Best tablets to take for toothache
Ibuprofen or paracetamol may relieve toothache for some adults, but choice depends on health conditions, medicines, and the cause.
The short answer
For many adults, ibuprofen or paracetamol can temporarily reduce dental pain when taken exactly as directed, but tablets do not remove causes such as decay, a crack, or an abscess.
Which dental tissues can produce toothache?
Toothache comes from inflamed or injured dental pulp, the periodontal ligament, gum tissue, or nearby structures. Anti-inflammatory medicine can reduce inflammatory pain, while paracetamol acts through a different pain pathway; suitability depends on the individual.
How should you take tablets safely for toothache?
Read the active ingredients, follow the packet or prescription directions, avoid duplicate products containing the same medicine, and never place a tablet against the tooth or gum. Arrange dental treatment because pain relief does not seal decay, drain infection, or repair a fracture.
When does toothache need urgent dental treatment?
Seek urgent dental care for swelling, fever, pus, trauma, severe pain, or pain that prevents sleep or eating. Emergency help is needed for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing.
Which painkiller and dose are suitable for you?
Ask which analgesic is suitable with your medical conditions and medicines, what dose and interval apply to you, and what dental treatment is causing the pain.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take two pain medicines together?
Some combinations are used clinically, but check with a pharmacist or dentist before combining them.
Why does toothache keep returning after tablets?
The underlying dental inflammation or infection remains untreated.
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.