Otc med for toothache
Over-the-counter pain medicine may ease toothache temporarily, but the cause still needs dental assessment and treatment.
The short answer
Ibuprofen or paracetamol may temporarily reduce toothache when you can take them, but pain medicine does not treat decay, infection, or a cracked tooth.

What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Toothache is pain arising from the pulp, periodontal ligament, gum, or tissues around a tooth. It can result from decay, a fracture, inflammation, gum disease, a dental abscess, or food trapped between teeth.
What can you do next?
Follow the label for a suitable non-prescription pain medicine and check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines, are pregnant, or have stomach, kidney, liver, bleeding, or allergy problems. Do not place aspirin or tablets on the gum, rinse gently with warm water, remove trapped food carefully, and arrange a dental examination.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt dental care if pain persists, returns, or is triggered by biting, heat, or cold. Urgent assessment is needed for facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a spreading gum swelling, or inability to open the mouth normally.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the pain comes from decay, a crack, the pulp, or surrounding gum and bone, and whether an examination or dental radiograph is needed. Ask which treatment removes the cause and which pain medicines fit your medical history.
Frequently asked questions
Will pain medicine cure a toothache?
No. It can ease pain temporarily, while the tooth may still need a filling, root canal treatment, extraction, or gum treatment.
Can I wait if the pain stops?
Arrange an examination because symptoms can settle while decay, pulp inflammation, or infection remains.
