pain. It minimizes inflammation and pain for up to 12 hours by blocking the chemicals that cause them. Sounds like a perfect option for better nighttime rest! But don’t assume it’s for everyone; in fact, if you have asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney problems, don’t use it.
Clove Oil
Prefer something more natural than what you’ll find at the drugstore? Clove oil can do the trick. Its active ingredient, eugenol, helps reduce inflammation and provides temporary relief if it’s a toothache or gum pain that’s bothering you. It also works on oral infections. But always dilute it with coconut oil or something similar; otherwise, it can burn and irritate the area. Also, don’t use it if you’re allergic to its ingredients.
Some mild discomfort after a dental visit is normal, but it doesn’t have to wreck your day. With these 4 OTC pain relievers, you can get the relief you need to keep going. If you have questions about these medications, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. S. John Salivonchik brings more than two decades of experience to Lehigh Valley residents. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at Temple Dental School, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Since then, he continues to attend advanced training and seminars nationwide, refining and expanding his skills to provide better care for his patients. If you have questions about the services we provide or want to discuss how to improve your smile, visit our website or call (610) 502-1545 to schedule an appointment.