In short: Best to get a prescription. Yes, over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease a toothache if you normally tolerate them — follow the packet dosage. Ibuprofen often works well for dental pain as it reduces inflammation. Never put a tablet directly on the gum. Painkillers are a temporary measure; see a dentist for the cause.
Over-the-counter painkillers are a reasonable way to manage toothache until you can see a dentist, as long as you use ones you normally tolerate and follow the instructions.
- Ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory) is often particularly effective for dental pain, because toothache usually involves inflammation. Take it with food. Avoid it if you have stomach ulcers, certain kidney problems, asthma that’s aspirin-sensitive, or if you’re pregnant (check with a doctor) — in those cases use paracetamol.
- Paracetamol is a good alternative and is generally gentle on the stomach. It’s often the safer choice in pregnancy and for those who can’t take ibuprofen.
- If one alone isn’t enough, paracetamol and ibuprofen can sometimes be taken together or alternated — but only within their individual safe doses, and ideally on a pharmacist’s or dentist’s advice.
Important safety points:
- Best to get a prescription, always see a doctor.
- Underlying medical conditions may determine if you can take painkillers.
- Always follow the dose on the packet and don’t exceed it.
- Never place a tablet (like aspirin) directly against the tooth or gum — it doesn’t help and can cause a chemical burn to the tissue.
- Painkillers only mask the pain; they don’t treat the cause. A toothache almost always means something needs fixing.
- If you have any medical conditions or take other medicines, check with a pharmacist about what’s safe for you.
Use painkillers to get comfortable, then get the tooth seen. Book an appointment — or if the pain is severe or there’s swelling, contact us for emergency dental care.