Embedded Files
Dental pain can be distressing and disruptive. While painkillers can help control symptoms temporarily, they do not treat the underlying cause. Toothache is usually a sign of infection, inflammation, decay, or another dental problem that requires professional care.
This guide explains safe and effective options for managing dental pain at home until you can be see a dentist.
⚠️ Important Safety Information ⚠️
⚠️ Important Safety Information ⚠️
Please read before taking any medication:
This information is for general guidance only.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.
Do not take medication if you are allergic to it or have previously been advised not to take it.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Seek advice from a pharmacist, dentist, or doctor if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have asthma
Have stomach ulcers or reflux
Have kidney, liver, or heart disease
Take blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, apixaban)
Take other regular medications
If pain is severe, spreading, associated with swelling affecting the eye or throat, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breating or feeling unwell — seek urgent medical care immediately.
First-Line Pain Relief: Ibuprofen and Paracetamol
First-Line Pain Relief: Ibuprofen and Paracetamol
For most dental pain, ibuprofen and paracetamol together provide the most effective pain control when taken correctly.
They work in different ways and are safe to take together for most people.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen
What it does:
Reduces inflammation and pain. Particularly effective for dental pain because most toothache is inflammatory. Classified as an NSAID.
Standard Adult Dose:
400 mg every 8 hours as needed
Maximum dose : 1,200 mg in 24 hours (unless prescribed otherwise)
Important:
Do not take if you have been advised not to take NSAIDs
Do not take if you are taking another NSAID (e.g. Aspirin, Naproxen)
Take with food to reduce stomach irritation
Paracetamol
Paracetamol
What it does:
Reduces pain and fever
Standard Adult Dose:
500–1,000 mg every 4-6 hours as needed
Maximum: 4,000 mg (4 g) in 24 hours
No more than 1,000 mg at a time
Important:
Many cold/flu remedies contain paracetamol — avoid accidental overdose.
Seek medical advice before taking if you have liver disease
Do not exceed the maximum dose — overdose can cause serious liver damage.
Taking Ibuprofen and Paracetamol Together
Taking Ibuprofen and Paracetamol Together
These medications can be taken:
At the same time OR Alternated through the day for continuous coverage
Option 1: At the Same Time
Option 1: At the Same Time
You may take:
400 mg ibuprofen
PLUS 1,000 mg paracetamol
Together, every 6–8 hours (staying within maximum daily limits).
This combination often provides superior pain relief compared to either alone.
Option 2: Alternating Doses (For Continuous Coverage)
Option 2: Alternating Doses (For Continuous Coverage)
Some patients prefer staggering doses to maintain steady pain control.
Example schedule:
8:00 am – Paracetamol 1,000 mg
11:00 am – Ibuprofen 400 mg
2:00 pm – Paracetamol 1,000 mg
5:00 pm – Ibuprofen 400 mg
8:00 pm – Paracetamol 1,000 mg
11:00 pm – Ibuprofen 400 mg
This schedule leaves and extra dose of paracetemol which can be taken overnight if required
This approach maintains pain relief throughout the day
Important: Keep track of doses carefully.
Alternative Painkiller: Co-Codamol (Paracetamol + Codeine)
Alternative Painkiller: Co-Codamol (Paracetamol + Codeine)
Available over the counter from a pharmacy - 8 mg codeine + 500 mg paracetamol per tablet
Standard Adult Dose:
1–2 tablets every 4–6 hours
Maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours
Important:
Do not take additional paracetamol at the same time.
Maximum total paracetamol remains 4,000 mg per day.
Short-term use, typically no more than 3 days, without professional advice
Avoid in breastfeeding (unless medically advised)
Seek medical advice before taking if you have liver disease
Not suitable for children under 12
When Is Co-codamol Useful?
When ibuprofen cannot be taken
When paracetamol alone is insufficient
Codeine does not treat inflammation — it simply alters pain perception.
