Toothache Painkillers Can't Fix
Painkillers may ease toothache briefly, but they cannot remove decay, infection or a crack. Learn what may be causing it and when to see a dentist.
The short answer
Temporary toothache relief may come from an appropriate non-prescription pain medicine used according to its label, but medicine does not remove the dental cause.
What dental problems can produce toothache?
Pain may arise from inflamed pulp, exposed dentine, an abscess, trauma, or a crack. Choice depends on age, pregnancy, allergies, organ disease, and other medicines.
How can you avoid doubling active ingredients in medicines?
Read active ingredients and package directions, and do not combine products containing the same ingredient. A cold compress outside the cheek may help.
Which toothache patterns mean you should book care?
Book care for persistent, recurrent, night-time, heat-triggered, bite-triggered, or swollen tooth pain. Fever or breathing difficulty needs urgent attention.
What treatment might resolve the pain in your tooth?
Ask which medicine fits your health history and whether the tooth needs restoration, root canal treatment, drainage, or extraction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main thing to know?
Temporary toothache relief may come from an appropriate non-prescription pain medicine used according to its label, but medicine does not remove the dental cause.
What should I do if it persists?
Ask which medicine fits your health history and whether the tooth needs restoration, root canal treatment, drainage, or extraction.
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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.