Over the counter meds for toothache
Over-the-counter pain medicine may reduce toothache temporarily, but the choice depends on medical conditions, medicines and the cause.
The short answer
Over-the-counter pain relievers can temporarily reduce toothache, but they do not treat decay, infection, a crack or gum disease causing it.
How do common toothache medicines differ in their risks?
Common non-prescription options include an anti-inflammatory pain reliever and acetaminophen, but each has different interactions and organ risks. Read the local label, use only the stated dose and avoid taking duplicate products with the same ingredient.
When should you ask a pharmacist before taking medicine?
Check with a pharmacist before taking medicine if you are pregnant, have stomach ulcers, kidney or liver disease, take blood thinners or have an allergy. Rinse gently, keep the area clean and avoid placing aspirin or chemicals on the gum.
When should persistent or worsening toothache be examined?
Book a dental examination for toothache that persists, returns or worsens. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, fever, pus, a broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
What dental source could be causing the toothache?
Ask whether the pain comes from decay, pulp inflammation, a crack, gum tissue or an impacted tooth. Ask what treatment removes the cause and which pain medicine fits your medical history.
Frequently asked questions
Can painkillers cure a tooth infection?
No; they may reduce pain while the dentist treats the infected tooth or surrounding tissue.
Can I put aspirin on a painful tooth?
No; aspirin held against the gum can irritate or burn the tissue, so use medicines only as directed for swallowing.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.