Alternative Painkiller: Aspirin
Alternative Painkiller: Aspirin
Aspirin is also an NSAID and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Standard Adult Dose:
300–600 mg every 4–6 hours
Maximum 4,000 mg in 24 hours
Important:
Do not take if you have been advised not to take NSAIDs
Do not take if you are taking another NSAID (e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
Do not take if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners
Not suitable if you are under 16 years of age
Take with food to reduce stomach irritation
When Is Aspirin Useful?
When ibuprofen cannot be taken but aspirin can
If you have been advised to take aspirin for cardiovascular reasons
Alternative Painkiller: Naproxen
Alternative Painkiller: Naproxen
Naproxen is also an NSAID and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Available over the counter from a pharmacy.
Standard Adult Dose:
220 mg every 8–12 hours
May take 440 mg initially for first dose if needed
Maximum OTC dose: 660 mg in 24 hours
Important:
Short-term use, typically no more than 3 days, without professional advice
Do not take if you have been advised not to take NSAIDs
Do not take if you are taking another NSAID (e.g. Ibuprofen, Aspirin)
Take with food to reduce stomach irritation
When Is Naproxen Useful?
When long-lasting relief is needed, such as managing pain overnight or minimizing the number of doses taken throughout the day.
Other Options
Other Options
Topical Gels (e.g., Benzocaine, Lidocaine)
Provide temporary numbing
Useful for gum irritation or ulceration
Short duration of action
Not suitable for young children unless advised
Clove Oil
Traditional remedy with mild numbing properties
May provide temporary relief
Can irritate gums if overused
Saltwater Rinse
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water
Rinse your mouth with the solution for 30 seconds, then spit it out – do not swallow it.
Repeat as often as you like
Children should not try rinsing their mouth with salt water in case they swallow it.
Cold Compress
Apply to the outside of the cheek.
15–20 minutes at a time.
Reduces inflammation and swelling.
Soft Diet
Eat soft foods, like yoghurt or scrambled eggs
Try to avoid chewing with the sore tooth
How Long Should You Take Painkillers?
How Long Should You Take Painkillers?
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary.
If pain lasts more than 48 hours, contact a dentist.
Painkillers should not be used to delay dental treatment.
What NOT To Do
What NOT To Do
Do not eat foods that are sweet, very hot or very cold
Do not smoke – it can make some dental problems worse
Do not apply a tablet directly to the tooth or gum - it can cause a chemical burn
Can I Take Anitbiotics?
Can I Take Anitbiotics?
Antibiotics do NOT relieve dental pain directly
They are only needed for spreading infection
Should not be used as a substitute for dental treatment
Click here for further information
When To Seek Urgent Dental Care
When To Seek Urgent Dental Care
Contact a dentist if you develop:
Facial swelling
Fever
These may indicate spreading infection
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop:
Swelling around your eye
Swelling in your neck
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Feeling faint or severely unwell
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Important Warnings About Mixing Medications
Important Warnings About Mixing Medications
Do not take two NSAIDs together (e.g., ibuprofen + aspirin + naproxen).
Always track paracetamol intake carefully.
Many cold/flu remedies contain paracetamol.
Do not exceed recommended doses.
Avoid alcohol when taking painkillers, especially codeine-containing products.
Who Cannot Take NSAIDs
Who Cannot Take NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are contraindicated or should be used with caution if you have any of the following:
Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. stomach ulcers)
Cardiovascular disorders
Severe kidney disease
Severe liver disease
Bleeding disorder
NSAID-sensitive asthma
Third trimester of pregnancy
Specific drug interactions as advised by your doctor
If in doubt seek professional medical advice
Important Reminder
Important Reminder
Painkillers manage symptoms — they do not cure dental disease.
Early treatment:
Prevents complications
Reduces the need for stronger medication
Improves long-term outcomes
If you are experiencing dental pain, please contact your dentist to arrange an appointment.
Further Reading
Further Reading
Google Sites
Report abuse